Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette (in the commune of La Savalette-Fallavaux and near the village of Corps) is an important church and pilgrimage destination to the south of the Isere department in the Rhone-Alps and about 40 kilometres north of the town of Gap.
Explore Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette
The second most important pilgrimage destination in France, it was on the site of Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette on the 19 September 1846 that an apparition of the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in tears to two children of local shepherds and spoken to them at some length.
A lengthy inquest by the church authorities came to the conclusion that the account the children gave was consistent and as accurate as expected of two children aged 14 and 11, and deemed that the events really had taken place.
After various controversies and claimed retractions by one of the children had been set aside, construction of the sanctuary of Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette began in 1852 and was completed in 1865.
Note: the movement gained many followers and now there are several churches called Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette around the world, and a village in Quebec (Canada) of the same name, established by French pilgrims at the beginning of the 20th century.
Vist the church and sanctuary
Whether you are visiting as a pilgrim or a tourist, the substantial church stands in a splendid setting in the mountains, and is an impressive site to visit (the church itself is not the most architecturally interesting but the surrounding landscape more than compensates).
You will also see various related statues representing the apparition, including a 19th century recreation of the apparition with bronze statues.
There is an audio-visual display run twice each day that explains the history of La Salette, and masses and meetings with pilgrims are also held. It is possible for pilgrims, both individuals and groups, to stay at the sanctuary - you will need to reserve in advance.
See ceremony times, reservation details and prices at La Salette.
Attractions nearby
The Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette sanctuary is in quite a remote location, so "attractions nearby" really means beautiful mountain scenery. The Valgaudemar valley is one very pretty area but there are lots of others as well...especially in the National Park des Ecrins to the east of here.
See more churches in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Isere guide and the Rhone-Alpes guide.
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Map of Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette and places nearby
Visit near Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette with France This Way reviews
Mens
The small town of Mens is quite isolated but certainly worth exploring if you are nearby
Mens guide
Valgaudemar Valley
The valley of Valgaudemar is one of many picturesque natural highlughts in the high Alps region
Valgaudemar Valley guide
Deux-Alpes
Les DeuxAlpes is one of the longest established and most popular Alpine ski resorts
Deux-Alpes guide
Alpe-d'Huez
The well known ski station of Alpe d'Huez is also famous for the Tour de France mountain climb that takes place here
Alpe-d'Huez guide
Gap
Not a major tourist destination, in Gap we suggest you take a stroll around the attractive Place Jean-Marcellin
Gap guide
Vizille
Most visitors to Vizille are attracted by the Chateau de Vizille and its associated gardens
Vizille guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Isere
The French version of this page is at Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette (Francais)