Avioth, a small village in the canton of Montmedy of 126 inhabitants, is located in the department of Meuse, a few miles of Belgium.
Avioth is a place of pilgrimage since the 12th century, when the miraculous discovery of a statue of the Virgin. A first Romanesque chapel was then built to house the miraculous statue. Later, the chapel was enlarged and from the mid 13th century, built a large Gothic church that became a basilica in 1993 by decision of Pope John Paul II.
The pilgrimage is currently experiencing a renewed influx. It takes place every July 16.
Appearing at the bend of a narrow winding road through the countryside, the Basilica of Avioth often called "Basilica of the fields," surprises. A 2 km from Belgium, not far from the abbey of Orval, it is essential when visiting the region
This church, 13th and 14th centuries, delighting visitors with its exterior architecture: lace stone portals West and South, fantastic gargoyles, statues and ornaments ... mysterious period interiors: stained glass, furniture of the choir, polychrome statues ...
Marveled at the presence of the statue of the Virgin. His miraculous appearance was the cause of building the church, once considered the finest in the Luxembourg, Notre-Dame d'Avioth being, until the 17th century the patron saint of Luxembourg. Each year, July 16, many Lorraine, Belgium and Luxembourg are likely to come in pilgrimage.
A jewel of Gothic art, the Recevresse for receiving the offerings of pilgrims, is a unique monument whose reproduction is preserved at the Museum of French Monuments in Paris.
The animations do not miss:
Farmers Market every first Sunday of the month on which you can buy natural and organic products.
Ball and fireworks on the first Saturday of July.
The Art festival of arts and crafts on the fourth Sunday of July on the theme of "Tales and Legends".
Walking and biking on the last Sunday of August as well as numerous concerts throughout the year.
The Christmas Village, the second weekend of December plunges the visitor into a magical world: a forest of 200 trees, set on the square, has a Christmas market. In this magical setting, you will have the opportunity to make your Christmas gifts and find all the delicacies that will be on your table decorations.
The country Montmédy is also:
Citadel Montmedy, built by Charles V in the 16th century, rebuilt by Vauban and Seré River ..., the Museum of Jules Bastien-Lepage and fortification.
The village of Marville facades hispano-Lorraine.
The Renaissance castle Louppy-sur-Loison.
Nature reserves ...
The 25 municipalities in the canton of Montmedy can be visited with an audio guide. Indeed, each small village hidden treasures such as churches, laundries, etc..