During your stay in Rochefort-du-Gard, you must visit the Notre-Dame de Grâce shrine. This site is important for both spiritual and historical reasons, with its origins dating back to 792. Perched on a hill offering magnificent views of the plain and Mont Ventoux, it is shrouded in mystery and legend.
A glimpse into History
Basically, It was Charlemagne who erected it a first chapel of modest dimensions, in memory of his victories and those of his predecessors, Charles Martel and Pepin the Short, on the Saracen and Moorish armies in the region. It bears the traces of Romanesque and Carolingian architecture.
Over the centuries, the site has gained increased fame. After a period of abandonment between the 15th and 16th centuries, the chapel is restored and enlarged in 1696 and becomes Our Lady of Grace Church.
Over time, the site acquired a hotel and of an impressive Calvary with its Stations of the Cross.
This sanctuary is also a high place of pilgrimage, since it was the scene of more than 70 miracles documented from the 12th century, notably miraculous healings.
Superb place, less focused on religion but more on the beauty of the architecture, the climb to the sanctuary is pleasant, the sanctuary is just as pleasant and the view splendid.
The shrine
Take the time to explore this site, which features a number of treasures.
For example, you will find a remarkable statue of the Virgin in its church dedicated to Mary, and a “curiosity”: the echo room. It allowed people to hear confessions of the sick without approaching them, thanks to its special acoustics.
You will also appreciate the heart of the chapel with its baroque altar and its groin-vaulted nave, as well as the long corridor of the monks.
The Way of the Cross of the sanctuary (or “sacro monte”) is an unmissable reconstruction of the Passion of Christ.
This route guides visitors through 14 stations, retracing the major events of this biblical episode, from Pilate's tribunal to Calvary in Jerusalem.
Today, Notre-Dame de Grâce remains a vibrant place that is both cultural, historical and spiritual.
Practical information
Open every day from 8am to 19pm, closed on Wednesday.
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