Notre-Dame du Laus Sanctuary
%2520(1).webp)
In the heart of the Alps, come discover the Notre-Dame du Laus sanctuary!
It welcomes retreatants from all backgrounds year-round. It originated from apparitions of the Virgin Mary to a shepherdess, Benoîte Rencurel, between 1664 and 1718.
Since 1664, the site has received pilgrims each year. Since its beginning, more than 200,000 pilgrims have passed through the sanctuary's doors. Join them and come breathe the fresh mountain air in the heart of the Alps.
Retreats organized by the community
%20-%20redimmensionne%CC%81e%20photo%20principale%20site%20resa%20en%20ligne.webp)
%20-%20redimmensionne%CC%81e%20photo%20principale%20site%20resa%20en%20ligne.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
A place of gentleness and beauty serving peace
Between 1664 and 1718, the Virgin Mary appeared to Benoîte Rencurel, a shepherdess from the Alpine valley, telling her:
« I asked my Son for this place and He granted it to me for the conversion of sinners ».
She entrusted her with the mission of founding a sanctuary there.
From then on, many people decided to travel to the region. The apparitions, which took place over 54 years, were officially recognized by the Church in 2008. In just the first three years, 130,000 pilgrims made their way to Saint-Etienne-le-Laus. Construction of a sanctuary began as early as 1666.
Like many religious sites, during the Revolution, the Laus sanctuary was forced to close as it was nationalized. After numerous vicissitudes, the diocesan missionaries took over the sanctuary in 1841. Work was only completed in 1879.
Each year, approximately 150,000 people visit the various apparition sites near the sanctuary. More and more people have been visiting since the official recognition of the apparitions in 2018.
Open to all, the sanctuary welcomes people seeking a time of prayer and spiritual renewal. Sessions, pilgrimages, and large gatherings are organized throughout the year. Your retreat program includes: prayer life, seeking God, hospitality, simplicity, and sharing.
The sanctuary encompasses different sites around the village. This dispersion is linked to the multiple locations where the Virgin appeared to Benoîte.
A complete team to welcome you
Currently, the community consists of 28 sisters of various ages. The community lives according to a balanced rhythm of prayer and work. Following Christ in Cistercian spirituality is especially characterized by the values of simplicity, sobriety, and authenticity.
Spiritual guidance is provided by six priests from the Diocese of Gap-Embrun, six Benedictine Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre living according to the Rule of Saint Benedict. These 12 women and men of the Church are accompanied by a team of lay people.
What to expect during your stay
Making a spiritual retreat at Notre-Dame du Laus
A Catholic sanctuary of the Diocese of Gap-Embrun, Notre-Dame du Laus today welcomes many individuals, families, and groups seeking a journey of spiritual renewal and vacation in a spiritual setting, as well as hikers.
It is a place of prayer, Christian formation, listening, and encounter, located in a natural setting of incomparable beauty, in the mountains, at 900 meters altitude.
It is open to all and welcomes you 365 days a year on dates of your choice. It is also an ideal place for students who wish to study for their exams and for rovers and senior guides on duty, particularly during summer.
To welcome you: a guest house and restaurant offering different levels of comfort:
- guesthouse,
- dormitories,
- rooms for 1 to 6 people,
- apartments for 1 to 8 people) for all budgets.
To accompany you in your journey: a pastoral team consisting of priests, Benedictine Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre, and lay people.
Days, retreats, and sessions of 2 to 7 days are offered throughout the year: for everyone, alone, with family and friends, for religious and consecrated persons, for priests, etc. The sanctuary also offers sessions to prepare for and celebrate the major liturgical feasts.
What is offered during your stay:
- Masses, daily divine offices (Lauds, Vespers, Compline), rosary, Eucharistic adoration
- Evening prayer services, pilgrimages to the apparition sites, spiritual journeys
- Sacrament of reconciliation, listening sessions
- Teachings, discovery of the spiritual message and the figure of Benoîte
- Activities for children (catechesis, crafts, games…)
- Preached retreats, sessions, conferences, and gatherings
- "Ski-spi" sessions, youth camps, sessions and weekends for families
- Preparation and celebration of major liturgical feasts
- Walks and contemplation
- Cultural offerings (shows, exhibitions, concerts...).
.webp)
Your stay at Notre-Dame du Laus sanctuary
Men, women, couples, families, mixed groups, men's groups, women's groups, students, scout groups... The guest house is open to all and adapts to each person's needs and means.
A total of 495 beds can accommodate pilgrims. Five levels of comfort are offered:
- Economy - Like in a youth hostel! Rooms for 1 to 3 people. Shower and toilet are located on the landing, communal kitchen.
- Standard: rooms for 1 to 4 people equipped with sink. Showers and toilets are on the landing.
- Comfort: Rooms for 1 to 6 people equipped with private bathrooms.
- Comfort plus: Rooms for 1 to 2 people equipped with the following: kettle, large bath towels, 4-star bedding, armchair, television.
- Superior: Range of fully equipped studios and apartments with kitchenette accommodating 1 to 8 pilgrims.
For dining and the bar:
- Breakfast is served buffet-style between 7am and 9am - local products, pastries, fresh bread!
- Lunch and dinner are served at 12:15pm and 7pm respectively as table service with a single menu for everyone - homemade family cooking with local products
- The bar is open daily and offers quick local meals as well as a menu of regional beverages.
You will also have access to 10 meeting rooms that can accommodate from 10 to 450 pilgrims. They are equipped with chairs, tables, screen, projector, and sound system. All rooms have natural daylight.
Geography and activities
What to do and visit around Notre-Dame du Laus sanctuary?
The sanctuary is located:
- between Grenoble and Marseille, in the Avance valley, in the municipality of Saint Etienne-le Laus
- 20 km from Gap
- 20 km from Lake Serre-Ponçon.
You can reach the sanctuary by car, bus, train, or plane.
Near the sanctuary, numerous hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking trails are accessible, as well as ski resorts, all close to the beautiful Lake Serre-Ponçon.
Your feet in the Durance, your head in the mountains!
To begin, you can visit all the apparition and vision sites scattered around the sanctuary. You will also be able to visit the places where Benoîte lived (her birthplace and the house she inhabited from 1673) or the chapel of the coronation.
Seven spiritual journeys are offered around Laus (written and audio commentary available on the Laus App), ranging from 1 to 3 hours of walking.
15 minutes from Gap and Lake Serre-Ponçon, the Durance and Avance valleys are essential stops in the Hautes-Alpes. Here, a true break awaits you in the heart of authentic landscapes and revitalizing experiences. The famous Lake Serre-Ponçon, its dam and the Muséoscope, the APILAND museum, the Bois-Vieux floating pool, the Les 3 Lacs leisure center, the Durance valley and its production of juicy fruits.
Need fresh air? Climb Mont-Colombis for a 360° view in an exceptional panorama at 1,734 meters altitude.
Want to make breathtaking discoveries? Visit the Demoiselles Coiffées ballroom, a unique geological formation, to be contemplated in the sun and shade of pine trees.
Need to cool off? Two supervised and shaded beaches await you at Rousset, by the lake, and at Rochebrune, at the foot of the Serre-Ponçon dam, with your feet in the wild Durance...
For your taste buds? Local producers await you to have you taste their exceptional products: mountain honey, alpine meats, high-alpine wines, fruits and vegetables, aromatic herbs, jams...
For sports enthusiasts? Numerous hiking, horseback riding, cycling, and mountain biking trails, as well as ski resorts, are accessible near the sanctuary.
.webp)
Practical information
Discover more locations
