Annecy, France
A detour from Turin to venerate the relics of St François de Sales and St Jane de Chantal in the Basilica of the Visitation — an expensive, time-consuming, and completely worthwhile day in one of France’s most beautiful towns. (5 min read)
I love Saint Francoise de Sales (1567-1622) and I cannot believe it has taken me this long to realise it.
Francoise lived in south-eastern France very close to the border with Switzerland. He was a Catholic bishop known for his gentleness, clarity, and devotion to guiding souls. He is especially remembered for teaching that spiritual growth can happen through everyday life—practical holiness, not perfectionism. His writings, like Introduction to the Devout Life, continue to inspire readers seeking peace and steady progress in faith.
I was inspired to reach out to St Francoise because he is the patron saint of the deaf (as well as Catholic writers!) and a friend with a very serious hearing issue needed help. I wrote to the nuns at the convent in Italy to pray for my friend and the results were swift and impressive!
St Francoise’s relic is in the Basilica of the Visitation in Annecy, France. This is the mother church for the Order of the Visitation which he established.
After venerating the heart of St Francoise in Treviso, Italy I knew I had to visit his main shrine in Annecy. This was part not part of the plan for this pilgrimage. It was expensive and ate up a day of travel time (leaving Turin at 7.30am and arriving in Annecy at 11.15am; leaving Annecy at 4.45pm and arriving in Turin at 8.25pm) but it was also worth it.
The train ride to Annecy is pleasant and there is impressive alpine scenery all around. The train connection at Chambery-Charles les Eaux offered a nice surprise. The town has a basilica dedicated to St Francoise which I like so much I visited it again on the way home.
The Basilica of the Visitation in Annecy sits on the top of the hill overlooking the town and is cradled by the mountains of Switzerland. It is modern but feels very solid and established.
In addition to the relic of St Francoise, the basilica has the remains of his collaborator St Jane de Chantal. These saints have a chapel either side of the main altar. This is the most perfect presentation of relics of a saint. The tombs are at knee height and each has a beautiful effigy over the tomb encased within a transparent box. It is perfect for praying for a saint’s intercession. I was able to energise my rosaries without offense or disturbance.
There are several nice paintings of St Francoise in the basilica but the lives of the saints are principally told through stain glass windows – with very helpful labels with good explanations in English. The windows throw a beautiful pattern of coloured light on the columns and floor of the church.
I had about an hour to myself in the basilica – which was perfect opportunity to be silent and present and feel my gratitude to St Francoise for helping my friend. It also strengthened my connection with him.
After my lovely prayer time, I visited the souvenir shop run by the nuns who live on site. This was a beautiful experience as we discussed (through an interpreter) my friend’s miracle and my visit to Treviso to thank St Francoise.
The walk from the basilica to the old town and train station is all downhill. There is a special path for pedestrians and it is a nice walk. If I was visiting again and had enough time I would probably walk there too.
The old town of Annecy is charming and is helpful to understand St Francoise (whose family home was also very close). I wish I had stayed overnight in Annecy.
Namaste.
© Paul McCarthy & Iluminar.au
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