Mercury is located in the Parc Naturel Régional du Massif des Bauges. The municipal area stretches from the outskirts of Albertville to the Massif de la Belle Etoile, which reaches an elevation of 1,843 metres. This geographical range provides a clear framework for choosing where to stay. There are also numerous marked hiking trails, a church with distinctive furnishings, historic chapels and Fort de Tamié. The landscape, sacred art and architectural history appeal to different interests.

Landscape and Hiking

Mercury has numerous marked hiking trails, making hiking a specific consideration when choosing where to stay. Its location in the nature park and its span from the area around Albertville to the Massif de la Belle Etoile describe the landscape; the trails add a distinct focus on outdoor activities. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus on nature and exercise, or to fit hikes around visits to the church, chapels and fort.

Church and Chapels

The Eglise Saint Pierre de Mercury houses 54 gilded wooden statues. It also preserves features dating from the 17th century and was remodelled in the 19th century by E. Melano. The statues, older furnishings and later remodelling offer several specific points of interest. The church is open daily year-round and offers guided tours. Check the opening arrangements before your visit.

The Chapelle de la Ramaz was built in 1752 on the initiative of Joseph Chevalier as the Chapelle Notre-Dame-Des-Neiges. Its year of foundation, the person who initiated its construction and its dedication bring its history to life and distinguish this site from the church's furnishings.

The Chapelle de la Soffaz dates from the early 17th century. Skeletons found nearby may date from the period of the Saracen occupation. Inside, the chapel has an altar with a portable consecration stone; above it stand statues of Saint Ferréol and Saint Bon. Here, specific details of the furnishings sit alongside a possible, unconfirmed historical interpretation. The Chapelle de la Ramaz and the Chapelle de la Soffaz are open daily year-round and admission is free. Check the opening arrangements before your visit.

Fort de Tamié

Fort de Tamié is located at the Col de Tamié, in the communes of Plancherine and Mercury. It was built in 1876 by 600 Italian workers and commanded the area around Albertville. Its year of construction, building history and military role give the fort a different focus from the religious sites. Visitor facilities include a walking path, picnic areas and views of the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges. There is also an adventure course on site. Before your visit, check access conditions, on-site facilities and the course's availability.

The cultural sites each have their own distinct focus: at the Eglise Saint Pierre, attention is drawn to the gilded wooden statues and the building's several construction phases; at the Chapelle de la Ramaz, its foundation and dedication shape its historical significance. The Chapelle de la Soffaz combines an altar and statues with a merely possible interpretation of the nearby finds. The fort offers a different focus, bringing together military and architectural history with a walking path, picnic areas and views. Depending on your interest in religious buildings, the landscape or the history of the fort, you can find your own way to explore Mercury.

Discover more destinations: La Côte-D'aime, Aiton, Saint-Pancrace, Courchevel 1550, Levassaix, Saint-Martin-Sur-La-Chambre, Les Coches, La Table.

For the broader travel overview: Savoie.