3 of the best cultural sites in the French Alps
Many people looking at property for sale in the French Alps might think that the region is only famous for skiing. However, whilst skiing and snowboarding are very popular with locals and tourists across the French Alps, the region has many other things to offer as well.
France has a fascinating cultural history, and this is especially true of its Alpine towns and villages, where traditional French culture collides with Alpine, Swiss, and Italian influences to form a cultural identity unique to the region.
So to give you more of an idea of what you can expect from the cultural side of life in the French Alps, here's a list of three of the best cultural spots in the region.
1. Le Chemin du Calvaire, Megeve
Le Chemin du Calvaire is one of the most important religious sites in the French Alps. In the 19th century, a French priest set out to build an exact replica of the Calvary of Jerusalem in the French Alps, complete with chapels, oratories, and symbols of Christ. It quickly became a place of pilgrimage for Christians across France and the rest of Europe, and is now also a major tourist attraction. The walk to Le Chemin du Calvaire is an attraction in itself, and the views from the site across the village are spectacular.
2. Verbier Castle, Verbier
Now only a set of ruins, Verbier Castle was once one of the most important places in the French Alps. It was built between the 12th and 13th centuries by the Count of Savoy, but was then destroyed by revolting citizens in the 15th century. Today, you can walk around the remaining ruins and enjoy the great view from the hillside.
3. Musee de la Musique Mecanique, Les Gets
This musical museum is one of the most visited cultural attractions in the region. The Musee de la Musique Mecanique (or the Museum of Mechanical Music) charts the history and development of musical instruments in the French Alps, covering everything from when and how the instruments are made, to their impact on the cultural life of the region.
Be sure you stay up-to-date with all of our property for sale in the Alps by following us on social media, including on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.France has a fascinating cultural history, and this is especially true of its Alpine towns and villages, where traditional French culture collides with Alpine, Swiss, and Italian influences to form a cultural identity unique to the region.
So to give you more of an idea of what you can expect from the cultural side of life in the French Alps, here's a list of three of the best cultural spots in the region.
1. Le Chemin du Calvaire, Megeve
Le Chemin du Calvaire is one of the most important religious sites in the French Alps. In the 19th century, a French priest set out to build an exact replica of the Calvary of Jerusalem in the French Alps, complete with chapels, oratories, and symbols of Christ. It quickly became a place of pilgrimage for Christians across France and the rest of Europe, and is now also a major tourist attraction. The walk to Le Chemin du Calvaire is an attraction in itself, and the views from the site across the village are spectacular.
2. Verbier Castle, Verbier
Now only a set of ruins, Verbier Castle was once one of the most important places in the French Alps. It was built between the 12th and 13th centuries by the Count of Savoy, but was then destroyed by revolting citizens in the 15th century. Today, you can walk around the remaining ruins and enjoy the great view from the hillside.
3. Musee de la Musique Mecanique, Les Gets
This musical museum is one of the most visited cultural attractions in the region. The Musee de la Musique Mecanique (or the Museum of Mechanical Music) charts the history and development of musical instruments in the French Alps, covering everything from when and how the instruments are made, to their impact on the cultural life of the region.
Be sure you stay up-to-date with all of our property for sale in the Alps by following us on social media, including on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
