Paray le Monial is known worldwide thanks to the popularity of the message of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was here between 1673 and 1675 that Jesus appeared to a young nun, Margaret-Mary from the Visitation Monastery showing her “this heart that has loved men so much”. The town was built around a monastery in the 970’s AD. Hugh of Semur, a famous Monk and builder laid the foundations of the church that still stands today.