Saint-Colomban-des-Villards lies at an altitude of 1,100 m at the foot of the Col du Glandon, whose summit reaches 1,924 m. Alongside this mountain connection, traditional village costumes, historic religious buildings and a walking route passing six chapels offer ways to explore the area. If you are planning a stay, you can make culture and scenery your separate priorities, then plan your travel and activities accordingly.
Village History and Religious Buildings
The Maison du Patrimoine is located in the hamlet of La Pierre and features a remarkable exhibition of traditional village costumes. You can also see the interior of a local home as it looked in the past. Numerous objects from everyday life, work and agriculture provide insight into different aspects of village life in earlier times. The exhibition therefore covers everything from clothing to items used in domestic and agricultural life.
The Chapelle Notre-Dame des Neiges is located in Valmaure and was built in 1691. It houses two 18th-century paintings by Laurent Dufour. The Eglise de St Colomban des Villards offers a different connection to the past: it is Neo-Gothic and replaced an older Romanesque church. In 1981, it was severely damaged by the pressure of an avalanche. Its construction date, style and subsequent damage trace different periods in the village's history. Local volunteers from the Notre Clocher association are committed to preserving and restoring the church; check current visiting arrangements before your visit.
Chapel Circuit, Routes and Pass History
The Circuit des chapelles – Circuit de St Colomban des Villards starts in the main village and passes six chapels in the municipality. It is open year-round. As a circular route, it makes the chapels the focus of your walking plans; the individual religious buildings also offer their own historical points of interest.
Walking options in Saint-Colomban-des-Villards include four snowshoe trails covering a total of 30 km, as well as a 15 km hiking route. Check current trail conditions before setting out on a particular route. The Col du Glandon also has a place in cycling history: the road to the pass has been ridden by the Tour de France 14 times.
Getting There and Finding Accommodation
By car, take exit 26 at Sainte-Marie-de-Cuines/La Chambre. Then follow the Vallée des Villards and the RD 927. As road conditions can change seasonally, it is worth checking conditions for your travel dates before setting off. The Gare de St Avre / La Chambre railway station is 10 km away; check onward travel options in advance.
If you are looking for a hotel, first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: village history, the chapel circuit or the mountain pass.
Discover more destinations: Les Marches, Montagny, Les Coches, Valezan, Dullin, Domessin, Traize, Montvalezan
For the broader travel overview: Savoie.
