Notre-Dame de la Gorge Sanctuary
Hidden at the end of a narrow gorge road 3 km above the village, this 17th-century pilgrimage church is one of the most dramatically sited Baroque sanctuaries in Haute-Savoie. The sound of the Bon Nant torrent, the gilded altarpiece and the mountain backdrop combine into something genuinely moving.
The church itself
Built between 1699 and 1707 on the site of a much older Marian chapel, Notre-Dame de la Gorge features an ornate interior that feels wildly extravagant for its remote location — polychrome marble columns, a trompe-l'œil ceiling and a gilded 18th-century altarpiece carved by local craftsmen.
The façade is modest stone, almost camouflaged against the cliff, which makes the lavish interior a genuine surprise. Allow at least 30 minutes to take it all in properly.
The setting and the pilgrimage route
The sanctuary marks the start of the ancient Roman paved mule track — the Via Romana — that climbs steeply to the Col du Bonhomme. You can walk a section of this cobbled path for free and feel the weight of centuries underfoot.
Every 15 August (Assumption of Mary), hundreds of pilgrims walk from Les Contamines village to the sanctuary in a candlelit procession — one of the most atmospheric local traditions in the valley.
Practical visiting tips
The sanctuary is the last point before the reserve where you'll find toilets, a water fountain and a small car park. Stock up here before heading deeper into the mountains.
A small gift shop sells local honey, religious mementoes and hiking maps. The guardian is usually on-site in summer and happy to answer questions about the church's history.
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