"Tour de la Giettaz" FFC n°50

Tourist Office of Val d'Arly bureau in La Giettaz en Aravis. Welcome of the public, information, documentation, booking, ticket office, shop, service. Do not hesitate to come and visit us! ATM in the lobby.

The church of La Giettaz, dedicated to Saint Pierre-aux-Liens, was rebuilt in the middle of the 19th century to replace the medieval building. Its bulbous bell tower and its furniture make it a fine example of late Savoyard Baroque.The first church in the village was built at the very end of the 14th century. Imagine, before this construction, the Giettois went to mass, risking their lives in winter, in Flumet for the inhabitants of the village, and in Megève for the inhabitants of the hamlet of Plan! If the exterior is admirable by the presence of the majestic onion bell tower with two lanterns, the interior of the vast building derives its originality from its Greek cross plan: this choice allowed the construction of a central dome, which was decorated with frescoes. in 1848. Raise your eyes to the sky: restored in the spring of 1999, their colors await your eyes! In 1732, a sculpted altarpiece was installed, paid for by the Giettois who had emigrated to Paris. The current major altarpiece, from 1849, partially reuses this old decor (the pale green part with the twisted columns), so it retains the vitality born of the Baroque spirit.

Pretty waterfall located between Flumet and La Giettaz, on the side of the D-road. It also bears the nickname of the Bride’s Veil. Le Dard is the name of the mountain river, stopped mid-flow by a slate cliff.

A hut-like oratory, with grey rendered walls and four-sided metal roof topped with a metal cross.Hut-like oratory with grey rendered walls and four-sided metal roof topped with a metal cross (instrument of the Passion, nails and hammer) ; barrel vault topped with stone; recessed alcove framed by a type of grey marble, inscribed with the words: “Year of the Jubliee 1826”, and protected by a fine wrought-iron grill. Inside, a plaster statue of Notre Dame de Lourdes (1m20), 2 cherubs on each shoulder ; 2 frames (St Jeanne de Chantal and St François de Sales), 2 statues of St Peter and St Paul, several vases; on the right of the alcove, a stone font; a rose along the right-hand wall.

Hut-like oratory with large barrel vault ; recessed alcove framed by a type of grey marble and engraved with, at the top, the date 1850 and protected by a fine wrought-iron grill.Inside, a wooden statue (1m) of the Virgin with Child (held on left arm) ; at the foot of the statue an inscription: “Our Lady of Bonnefontaine pray for us” Interesting fact: In 1759, the historian Besson tells us, there used to be a chapel in the parish of Flumet which was devoted to the Holy Virgin and which was called Bonnefontaine. “Popular tradition has it that a monk walking alongside the stream that flows from the Bonne Fontaine went as far as its source and declared that the Holy Virgin wanted to be honoured at that spot. An oratory was built and was often rebuilt”. It was very famous throughout the region, attracting lots of pilgrims and renowned for the valuable favours obtained. “There were frequent pilgrimages to Notre Dame de Bonne Fontaine and this continues today during good weather, even if there are not so many. There are even some pilgrims who go when there is heavy snow, to ask the Virgin for some urgent grace”. “The whole parish of Flumet sometimes processes there, especially at the start of springtime. Throughout the area, during long winter evenings, families tell tales about the amazing favours received via the intercession of Our Lady and the beneficial properties of the water from the Bonne Fontaine.” The chapel was destroyed during the French Revolution and was not rebuilt, but later on (1850), an oratory was built from its ruins. “The existing oratory only dates back to 1850 and the statue which adorns it was solemnly inaugurated on 7 September 1851.” [extract from de “Notre Dame de Savoie” and historical facts of Abbé Grobel 1860]

You are welcome at the mountain chalet Ferme du Sciozier. Traditional-style setting and breathtaking view. Healthy cooking, barbecue and local specialities.Family -owned farm dominating the valley and facing the Mont-Blanc, Thérèse welcomes you in her sunny nest. At lunch : recommended menus or barbecue on the terrace. At dinner in the charming house: recommended creative menus or barbecue or specialities. All the products are fresh, cooked as grandma used to do. Recommended to book + 33 4 79 31 75 19.

The mountain refuge of " Le Plan de l'Aar " is a hiking destination offering a very wide panorama at the finish. The hut is run by alpagists who serves meals and picnics to take away (for refuge residents). The children find there all the animals of the farm.