Calvary Nature Trail

The Reverend Ambroise Martin, parish priest of Megève from 1820 until his death in 1863, devoted his faith, his fortune and his strength to what remained his life's work: building a Calvary similar to the one in Jerusalem.Designed and erected between 1840 and 1878, the Megève Calvary was first and foremost the work of one man, Father Ambroise Martin (1791 - 1863), the parish priest of Megève from 1820 to his death. In an idyllic setting, it is composed of 15 chapels and oratories depicting the stations of the Way of the Cross from Jerusalem to Golgotha. The different religious edifices, combining all the architectural styles of the past, are home to about 50 life size painted wooden statues together with frescoes and "trompe-l'oeil" paintings. This combination of architecture, sculptures and paintings evokes astonishingly realistic images of the life and passion of Christ. And in former times this collection of buildings became such an important place of pilgrimage that for a long time Megève was given the name of the "Savoyard Jerusalem". Today it is listed as an Historic Monument, representing a reminder of the past for locals, a pleasant walk for holiday-makers, and offering everyone a wonderful panoramic view over the upper Arly valley and the Mont-Blanc. Important work carried out between 2001 and 2007 has restored the Calvary to its former glory. The chapels and oratories have been carefully restored, both inside and out, and the surrounding grounds landscaped giving the appearance of the the X1Xth century countryside.

Located at the Hermitage, this museum, inaugurated in 2013, is an interpretation centre for the Calvaire site. Built between 1840 and 1878, the Calvary is the work of one man, Father Ambroise Martin (1791-1863), parish priest of Megève from 1820 until his death.Built between 1840 and 1878, the Calvary is the work of father Ambroise Martin (1791-1863), parish priest of Megève from 1820 to his death. Formed of 14 chapels and oratories telling the Passion of Christ, the Calvary site of Megève is a listed historical monument on the additional inventory since 1988. It is also registered on the European list of sacred Mounts. Between 2001 and 2011, huge restoration works gave back its original aspect to the site. The museum area traces the history of restoration work on the historic monument site, and offers a virtual tour of the chapels. The graphics room features a temporary art exhibition.

From peaceful mountain village to international ski resort, the face of Megève has been transformed since the beginning of tourism in the early 20th century.New needs arise and bring with them new issues to deal with surrounding transport, housing and activities. This incredible economic, societal and cultural development has led to a spectacular evolution in the architectural landscape. The tour is like a journey back in time: you'll be leaving from the traditional farm and then guided around the various buildings from different eras, of course passing by a creation from Henry Jacques Le Même, the talented pioneer who left his modern and elegant mark on the Megève landscape.