Notre Dame de la Vie Sanctuary and Pilgrim's Path

This secluded Marian sanctuary, nestling on a small projecting ledge at the gateway of the upper valley, is one of Tarentaise's Baroque gems. It has been a renowned pilgrimage site for centuries. On 15 August, pilgrims used to congregate here from far and wide from the Maurienne Valley, via the Col des Encombres mountain pass. The tradition has endured to this day, with a large crowd following Mass there.Built in the shape of a Greek cross (a central dome and three polygonal chapels on the wings), the sanctuary has three altarpieces, one of which was sculpted in 1636 and is considered to be the oldest Baroque altarpiece in the Tarentaise area. It boasts striking decorative elements inside: the altarpiece of the high altar, completely covered in gold, features a host of sculpted motifs, not least an array of angel heads. The ex-votos are exquisite: more than fifty of them have been listed as Historical Monuments.Open all year round. Weekly tours organised by an experienced guide with the FACIM (Foundation for International Cultural Action in the Mountains) during the winter and summer seasons.From the sanctuary you can also head off for a 4.3km walk along the Pilgrim's path. This lovely route meanders between grasslands and hamlets past other sanctuaries, chapels and wayside shrines, which all attest to the faith of our mountains.