Town of Ars-sur-Formans, sanctuary town

The village of Ars-sur-Formans is a place of pilgrimage and religious importance and is home to the Ars Basilica which was designed by Pierre Bossan and built during the late 19th century. The basilica was constructed using both red brick and stone on the site of the old village church. It houses the shrine of Saint Jean-Marie Vianney whose body in entombed there. The Chapelle du Cœur which was constructed in 1930 also houses relics of the saint. Built in the 1950’s to commemorate his 100th anniversary, the church of Notre Dame de la Miséricorde which is partially underground was constructed. In the centre of Ars-sur-Formans there is also a delightful monument dedicated to the memory of Saint Jean-Marie Vianney.