Paray-le-Monial, classified as a city of art and history, lies in the middle of a protected nature reserve in the heart of the Charolais-Brionnais. The city is rich in a millennial heritage and has various assets.
The pilgrimage
A huge devotion arose from Paray-le-Monial: the cult of the Sacred Heart (Sacré-Cœur). Pilgrimages were born in Paray-Le-Monial and shrines were built around the world, the most famous being the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre.
Today, the pilgrimage to Paray-le-Monial is still a success. Approximately 30,000 pilgrims are welcomed every year.
Museums and places of interest
- The Basilica of the Sacred Heart, a masterpiece of Romanesque art, is the best-preserved model of Cluny architecture in Burgundy. The garden is medieval inspired.
- Eucharistic Museum of Hiéron: classified as the Museum of France and oldest museum of sacred art in France. It exhibits a rich collection of works of art around the Eucharist theme: paintings, sculptures and liturgical objects;
- Chapelle la Colombière: the Jesuit Chapel houses the relics of Saint Claude La Colombière. Sober in decoration, it was enriched with mosaics and stained glass windows made by the Mauméjean brothers;
- Ceramics Museum (Paul-Charnoz): collects remains and testimonies of the industrial ceramic activity in Paray-le-Monial and surroundings. A fresco and a monumental rosette are presented, the Gold Medal and “Hors Concours” at the World Exhibitions of Paris in 1889 and 1900;
- Maison de la Mosaïque contemporaine: a cultural center accessible to all, with a series of exhibitions throughout the year;
- Tour Saint-Nicolas: former parish church from 1535. Over the years, the building has had various functions, such as a prison, guardhouse or communal house. It now houses exhibitions.
- Covered market: a monument from the beginning of the 20th century, transformed into a shopping center.
Touristic service: tourisme-paraylemonial