Visit the Sanctuaire Notre Dame du Laus
The Sanctuaire Notre Dame du Laus: a unique place of pilgrimage in the heart of the Hautes Alpes.
Located in the heart of the mountains, just 15 minutes from Gap, the Sanctuaire Notre-Dame du Laus is a world-renowned Marian pilgrimage site. Nestled at an altitude of 900 metres, this spiritual site offers a soothing setting where nature mingles with faith, conducive to both prayer and contemplation.
Founded in the XVIIᵉ century following apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Benoîte Rencurel, a young shepherdess from the village of Saint-Étienne-le-Laus, the sanctuary is today a living religious site, open all year round, welcoming pilgrims, hikers and visitors in search of meaning or simply beauty.
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Where is the Notre Dame du Laus sanctuary located?
The sanctuary is located in the Hautes-Alpes department, in the commune of Saint-Étienne-le-Laus, in the Avance valley near the Serre Ponçon lake, 15 minutes from Gap. Easily accessible by car, the site is an essential stopover between mountains and heritage. Its location, between alpine valleys and pine forests, also makes it an ideal starting point for panoramic hikes. An ideal, lively pilgrimage site all year round , close to the ski resorts.
The history of the Sanctuaire Notre-Dame du Laus
Apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Benoîte Rencurel
It all began in the XVIIᵉ century, in this mountain hamlet of Saint-Étienne-le-Laus .
In 1664, a 17-year-old shepherdess named Benoîte Rencurel, tending her sheep in the Fours valley, was visited by the Virgin Mary. She asked her to come to a place called "le Laus", where she wished a church to be built in her honor "for the conversion of sinners".
For almost 54 years, Benoîte received regular apparitions from the Virgin and devoted her life to guiding pilgrims. Through her humility and steadfastness, she attracted many faithful who came to seek comfort, healing and inner peace.
A place of pilgrimage
The first oratory was soon built, followed by a church in 1666, around which a veritable spiritual center developed.
Over the centuries, Le Laus became a Marian Mecca comparable to Lourdes or La Salette, but in a more intimate and protected atmosphere.
Benoîte Rencurel died in 1718, after a lifetime devoted to hospitality and prayer. She was beatified in 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI, making her the first non-martyr laywoman in France to receive this honor.
The emblematic sites of the Notre Dame du Laus Shrine
- The Basilica of Laus
The heart of the sanctuary, the basilica houses the tomb of Benoîte Rencurel and the lamp of the Holy Oil, a symbol of divine mercy. A sober, luminous setting, it is an invitation to meditation.
- Benoîte's room
This intimate room recalls the visionary's humble life. Here we discover Benoîte's everyday objects and the peaceful atmosphere of her years of prayer.
- The Chapel of the Precious Blood
Built on the site of an apparition in 1673, this chapel is an important place for pilgrims who come to entrust themselves to God's mercy.
- Col de l'Ange Oratory
Accessible on foot from the sanctuary, this oratory marks the passage of the Virgin to Benoîte in the mountains. It offers magnificent panoramic views of the Alps.
- Chapelle de l'Hermitage and Chapelle de la Gypière
These secluded chapels offer a meditative setting in the heart of nature, perfect for silent meditation.
- The hamlet of Pindreau
Within walking distance of the sanctuary, you can see the oratory with its statue depicting the apparition of the Virgin Mary to Benoite. From here, you can see the Avance valley, where the river flows towards Valserres and the Durance. Opposite, the village of Saint Etienne Le Laus, where Sister Benoîte was born.
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Hiking around Notre Dame du Laus
The Sanctuaire Notre-Dame du Laus is also an ideal starting point for beautiful hikes in the Hautes-Alpes, taking in soothing landscapes and exceptional panoramas.
- The Pindreau hike
Departing from the sanctuary, this accessible family hike takes you to the Pindreau oratory, one of the historic sites of the apparitions to Benoîte Rencurel.
The route passes through mountain pastures and undergrowth. It's a beautiful spiritual and heritage walk, to be done in any season, offering a remarkable view over the Avance valley.
- The Crêtes du Laus hike via Col de l'Ange
For more experienced walkers, the Crêtes du Laus loop offers an exceptional panoramic hike.
The trail rises above the sanctuary to the Col de l'Ange, then follows the ridges overlooking the valley.
Between high altitude meadows, forests and spectacular views of the Écrins massif, this is one of the most beautiful hikes in the area
- The Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela (GR653D)
The pilgrimage variant of the Chemin de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle also passes through the Notre Dame du Laus sanctuary area. It is a major spiritual stage on the route between Montgenèvre and Arles. In the Serre Ponçon valleys, it stretches from Montgardin to the magnificent Rambaud bell tower.
It's an ideal stopover for pilgrims and hikers looking for a peaceful break between mountains and spirituality.
- Le Laus by bike
Mountain bikers can also take advantage of a sporty mountain bike itinerary above the sanctuary of Notre Dame du Laus: on the slopes of Puy Maurel VTT FFC n°38. This loop allows you to combine the discovery of our heritage with the pleasure of riding, while enjoying breathtaking views of the mountains.
Notre-Dame du Laus hotel and restaurant
The Sanctuaire Notre-Dame du Laus has its own guesthouse open to all, all year round:
- Single rooms, gîtes and dormitories for pilgrims, hikers and families.
- There's also adining room and a friendly restaurant offering simple, local, welcoming cuisine, open to all visitors.
A number of nearby accommodations (gîtes , chambres d'hôtes, hotels) also welcome travelers wishing to extend their stay.
Spiritual activities and major events at the Notre dame du Laus sanctuary
All year round, Notre dame du Laus organizes numerous events. You can find the program directly on the sanctuary's website (ski and spirituality holidays, religious celebrations for All Saints' Day, Christmas and Easter, spiritual retreats, bikers' blessing... )
Planning a stay at the sanctuary?
Discover all our activities and places not to be missed in the Serre Ponçon valleys around the Notre Dame du Laus sanctuary. For a rejuvenating stay in the heart of nature in the Hautes Alpes.
