Basilique de la Visitation (Visitation Basilica), Annecy (must see)

The Basilica of the Visitation dominates the sky from its high rocky seat on the cret du Maure, a peak of the Semnoz massif of south-eastern France. It is an aspiring declaration in stone, visible for miles around the city of Annecy.

Not a medieval edifice, the basilica was started in 1909 and completed in 1930. It was based on the plans of architect Alfred-Henri Recoura. It is connected to the mother house monastery of the Order of the Visitation. The Visitandines order was founded in 1610 by Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jeanne de Chantal.

The remains of the two saints are in the side naves of the basilica in gilded bronze sarcophagi. The basilica style is typical late 19th century. The bell tower spire reaches a height of 275 feet, topped by a 28 foot cross. The nave is built over a crypt designed by architect Henri Ade.

The vault of the nave is in a semicircular arch. Stained glass windows depict events in the lives of the two celebrated saints. This bell tower actually has bells. It holds a carillon of 38 bells. That's eight tons of bells. One bell, by the name of Marie Francoise, weighs four tons.