Croix du Nivolet

Les Déserts

From the centre of Chambéry it can be seen at night: an illuminated cross, planted at the edge of the Nivolet cliffs, at 1,547 metres. Its story begins with a deal. In 1861, Count Louis de Fernex de Montgex, prior of the confraternity of the Black Penitents, agreed to the demolition of their chapel to make way for an avenue. He set one condition: that the chapel's cross be moved to a place visible from the Chambéry cluse; this was to be the summit of the Nivolet. The first cross, a metal frame covered with tinplate, was inaugurated by the bishop of Maurienne, delegated by Cardinal Billiet. A hurricane bent it. The present cross was completed in autumn 1910 to plans by the engineer Gotteland and the architects Dénarié and Bertin: 21.50 metres high, 9.60 metres wide, 70 tonnes of reinforced concrete clad in aluminium. Three thousand five hundred people attended its inauguration. It was illuminated for the centenary of the annexation of Savoy, then EDF redid the installation in 1989, before the Albertville Games. It has become the emblem of the Bauges above the lac du Bourget.

Wikipedia — Croix du Nivolet ↗

Getting there: On foot only. From the place called Le Sire, near La Féclaz (Les Déserts), an easy round trip of about two hours; waymarked loop of 9.9 km and 3 to 3.5 hours from the chalet de l'Aurore. Free access all year; snow in winter.

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound