The church was built to replace the smaller chapel at the original monastery site in the Old Town.
The interior contains the monumental marble sarcophagi of the two patron saints of the Visitation Order.
The bell tower contains a carillon of 38 bells, one of the largest in the region.
Architect Alfred-Henri Recoura designed the building to withstand local seismic activity.
The stained glass was crafted by the master glassmaker Janin of Lyon.
It is the final resting place for the founders of the Order of the Visitation Holy Mary.
The Basilique de la Visitation is a 20th-century Neo-Romanesque church situated on the crest of the Crêt du Maure hill overlooking Annecy. Construction began in 1909 and concluded in 1930, utilizing stone sourced from local quarries. The facade is defined by its dramatic 72-meter bell tower, which serves as a landmark for the city. Inside, the basilica houses the relics of Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane Frances de Chantal. The structure features extensive use of marble and large stained-glass windows depicting the lives of the founding saints. Visitors access an observation gallery via the tower to view the surrounding landscape, including Lake Annecy and the Bauges mountains. It remains an active religious site managed by the Order of the Visitation.
The terrace at the base of the tower provides an unobstructed panoramic view of Lake Annecy and the city rooftops.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as reaching the basilica involves a significant uphill incline.
Bring binoculars if you plan to ascend the tower for a closer look at the surrounding Alpine peaks.
Combine your visit with a walk through the nearby forest trails of the Crêt du Maure.
Attempting to walk up from the lakefront during peak midday sun without adequate hydration.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor; cover shoulders and knees as is standard for active religious sites.
