Basilique de la Visitation, Annecy, France Part II

Continuing from where we left off in Part I, Francois de Sales and Jeanne de Chantal are buried in the Basilique de la Visitation.











Here you can see both sides of the Basilique, with the mountains on the left, the extension of buildings on the right, and the big circular drive in front. Click on images to see larger.





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There are interesting stonework and archways, with ornate wooden doors.

















The steps leading up to the front door are impressive, as is the huge stone archway.




Looking all the way up gives a sense of the scale of the building.












The carving in the stone is beautiful.


The main door is decorative while maintaining a pleasant simplicity.









The Basilique has a grandeur that projects solidity and grace. It's possible to almost imagine a lion sitting there in its form, with the two front legs as the structure on either side of the huge front archway and the body behind as the central part of the building.






On the right of this photo is the side entrance into the Basilique. This is the one we entered. There are fabulous, huge marble columns spanning the inside. There is a feeling of large space and luxury of attention to every detail and yet there's a simple basic atmosphere to it. The coolness inside was extremely nice after our walk up the hill in the summer heat.

Part of this extension is used as a shop.






The Basilique is well worth a visit if you're in Annecy.