La Salle Mont Blanc Experience

The vast communal territory of La Salle is characterised by the presence of a large number of villages, about thirty in all, which, despite their relatively high altitude, were and are inhabited all year round. This strong anthropization is linked to the fact that many of these villages, connected by a road network of very ancient origins, enjoy a particularly sunny exposure: this fact, together with the presence of numerous small irrigation canals (the “ru”), is favourable to agriculture, in particular to the cultivation of cereals, which means that there are also many mills. Many of these villages have chapels, all of which are beautiful because they were built, decorated and cared for with love and devotion by these small mountain communities: some of them also have interesting historical, artistic and architectural features…

The chapel was built in 1621 and has recently been restored. Its façade is decorated with a fresco depicting the Last Judgement with verses from the Gospel of St Matthew on either side.
The chapel is dedicated to San Leonardo, who is celebrated on 6 November, and San Grato.
The bell tower has two bells: one is used to call the faithful, while the other reminds the children of the start of lessons in the small village school, located in the building next to the chapel.

The chapel, dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary (8 September), is first mentioned in Jacques des Cours’ will of 1330, but the present building dates from the 15th century.
The frescoes decorating the façade, probably dating from the beginning of the 16th century, depict Saint Christopher, protector of travellers, carrying the Child Jesus on his shoulder, San Giovanni Battista and the Adoration of the Three Kings.
Inside the chapel, there is a wooden separating grill and a gilded and painted wooden altarpiece depicting the Madonna of Oropa among various saints.

Built in 1636 and recently restored, the chapel is dedicated to Saint Bernard, who is celebrated on 15 June.
The façade has interesting frescoes depicting Saint Grato and Saint Cassian, Saint Bernard and Saint Anthony and a large Saint Christopher, as well as the Savoy coat of arms.

The chapel, which has a small bell tower with two bells, dates back to at least the 15th century, when it was first mentioned in documents and when the frescoes on the façade depicting St George slaying the dragon, the Virgin and Child and St Christopher, protector of travellers, were painted. The date 1671 on the roof beam evidently refers to later renovations, during which St Mary Magdalene, to whom the chapel is dedicated and who is celebrated on 22nd July, was added to the pictorial decoration on the façade.

Inside there is still a wooden lattice of separation between the area reserved for the celebrant and that for the faithful.

We recommend the visit of the cultural heritage by contacting local tourist guides, who will enrich your experience with engaging narratives, contextual information and suggestions that will make your visit unforgettable.