The little Lourdes in LimousinA haven of peace to discover

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Peace at Saint Auvent

The most surprising nugget in the Ouest Limousin, this Marian estate nicknamed “Little Lourdes in Limousin” is a place to relax. Unique in the Haute-Vienne, this haven of tranquility is sure to please!

The rock or "cave

The rock overlooking the Gorre gorges is called a “grotto” because it is reminiscent of the one at Lourdes.
The grotto owes its origins to a priest, Father Elias. In 1939, he vowed to build a Marian shrine in his parish if the children returned from the war unscathed. And so it was that “Little Lourdes in Limousin” was built.

Since then, some 20,000 pilgrims have come here every year. The paths are dotted with oratories, statues of Our Lady of La Salette and Our Lady of Fatima, venerated by the Portuguese, and a Way of the Cross.

By the river

The site is located 200 meters from the village of Saint Auvent, at the most picturesque point of the Gorre valley, whose bed is cluttered with rocks that form a simply beautiful set of rapids and wooded islands 😍

It’s THE ideal place for a cultural discovery, a moment of meditation, a sporting challenge (it climbs!), or simply to fish and cool off in summer. On site, a path guides you on a short, rejuvenating 4 km stroll.

See the trail

Notre-Dame de la Paix chapel

It was built in 1989. In harmony with its rural setting, it will draw your attention and charm your eyes with its “old-fashioned” masonry: granite rubble, thatched roof, light bell-tower dominating the ample awning.

Inside, the atmosphere is peaceful and conducive to meditation, and a great beauty emanates from the quest for simplicity and poverty in all things: the altar is an old wooden chest, the tabernacle is carved from a walnut trunk, the seats are stools and benches from a barn, with the “cornadis” or “candlesticks” carrying the chains for tying up the cattle.

The chapel is open every day, so don’t hesitate to come in and discover this surprising place.