On Easter Sunday, March 31, 1331, Father Hugues de la Baume raised the consecrated Host to distribute communion during the first Mass of the day in the small Burgundy village of Blanot. The last communicant, Jacquette—widow of Regnaut d'Effour—knelt to receive. As the priest turned toward the altar, a fragment of the Host slipped from her tongue and fell onto a white cloth covering her hands. When Father de la Baume bent to recover the sacred fragment, his fingers touched not bread but blood—the Host had transformed before their eyes into a crimson stain that would defy every attempt to wash it away.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
The miracle occurred in the 12th-century Église Saint-Andoche-et-Saint-Thyrse, a Romanesque parish church in the Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan. Fifteen days after the event, Jean Jarossier, an official of the Archdiocese of Autun, traveled to Blanot to conduct a formal investigation alongside the Curé de Lucenay and an apostolic notary. Witnesses testified under oath in the presence of Pierre Osnonout, Curé of Blanot.
Father de la Baume had taken the blood-stained cloth to the sacristy and placed it in a basin of clear water, attempting to wash away what he assumed was an accidental stain. Far from fading, the mark became larger and darker with each scrubbing. The water itself turned red.
"The results of this investigation were sent by Archbishop Pierre Bertrand to Pope John XXII, who pronounced a favorable verdict and accorded indulgences to those who would celebrate Mass in the parish church of Blanot." — The Real Presence, 1994
Pope John XXII formally recognized the miracle in 1332, granting special indulgences to pilgrims who visited the church. Copies of the original investigation documents remain preserved in Blanot's City Hall. The blood-stained cloth was carefully guarded by parishioner Dominique Cortet and later sealed in a crystal tube with golden rings, housed in a special ostensorium that has survived centuries of turmoil—including the French Revolution, when so many sacred relics were destroyed.
The miracle affirms the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, a cornerstone of Catholic doctrine codified at the Fourth Council of the Lateran (1215) just over a century before the Blanot event. It stands among the Church's authenticated Eucharistic miracles, joining Lanciano (Italy, 8th century), Bolsena (Italy, 1263), and Siena (Italy, 1730).
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Blanot
Église Saint-Andoche-et-Saint-Thyrse de Blanot
The 12th-century Romanesque church where the miracle occurred stands in the heart of the village. Dedicated to Saint Andoche of Saulieu and Saint Thyrse, the church has hosted Easter and Pentecost pilgrimages for centuries. The choir was restored in 1957, and contemporary stained glass windows added in 1994 bathe the interior in colored light. A 16th-century wooden crucifix and the main altar (1997) provide focal points for prayer.
The miraculous relic—the blood-stained cloth sealed in crystal—resides in a special ostensorium. Each year on Easter Monday, according to ancient custom, the relic is solemnly exposed for public veneration, drawing pilgrims from across Burgundy and beyond. The church is typically open during daylight hours. For Easter Monday Mass times and special viewings, contact the Archdiocese of Dijon or check with the parish directly.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Easter Monday Exposition — Varies (Monday after Easter Sunday)
The principal feast day in Blanot. On Easter Monday each year, the blood-stained cloth is solemnly removed from its ostensorium and exposed for public veneration during a special Mass. This tradition dates back to the 14th century and has been maintained despite wars, revolution, and secularization. Pilgrims arrive from surrounding villages, Beaune, Dijon, and beyond to witness the relic and pray before the sign of Christ's Real Presence. Arrive early, as the small church fills quickly. The exposition typically occurs during the 10:30 AM Mass, but times may vary—contact the Archdiocese of Dijon or check with the parish directly for current schedules.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Roulotte Maisonthiers (unique accommodation) — Traditional gypsy caravan-style lodging near Blanot with countryside setting. Website
Hôtel Le Cep & Spa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Luxury hotel in Beaune's historic center (25 km) with Michelin-starred restaurant and spa. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Hôtel de la Poste ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — 19th-century former coaching inn in Beaune (25 km), 2 minutes' walk from historic center and Hospices. 36 elegantly decorated rooms with period furniture, Belle Époque bar, and gourmet restaurant Le Relais. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Hostellerie du Château de Bellecroix ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — 12th/18th-century castle in Chagny (20 km) set in parkland. 23 charming rooms with period furniture, outdoor pool, and central location for exploring Beaune, Cluny, and Burgundy vineyards. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Abbaye de la Bussière ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — 12th-century Cistercian abbey converted to Relais & Châteaux hotel, positioned between Dijon and Beaune (30 km). Features botanical garden, lake, gastronomic restaurant, and individually decorated rooms with antique furniture. Available via Booking.com affiliates. Website
🚗 Getting There
By Air: Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) is approximately 170 km south (2 hours by car), with European and some North American connections. Dijon-Bourgogne Airport (DIJ) is 60 km northeast with limited service.
