Construction of the Lourdes Cave 1938–1939 (≈ 1939)
First realization by Abbé Bonnard.
1939–1964
Creation of the path of the Rosary
Creation of the path of the Rosary 1939–1964 (≈ 1952)
15 cement stations and edicles.
1959–1960
Calvary Building
Calvary Building 1959–1960 (≈ 1960)
Concrete structure and cast iron statues.
11 juin 2025
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 11 juin 2025 (≈ 2025)
Protection of pens and Calvary.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The enclosure of the Rosary in its entirety with all the elements it contains, including the concrete fence, the east side gate and the soils of Parcel B 133, located on Parcel B 133 of the cadastre of the commune; the Calvary in full, including the concrete fences, the gate and the floors of Parcel B 138, situated on Parcel B 138 of the cadastre of the commune, as delimited on the plan annexed to the decree: inscription by order of 11 June 2025
Key figures
Henri Bonnard - Curé de Beaumont-Sardolles (1919–1968)
Initiator and sponsor of the site.
Roger Marget - Local craftsman
Creator of cement structures.
Fernand Trameçon - Local craftsman
Collaborator in artistic achievements.
Origin and history
The Enclosure of the Rosary and Calvary, located in Beaumont-Sardolles (Nièvre), is a religious monument of the mid-20th century, classified as a Historical Monument. It consists of a cave of Lourdes, 15 stations on the path of the Rosary, and statues dedicated to Notre-Dame de la Salette, Our Lady of Fatima, and the Sacred Heart. The structures, made of moulded cement, chewing blocks and mosaics, are naive works of art created by local artisans such as Roger Marget and Fernand Trameçon. The landscape route, very flowery, guides visitors to the cave and resorts, integrating decorative elements in concrete and cast iron.
The initiative returned to Abbé Henri Bonnard (1884–1969), parish priest from 1919 to 1968. In 1938–39 he built a cave in Lourdes near his presbytery, and between 1939 and 1964 developed a path to the original Rosary, combining the mysteries of the Rosary and the stations of a cross path. The cement edicles, decorated with mosaics, house statues and bas-reliefs ordered from the workshops of the Artistic Union of Vaucouleurs. In 1959–60 he erected a calvary away from the village, using the same techniques and materials: reinforced concrete, chewer, and cast iron statues.
The materials come partly from local factories, such as chewing blocks, and the achievements combine artisanal know-how and popular devotion. Together, both landscaped and religious, reflects local artistic expression and strong Marian spirituality. The site also includes two mosaic panels and a moulded cement cross. The Enclosure of the Rosary and the Calvary, located on separate plots (B 133 and B 138), were inscribed in the Historical Monuments by order of 11 June 2025, recognizing their heritage value and originality.
