Ars-sur-Formans, Administrative division in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Ars-sur-Formans is a small commune in the Dombes region north of Lyon, recognized for its prominent basilica dedicated to a local saint. The village spreads across roughly 16 square kilometers with numerous lakes and natural spaces throughout the flat landscape.
The settlement first appeared in historical records in 969 and took its current name through an official decree in 1956. The basilica was built in 1862 to honor a revered local priest whose spiritual influence shaped the community's identity.
The basilica stands as the heart of the community, drawing visitors connected to Saint Jean-Marie Vianney's spiritual legacy. The place holds deep meaning for those seeking religious reflection and pilgrimage.
Visitors will find a quiet setting with access to the basilica and the surrounding natural spaces of the region. Most of the village is walkable on foot, and the location welcomes guests throughout the year.
The village attracts around 500,000 pilgrims and visitors each year, an extraordinary number for such a small place. This remarkable flow shows how the spiritual history of the location draws people from distant regions.
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