Discover Banneux: Sanctuary, Spring and Trails

If you are looking for a place with a spiritual history, distinctive trails and activities for different types of travellers, Banneux offers a wide range of possibilities. The Sanctuary of Banneux is dedicated to the Virgin of the Poor. Its history dates back to 1933: the Virgin of the Poor appeared to Mariette Beco eight times in Banneux between 15 January and 2 March 1933. The foundation stone of the Petite Chapelle was laid on 25 May 1933.

Sanctuary, spring and moments of quiet

The spring of Banneux is located about 100 metres from Maison Beco. The water from the spring is not intended for drinking; visitors are encouraged to dip their hands into the water. Those who wish to make their visit a conscious and peaceful experience will find a Stations of the Cross route in the wooded park of the sanctuary, inviting meditation. It comprises 16 stations in the form of 16 stained-glass windows. The Chemin de prière leads from the small chapel to the spring, thereby connecting two central places in the sanctuary.

The Grand circuit de découverte also offers its own perspective on Banneux. The circular route leads through the sanctuary and passes around ten chapels and memorial sites. Silent adoration takes place daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. During the pilgrimage season, the blessing of the sick is celebrated daily at 3:00 p.m., except on Fridays. In favourable weather, it takes place outdoors on the esplanade. If you would like to plan around these fixed times, it is worth organising your day around the sanctuary well in advance.

Pilgrimage and places of remembrance

Banneux is shaped not only by the apparitions, but also by visible signs of its subsequent history. A stone stele in front of the spring commemorates the recognition of the eight apparitions to Mariette Beco by Bishop Louis-Joseph Kerkhofs on 22 August 1949. The large esplanade of the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Poor has existed since the 25th anniversary of the apparitions in 1958. The Armenian Cross was inaugurated on 22 May 2010, while the stele dedicated to the Sinti and Roma in Banneux was donated in 1997.

During the season from May to October, you can take part in a Triduum. This is an organised pilgrimage for sick people that takes place from Friday to Tuesday. In addition, the pilgrimage from Liège and its region to Banneux takes place every year on the third weekend of September. These dates give your trip a clear timeframe if you would like to experience Banneux in connection with a pilgrimage.

Ideas for trips with children and groups

For youth groups, the Banneux youth service can offer a guided tour of about 45 minutes from the Chapel of the Apparitions in front of Beco House to the spring. Families travelling with children can consider the Jeu des reporters. It allows children aged 8 to 12 to explore the events of Banneux in a playful way. Banneux also offers a Marian prayer for children lasting about 45 minutes, with songs and an introduction to praying the Rosary.

This makes it possible to combine different types of visits: a tour through the sanctuary, a quiet path to the spring or an activity specifically designed for children and young people each offers a different focus. The Sprimont - Promenade 3 hike starts in Banneux at 43 Rue de l'Esplanade. Anyone wishing to include a hike alongside their time at the sanctuary can incorporate this starting point into their daily plans.

The right accommodation for your stay

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Banneux, you can first consider which experiences should be at the heart of your trip. For a stay focused on prayer, pilgrimage and the sanctuary's places of remembrance, planning around your preferred visiting times makes sense. If you are travelling with children or in a group, the Jeu des reporters, the Marian prayer or a guided tour can set the rhythm of your day. For a more active itinerary, the Chemin de prière, the Stations of the Cross or the Grand circuit de découverte can complement the programme.

For other destinations at the same level, you can also include Louveigné and Dolembreux in your further orientation. This allows you to take your time deciding which place and which holiday apartment best suit your desired combination of spiritual experience, cultural discovery, trails and shared family time.

To the higher-level travel overview: Sprimont.