Basilique du Bois-Chenu, Minor basilica in Domrémy-la-Pucelle, France.
Basilique du Bois-Chenu rises on a hilltop above the Meuse River valley and was built using Euville stone combined with pink Vosges granite in Romanesque Revival style. The structure features thick stone walls, rounded arches, and a spacious interior that can accommodate many visitors at once.
Construction began when the first stone was laid in 1881, with architect Paul Sédille overseeing the building through 1926. The church received minor basilica status in 1939, recognizing its religious importance on the national level.
The basilica serves as a pilgrimage site dedicated to Joan of Arc, who grew up nearby and holds spiritual significance for visitors. The interior design emphasizes her memory through religious artworks and symbolic decorations that draw devotees from across the world.
The basilica sits on a hillside outside the village center, so plan for a short walk to reach it. Access from Domrémy-la-Pucelle is straightforward on foot, and the interior has ample space for various visitor groups and pilgrims.
Inside are eight large paintings depicting key moments from Joan of Arc's life, arranged to tell her story visually. Below ground lies a crypt housing the Notre-Dame de Bermont statue, which serves as a quiet place of prayer for many pilgrims.
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