The Basilique de la Visitation is a Catholic basilica standing above Annecy, and its 72 meters bell tower is a known sight in the city.

You can visit the basilica for free, and even climb up the bell tower for great views above the city!

Let’s see everything you need to plan your visit, including photos & tips on how to climb the bell tower.

 

Where is the Basilique de la Visitation

The Basilique de la Visitation is located in Haute-Savoie, in Annecy. It’s in the south of Annecy, about 12mn walk from the center of the city.

Location: Google Maps

 

 

The basilica is right outside the main line of building, before the forest. It’s at the base of the mountain south of Annecy, where you’ll find the Circuit des 3 Croix hike on the ridge.

 

How to Get to the Basilica of the Visitation, Annecy

By car

It’s easy to get to the basilica by car, as you can drive right up to it.

There’s a free parking lot in front of the basilica, with plenty of parking spots. If it’s full, you have a few more spots here (2mn walk), or there (5mn walk).

 

the basilique de la visitation side view from outside

 

By bus

You can also get to the basilica by bus. There’s actually a bus stop right in front of the basilica, and another one 5mn away.

Here are the options:

  • Line 14 to “La Basilique”
  • Lines 3, 14, 15, K to “Paradis”

Cost: 1.50€ for a ticket

More info: Sibra buses (click on the pink”14″)

 

By foot

The basilica is not right in the center of Annecy, but it’s not too far either. It’s close enough from the other main attractions that you can actually walk to it.

Here are the walking times from the main sights in Annecy:

  • Château d’Annecy: 9mn
  • Palais de l’Ile: 11mn
  • Pont des Amours: 16mn
  • Annecy train station: 20mn

 

 

front view of the basilica of the visitation annecy

 

Basilique de la Visitation Visit Details

Ready to visit the Basilique de la Visitation, Annecy? Here’s all the practical information you’ll need.

 

Price: free

Closing dates: open all year

Opening times: 7am-noon & 2pm-6pm, up to 7pm in July/August

More details: Basilique de la Visitation Visits Info

 

You can climb to the top of the bell tower, but only on specific days. Call before to make sure the bell tower will be open (phone: +33 4 50 45 22 76).

 

Discovering the Basilica

After spending a week in Jura, hiking around lakes & waterfalls, we drove down south to the Haute-Savoie department, in Annecy. 

Getting to a new city was the perfect opportunity to take a break from nature. We decided to spend our first day in Annecy by just chilling in the city, walking around and enjoying local food.

We climbed steps going sideways from the river in the city center, climbing up to the Château d’Annecy. We followed the road going down from the castle, and soon saw a huge tower in the distance: the Basilique de la Visitation.

 

 

We got closer, and climbed the steps leading to the basilica. While it looks massive from the distance, it’s only when you get right next to it that you really see how imposing the basilica really is.

 

side view of basilique de la visitation

 

The basilica was open, and we could freely enter the building. Which naturally we did, after marvelling at the fine details on the facade.

 

front door of the basilica

 

The Basilique de la Visitation has one main room to visit. It’s huge inside, with very high ceiling, and tall stained glass windows lighting up the room from each side.

 

inside the basilique de la visitation

marble columns in the basilica

side view inside the basilica

the altar inside the basilique de la visitation

 

We wanted to climb up the bell tower, but sadly it was closed when we visited. The bell tower is open for visits, but only at specific times. You’ll need to call the basilica prior to your visit to get the bell tower opening times, to make sure you’ll be able to climb up and get the stunning views from the top (phone: +33 4 50 45 22 76).

But even without the bell tower, the basilica is a great place to visit. 

 

altar and stained glass window in basilica of the visitation

inside the basilica

 

Visit Haute-Savoie

Planning your trip to Haute-Savoie? You’ll find below a few other travel guides & key spots to see in the area.

Best hikes around Annecy:

Great outdoor destinations near Annecy:

 The BIG guides:

 

I hope you enjoy your trip to Annecy and to France; if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply.

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