Hiking : On the heights of Ay (day 2)

The gîte is at an altitude of 1,100 meters, which is led by voluntaries. The shelter of the pilgrim cultivates family spirit and welcomes groups or individual people. It is an overlooked stop on the way of St Regis.The main building has 3 floors: large common room on ground floor, 2nd common room in annex, both with kitchen areas. Every summer, the shelter of the pilgrim is becoming also the cinema of Lalouvesc. You will be seduced by the vintage atmosphere during the showing. Preview of a movie and quality programming for everyone, conferences and theatre.

Lalouvesc joined the network of Sanctuary Cities in France on 1 January 2020. The application was submitted by the Sanctuary of Lalouvesc and the Val d'Ay tourist office.The Neo-Byzantine-style basilica at Lalouvesc is well worth a visit: the stained-glass windows recounting the life of Saint Jean-François Régis, the reliquary containing the saint’s relics, the reliquary of Saint Thérèse Couderc, the paintings in the chancel depicting the history of the pilgrimage, Our Lady of Peace, and Oudin’s Virgin and Child… . The architect was Pierre Bossan (Fourvière and Ars). Don’t miss the crypt at the ‘Montagne des Pardons’ (with its monuments and ex-votos), located on the site of the very first church dedicated to the saint. Behind the basilica, the Félix and Esther Oudin Centre houses a magnificent collection of modern sacred art (Maison Saint Régis). The Saint Régis Chapel and Museum offer an insight into the history of the ‘Walker of God’ and his era; the museum is interactive and very accessible, particularly for children, who are fascinated by Georges Serraz’s diorama. For lovers of nature and cultural heritage, there are numerous walking routes allowing you to follow in the footsteps of Saint Régis, from the miraculous fountain to the wayside crosses offering breathtaking panoramic views. Lalouvesc is sure to charm you with its rich history and diverse range of activities.