Virgin of Le Châtelard

The Virgin of Le Châtelard can be reached by an easy, short walk (1 hr – 3.2 km, 700m difference in altitude) from the Col des Aravis. The ramble offer lovely views over the Arondine valley, Aravis and Mont-Blanc mountains.
Erected during the summer of 1936, the statue of the Virgin of Le Chatelard was solemnly blessed on 4th October 1936 by Abbé MERCIER who recounted its history :
"On 14th July 1935, around 4 pm, a thunderbolt from the sky struck the chalet of Le Chatalard, which belonged to François PORRET from Le Biollay. His wife Marie Augustine PORRET from Les Mortines was on the porch, reciting her rosary with her two daughters. The lightning struck the roof, just above her, passing through her body and tearing her clothes, burning her stomach and a leg, and shattering her wooden clog, leaving her barely alive. The lightning then entered the barn, splitting the flooring and killing 3 cows in the cowshed. Marie Augustine was left without hearing but she can thank the Virgin Mary for not being killed outright. In recognition of this, her family erected a statue of the Virgin”. (source : Association La Giettaz et son patrimoine)