Ars-sur-Formans, sanctuary town

This charming rural village is a place of pilgrimage that pays homage to its Saint Curé: Jean-Marie Vianney. He left his mark on the parish, which attracts thousands of faithful. A soothing sanctuary, it’s a place that exudes serenity and leaves no one indifferent. The village and surrounding countryside also invite you to enjoy a pleasant stroll.

Around the Saint Curé

When the modest curé Jean-Marie Vianney arrived in the village of Ars-sur-Formans in 1818, he had no idea that he would become the patron saint of curés everywhere (Pius XI – 1929). In Ars, he set up a school for girls, which became a place where they were fed and educated. His personality and commitment attracted the faithful, and his reputation spread beyond local borders. Little by little, Ars became a place of pilgrimage, even during his lifetime.

Built in 1882, the magnificent neo-Byzantine basilica of St. Sixtus is part of the landscape, with its green-gray domes and carron bell tower. The richly decorated Chapel of the Heart houses the heart of the Holy Curé in a magnificent reliquary, while a shrine houses his embalmed body.

Built to mark the centenary of the Curé’s death, the semi-subterranean Notre-Dame de la Misécorde church opens onto a bare, monumental space of raw concrete, designed by architect Pinsard in 1962.

Also worth a visit is the Historial d’Ars: the wax figures, created by the famous Grévin studios, retrace the history of the Curé and his priesthood in the village.

French Wanderers 2 Min — ©A walk in Châtillon

It’s a city I adore… It has a peaceful, serene atmosphere. And what can I say about the Basilica… It’s “moving” and warm with its wood, gilding and stained glass windows.

A stroll through Ars

The fame of the Saint Curé has made the village a popular place of pilgrimage. Yet the village has preserved its rural spirit and exudes a soothing atmosphere. You’ll love strolling through the village, after enjoying a sacristain (sweet or savoury!) bought at the bakery, a tasty and gourmet wink.

For walking enthusiasts, there are a number of attractive walks through and around the village. In Ars-sur-Formans, all paths lead back to the Saint Curé. Nevertheless, it’s possible to enjoy real moments of tranquillity, particularly on the Dombes paths or by bike along the itineraries that join the Voie Bleue or ViaRhôna.

350 000pilgrims

Annual pilgrimage attendance

4August

Feast of the Holy Curé d’Ars

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in the Wax Museum

ViewpointMeeting monument

A symbol of the priest’s arrival in his future parish, the monument also offers a superb vantage point from which to observe the village and basilica, the Monts d’Or and Beaujolais.

©La Traverse, greenway|Morgane Monneret/ Bourg-en-Bresse Destinations

Hiking and mountain bikingAll roads lead to Ars

From Ars, you can explore and enjoy the beautiful countryside by following hiking trails or routes joining the Via Rhôna or the Voie Bleue. You can also rent a bike on site.

GOOD TO KNOW

A basilica worthy of a sanctuary

Built on the foundations of the former 12th-century Romanesque chapel, the Basilica of Saint Sixtus was designed by Pierre-Marie Bossan in the late 19th century. He was the architect of the Fourvière basilica in Lyon.

The basilica was financed by a lottery, one of the prizes of which was the Père Vianney watch, acquired for 100,000 francs. Its interior, richly decorated with polychrome paintings, houses the body and embalmed heart of the Curé, who never saw the basilica completed in his lifetime. In 1982, Pope John Paul II visited the basilica to pay homage to the sanctified priest.

Ars, Shrine Town and Trévoux, land of Art and History

01600 Trévoux