Notre Dame de Vassivière, Besse en Chandesse

Notre Dame de Vassivière is quite unlike the many other Virges Noires of the Auvergne, France. She has the features of a "paysanne", and is dressed in peasant style.

Passing the summer months at Vassivière, and the winter months in the village church of St André at Besse-en-Chandesse, the black madonna is carried in procession to her summer residence on the "fête de la Visitation", July 2nd.

The procession, known locally as the "Montée" is led by the Curé and the "King" and "Queen" of the event, who have recently bought the right to this honour at auction.

This curious tradition was born in 1547 after a certain inhabitant of the area, named Pierre Gef, was struck blind while passing the statue of Notre Dame de Vassivière, when he refused to pray to her image as was the custom.

He promised to be the Vierge Noire's "King of Devotion" if he may regain his sight, which he did.