This for many should only be a name and a very important name indeed. I did this post in Nov 2017, and need to update the text and links as well as bringing nice memories back. The town is only about 14 km or 9 miles from my house. Hope you enjoy this black and white rendition to Sainte Anne d’Auray.
It a sunny cool Sunday, and Bretagne that is going to Church. There is none better here than at Sainte Anne d’Auray, a town about 12 minutes by car from my town. I was there this morning. Many posts on it in my blog if you do search. I went before the grand Mass of 11h, where persons I came to see were to attend. It gave me the opportunity to come back to this town. Sometimes we passed by, and sometimes we take time in coming here. Sometimes, you are not aware of the beauty, peace, historical and religious significance of places you have around you.
A bit here, Sainte Anne according to the Bible is the mother of Mary, grandmother of Jesus; as well as the Patron Saint of Bretagne! , where it is known as the grandmother! Pope John Paul II came here and he is remembered with a plaque. The Memorial to the fallen of Brittany in the WW is here too. As well as many statues and fountain of the Saint all over a beautiful park including a wonderful inspiring stair of prayer where folks climb to pray even on their knees!!!
The story here is long, so try to make it shorter. A farm worker named , Yvon Nicolazic,heard voices in breton language that told him “Me zo Anna mamm Mari” or in French «Je suis la mère de Marie”, which means I am the mother of Mary. This was July 25 1624, the eve of the feast of Sainte Anne. On March 7 after the call, the farm worker discover in his field in the area of Bocenno, a statue of Sainte Anne that came from an old chapel then in ruins. This event prove the authenticity of the apparitions. More than 400 years later pilgrimages happenned here, with thousands of folks, the most important was Pope John Paul II in September 20, 1996.
And ,there is a statue call Sainte Anne et les marins in memory of mariners or fisherman who have a strong devotion to the sainte. The statue with the child enfant Jesus weights 12.50 ton, and high of 5.64 meters, done with 3 blocks of granite stone from Kersanton is magnificent. There is a chapel of the Immaculate Conception to the east of cloister built in 1890. To the east of the chapel you will find the place where Yvon Nicolazic the farmer who had the visions was born, now the house dates from 1907. The statue in front of Basilica of Sainte Anne looking over a fountain is the only one representing Mary showing her mother (Ste Anne) . The others show her showing the heavens as was the mision “Sainte Anne, Mère de Marie, conduis-nous vers Jésus”. or Saint Anne, mother of Mary, guide us towards Jesus.
There are wonderful crêperies some we have tried and are great, and historical quaint unique lodgings ,one I visited this morning after passing in front of it for years ::)
The lodging is the L’Auberge right near the Basilica and on the main road to Vannes, D17. It has a wonderful entry lobby with nice leather bucket seats , TV ,magazines and books to read; all the tourist information for the area. A beautiful stairs to take you up to the dining room for a wonderful breakfast, and very well kept rooms. In addition, to a quaint pretty patio with terrace on back. All of these right on the main street in town close to all and walking distance to the Basilica. I was impressed by the attentive service given to me and the hellos by all even if just there did not stay, waiting for take this person to my house. From a simple building outside that I passed by many times, the inside look and description by all, tell me this is very nice place to stay while in the area. The hotel is part of the Logis de France ,and this year won the excellence prize from the as well as Gault Millau .
The L’Auberge webpage in French: https://www.hotel-maison-glenn-anna-auray.com/chambre-hotel-de-charme-saint-anne-d-auray-morbihan
The Logis de France on the L’Auberge: https://www.logishotels.com/en/hotel/logis-maisons-glenn-anna-435
The Gault Millau guide on L’Auberge: https://fr.gaultmillau.com/restaurants/l-auberge?locale=fr-FR
Of course the main to come here is to get to know history, and faith. The biggest event is July 24-26 where Sainte Anne d’Auray becomes the center of Catholism in France, second only to Lourdes. In the Basilica cloisters there are nice permanent and temporary exhibition on the history of Brittany.
And there you go folks, whether you believe or not, this is a must to visit for its architecture, history and wonderful events all in the inland Morbihan countryside. Hope you enjoy it as I.
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 
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