Notre Dame des Neiges’s chapel

The Notre-Dame des Neiges chapel, erected in 1750 following a vow. Firstly built at « La Bonne Fontaine » above the « Plateau de la Challe », it soon started to deteriorate. It was rebuilt in 1891 closer to the villages.The Notre Dame des Neiges chapel overhangs all the valley and is located at the intersection between the road to the Villard and the main town, when we go up to Moranche. The first chapel was built in 1750 at « La Bonne Fontaine » on the « Plateau de la Chal », where there was a small oratory. It involved realizing a vow from the villagers, in gratitude for the intercession of the Virgin Mary which preserved them from an extraordinary amount of snow from February to June 1749. The first mass was celebrated in august 1750. In a bad shape (particularly during winter 1886/1887), too small and at two hours of walk from the village (at an altitude of 1740 meters), the chapel was rebuilt on the mound of the « Chatelard », visible from the 4 villages and only 30 minutes away from the main town. The laying and the blessing of the first brick were done on the 14th of July 1889. On the 21st of may 1891, a procession followed by a mass and a solemn blessing ended the works with the Notre-Dame-Des-Neiges’s day on the 5th of august. The statue of the Immaculate conception erected on the church tower and the statue of Notre-Dame-Du-Sacré-Cœur of Issoudun adorning the front recess blessed respectively the 15th of august 1890 and the 15th of august 1891. However, around 1918-1920, some cracks started to appear, probably caused by the explosions of the coal mine located under the chapel which exploitation was accelerated during the Great War. Since the 15th of august 1950, the masses and the pilgrimage had to happen outside the chapel, on the esplanade. Finally, a complete renovation happened in 1970-1971. It was renovated in 2000-2001 as well. The ancient chapel of « La Challe » was demolished during the year 1891 and was replaced by a small oratory, now in ruins. The pilgrimage of the 15th of august at the chapel still happens nowadays.

Saint-Roch Chapel is situated in Villard village in Montagny (Savoy). It was built just before the pastoral visit in 1633.The Chapel had a door to the north because at the time the path from Le Villard to the chief town went this way. In 1901-1902 it was rebuilt thanks to the priest, E. Eynard, born in Le Villard and the villagers. The door was moved to the south to open onto the new road leading to the village. The statue of Notre Dame de Lourdes is on the front. On the top there is a 40cm hole diameter bell casted by Georges and Francisque Paccard, smelters in Annecy-le-Vieux. A similar bell is in La Thuile. Inside, the painting of the altarpiece shows, at the feet of ND, Saint John the Evanglist, Saint Roch affected by the plague and Saint Appoline holding pincers. You can see several statues of polychrome. On the top of the cupboards a Sacred Heart in plaster made in Le Tarn in the 19th century waves at Saint Roch in polychrome wood. Far more baroque Saint Germain and Saint Emile face each other on their shelves. Discreetly a Holy Bishop accompanies Saint John on the Predelle. In a configuration close to that of La Chapelle de la Roche a gold leaf statuette of the Crowned Virgin and Child from the 19th century stands in a niche in the centre of the set. During the plague events in the 1600’s confirmed or suspected patients were isolated in huts west of the village at La Chenaie du plan de la Combe near the only path from Le Villard to the chief town. To feed them food was handed on a long handled shovel called palaton. The palaton was used to put the bread in the oven or to remove it from the oven. Prayers were said for protection from the disease. The help from Saint Sebastian and Saint Roch was eagerly sought. Saint Roch got the plague and survived. That is why he was chosen as the Patron Saint of the chapel of Le Villard and is seen in other chapels of the parish.

Located at 1100 meters, le Villard is a small traditional village with its tight streets, with the St Roch chapel and a water container.The St Roch chapel, neo-gothic style, was built before the pastoral life in 1633. It was completely rebuilt in the beginning of the 20th century on Father Emile Eynard initiative. On the front of the chapel, we can see a statue of Notre Dame de Lourdes. The village’s festival is celebrated during the last week-end of august.