Notre-Dame de Guérison Sanctuary: A Spiritual Balcony Overlooking Mont Blanc

1. Region: Valle d’Aosta

2. Province / Nearest City: Aosta – nearest town: Courmayeur (6 km)

3. Attraction Name: Santuario di Notre-Dame de Guérison

4. Address: Località Entrèves, Strada Val Veny, 11013 Courmayeur (AO)

5. Distance from Major City: About 35 km from Aosta (40 min by car)

6. How to Get There:

   • By car: From Aosta, take the SS26 towards Courmayeur, continue to Entrèves, and follow signs to Val Veny. A scenic road leads directly to the sanctuary, with parking nearby.

   • By public transport: From Aosta, buses reach Courmayeur. From there, a local shuttle (summer months) or taxi can bring you to Val Veny.

7. What Makes It Unique in the World:
   Nestled at the entrance of Val Veny, the sanctuary stands on a natural balcony with one of the most jaw-dropping views of the Alps. From its forecourt, the entire south face of Mont Blanc rises in full majesty: glaciers tumbling down, jagged ridges sparkling in the sun, and clouds drifting dramatically around Europe’s highest peak. Few sanctuaries in the world offer such a direct, almost intimate gaze on Mont Blanc—here, prayer and landscape blend into a single awe-inspiring experience. Inside, walls are covered with hundreds of ex-voto plaques, offerings left by climbers and survivors who believed they were protected by the Madonna.

8. Local Story / Fun Fact:
   Shepherds are said to have built the first chapel here after witnessing miraculous healings. Over time, it became a spiritual stop for alpinists attempting Mont Blanc. Many still leave ropes, boots, and photos as tokens of gratitude for safe returns from the “Roof of Europe.”

9. Best Time to Visit:
   Late spring to early autumn (May–October) is ideal, when Val Veny is open and accessible. Summer offers green meadows and wildflowers with clear views of the glaciers, while autumn frames Mont Blanc in golden forests. Winter is more challenging but magical: the sanctuary under snow, facing a crystal-clear white giant.

10. Nearby Food & Stay:

    • Food: In Courmayeur, try fonduta alla valdostana (creamy melted fontina cheese), or carbonada (beef stew in red wine).

    • Stay: Mountain lodges in Entrèves and hotels in Courmayeur, such as Auberge de la Maison, offer cozy Alpine stays with direct Mont Blanc panoramas.

🔗 Official website (info, opening times, and contacts): Santuario di Notre-Dame de Guérison – Courmayeur

Practical Visitor Info

• Opening Hours:
  The sanctuary is usually open daily from late May to early October (Val Veny road is closed in winter due to snow). Opening hours are generally 09:00 – 18:00, but it’s always best to check before your trip on the official website.

• Best Time of Day:
  Morning hours offer crisp light and fewer visitors. For photographers, late afternoon/sunset is magical: the golden light turns Mont Blanc pink and orange.

• Duration of Visit:
  Count on 30–45 minutes for the sanctuary itself, but plan extra time to enjoy the viewpoint, take photos, and maybe have a picnic in Val Veny.

• What to Wear:
  Even in summer, temperatures can be fresh at 1,400 meters, especially if you’re staying late. Bring a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and in spring/autumn, a warm layer.

• With Kids:
  Easy to reach by car with minimal walking, so it’s family-friendly. Children enjoy spotting Mont Blanc glaciers and ringing the small church bell.

• Extra Tip:
  Combine the visit with a walk or picnic in Val Veny, one of Courmayeur’s most scenic valleys, dotted with meadows, streams, and mountain huts.