The Grand Pardon of Sainte-Anne-d’Auray, at the Heart of the Breton Soul
Every year on July 25th and 26th, Brittany gathers in Sainte-Anne-d'Auray for one of its most iconic events. Between religious fervor, popular traditions, and Breton culture, the Grand Pardon of Sainte-Anne-d'Auray offers visitors an experience deeply rooted in the region's history.
From the Château du Colombier, a charming hotel near Saint-Malo, this day trip allows you to discover another side of Brittany: that of a land of pilgrimages, transmission, and spirituality.
The largest pilgrimage in Brittany
The sanctuary of Sainte-Anne-d'Auray originates from the apparitions of Saint Anne to Yvon Nicolazic, a modest Breton farmer, between 1623 and 1625. Saint Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary and grandmother of Jesus, has since become the patron of Brittany and the Bretons.
The Grand Pardon attracts nearly 20,000 pilgrims each summer. Processions, solemn celebrations, Breton songs, and moments of reflection punctuate these two timeless days. On the evening of July 25th, the torchlight procession envelops the sanctuary in a gentle and moving light. The next day, the grand pontifical mass gathers the faithful in front of the Memorial.
Much more than a religious ceremony, the pardon is a typically Breton tradition. It expresses the desire to set out on a journey, to come together, and to transmit a shared memory.
Visit Sainte-Anne-d'Auray
Throughout the year, the sanctuary is worth a visit. The basilica, the cloister, the Memorial, the Scala Sancta, and the vast park form a remarkable heritage ensemble. A trail also allows walking in the footsteps of Yvon Nicolazic and better understanding the history of the apparitions.
From Saint-Malo, Sainte-Anne-d'Auray is located about 150 kilometers away, or just over two hours by car. This excursion can be complemented by a stroll in the charming port of Saint-Goustan, in Auray, with its half-timbered houses, peaceful quays, and little gourmet spots.
An intimate Brittany, from the Château du Colombier
After this day of discovery, the return to the Château du Colombier invites calm. Nestled in a vast park at the gates of Saint-Malo, the château extends this immersion in an elegant and authentic Brittany.
In the silence of the gardens, the comfort of the rooms, and the warm atmosphere of the house, each stay becomes an invitation to slow down. From the Grand Pardon of Sainte-Anne-d'Auray to the ramparts of Saint-Malo, Brittany reveals itself in all its richness: spiritual, patrimonial, and deeply alive.
