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Chemins du Baroque - The Baroque paths

During the 17th century, the baroque art movement revealed itself in Savoie, as an artistic expression of the catholic reformation movement, stemming from the Council of Trent.
Renovated or rebuilt as early as 1630, the churches were decorated with a richness strongly contrasting the austerity of their facades.
Local artists from Maurienne or Tarentaise made special use of movement, contrasts and tricks of light to give this new art a specific rural character, close to nature and man, reflecting a profound spirituality.
The Baroque paths is a 500 km long itinerary allowing you to contemplate one hundred edifices along the Savoie valleys.

Pierres Fortes de Savoie - Strongholds in Savoie

From the mediaeval castle mound to the Alpine Maginot line, over 1000 years of history of fortifications, numerous sites in Savoie show how this area served as a "Doorkeeper of the Alps", for the Duchy of Savoie until 1860, and then for the French nation.

The House of Savoie succeeded in keeping its independence by using the strength of the fortifications. They controlled the principal routes to Italy and the most strategic passes.

The "Pierres fortes de Savoie" tour is an introduction to the evolution of fortification architecture. This architecture evolved according to the landscape, as well as improvements in armament and siege techniques. The itinerary leads you through a selection of 15 sites.