By Train: Beaune station (25 km) has TER regional trains from Dijon, Lyon, and Paris-Gare de Lyon. Mâcon-Loché TGV (25 km) offers high-speed service from Paris (1h 40m). Taxi or rental car required from either station to Blanot.
By Car: From Beaune (25 km), take D973 south toward Autun, then D18 west to Blanot. From Paris (approximately 3.5 hours), take A6 motorway south, exit at Beaune. Free parking in the village center. A rental car is strongly recommended for exploring nearby Burgundy pilgrimage sites.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Taizé (25 km south) — International ecumenical monastic community founded by Brother Roger.
Paray-le-Monial (60 km west) — Basilica of the Sacred Heart where St. Marguerite-Marie Alacoque received her visions.
Vézelay (60 km north) — Romanesque Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, starting point on the Way of St. James.
Cluny (15 km south) — Ruins of the great Abbaye de Cluny, once the largest church in Christendom.
Autun (25 km west) — Cathédrale Saint-Lazare with Romanesque tympanum of the Last Judgment.
📚 Further Reading
Joan Carroll Cruz. Eucharistic Miracles and Eucharistic Phenomena in the Lives of the Saints — Documents 36 Eucharistic miracles from 800 AD to the present, including Blanot.
Raymond Leo Burke and Raffaello Martinelli. The Eucharistic Miracles of the World — Catalogue of the Vatican exhibition on Eucharistic miracles worldwide.
🎥 Recommended Videos
Miracle of the Eucharist of Blanot — Documentary by Bob and Penny Lord on the 1331 miracle and its preservation.
🔗 Useful Links
Blanot Official Village Website — Local information, history, and events.
Cluny South Burgundy Tourist Office — Visitor information.
Archdiocese of Dijon — Diocese contact and history.
The Real Presence — Eucharistic Miracle of Blanot — Detailed miracle history.
🥾 Pilgrim Routes
Le Chemin des Allemands
This historic pilgrimage route from Germany to Santiago de Compostela passes through Burgundy, connecting Dijon → Beaune → Blanot → Cluny → Le Puy-en-Velay. The path follows ancient Roman roads and medieval trade routes, linking Burgundy's Eucharistic miracle sites and great abbeys.
Le Chemin des Abbayes (The Abbey Way)
A regional Burgundy route connecting the great monastic foundations: Cîteaux → Vézelay → La Pierre qui Vire → Cluny. Blanot lies just off this route between Vézelay and Cluny, making it a natural stop for pilgrims walking the "Cluniac arc" of Romanesque churches and abbeys.
GR 13 (Grande Randonnée 13)
Long-distance hiking trail through the Morvan Regional Natural Park, passing near Blanot. Connects with trails to Autun, Vézelay, and the Canal de Bourgogne. Suitable for multi-day walking pilgrimages combining natural beauty with religious heritage.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"The results of this investigation were sent by Archbishop Pierre Bertrand to Pope John XXII, who pronounced a favorable verdict and accorded indulgences to those who would celebrate Mass in the parish church of Blanot." — The Real Presence — Eucharistic Miracle of Blanot, 1331
