The basilica is inspired by a desire for resemblance to the medieval fortified castle of which it took the place. Hence its facade seeming to draw an imaginary drawbridge from the void. The whole, with stylized crenellations, looks great.
At the Porte du Puy-en-Velay, in the Borne valley, the Basilica of Saint Joseph of Good Hope in Espaly (completed in 1918) occupies the site of the former chapel of a fortified castle. The monumental statue (22,40 m) which dominates the chapel was built in reinforced concrete. The work of Brother André Besqueut, it was approved by Pope Pius X. Its inauguration and blessing took place on April 11, 1910.
You can also visit the cave chapels (completely renovated in 2013) at the foot of the statue and the church in the form of a medieval fortress (1913-1918)
Pilgrimages (special programs) on March 19 and May 1.
Exceptional panorama over the town of Le Puy-en-Velay.
Around the sanctuary, a few narrow and picturesque streets (rue abbé-Fontanille, rue du Rocher, rue de l'Entonnoir, etc.) make up old Espaly.
Store: open all year round from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 14:30 p.m. to 18:00 p.m. (17:30 p.m. in winter)
Masses: Sundays and Wednesdays at 9 a.m.,
Pilgrimages: 19/03 and 01/05
Basilica, cave chapel: free entry all year round from 8 a.m. to 18 p.m.
You can also visit the cave chapels (completely renovated in 2013) at the foot of the statue and the church in the form of a medieval fortress (1913-1918)
Pilgrimages (special programs) on March 19 and May 1.
Exceptional panorama over the town of Le Puy-en-Velay.
Around the sanctuary, a few narrow and picturesque streets (rue abbé-Fontanille, rue du Rocher, rue de l'Entonnoir, etc.) make up old Espaly.
Store: open all year round from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 14:30 p.m. to 18:00 p.m. (17:30 p.m. in winter)
Masses: Sundays and Wednesdays at 9 a.m.,
Pilgrimages: 19/03 and 01/05
Basilica, cave chapel: free entry all year round from 8 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Further information) :
Shop: open all year round from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 14:00 p.m. to 18:00 p.m.
Themes:
Visit
Individual visit services
- Unguided individual tours permanently
Opening
| Opening hours from January 01 to December 31, 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Monday | Open from 08 a.m. to 18 p.m. |
| Tuesday | Open from 08 a.m. to 18 p.m. |
| Wednesday | Open from 08 a.m. to 18 p.m. |
| Thursday | Open from 08 a.m. to 18 p.m. |
| Friday | Open from 08 a.m. to 18 p.m. |
| Saturday | Open from 08 a.m. to 18 p.m. |
| Sunday | Open from 08 a.m. to 18 p.m. |
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