Published on 10 April 2021

Planned in the first construction plans for the Basilica in 1926, the Basilica elevator is open to the public!

With a capacity of 13 people, the elevator is good news for visitors in a hurry and pilgrims with reduced mobility but who want to gain height!

The Basilica elevator was envisaged by the architects from the first construction plans for the building in 1926. Its location was planned, at the very beginning of construction, in the north tower of the Basilica. Work began in December 2017 for final commissioning to the public in 2024.

It rises to a height of 60 meters and serves 6 levels, 3 of which are now accessible to visitors. The basement level serves the Crypt and the future Martin Chapel, the ground floor level gives access to the square, and level +1 to the upper basilica.

You will have to wait a little for the 5th floor to be made accessible by the elevator, it will lead to the passageways of the dome located at a height of 80 meters. From the viewpoint, visitors take a closer look at the mosaics in the dome which represent Thérèse crowned in Heaven, flowers in her hand, symbols of her small actions carried out with love. Until then, you should climb the steps to access the roofs of the basilica and discover the breathtaking 360° view of the city of Lisieux and its surroundings!

"(...) the elevator that must raise me to Heaven is your arms, O Jesus! For this I don't need to grow, on the contrary I need to stay small, to become more and more! O my God, you have exceeded my expectation and I want to sing of your mercies.”

Saint Teresa, Manuscript C, 3r