Abbey History and Church Art

The men’s abbey of Entremont was founded in the mid-12th century and existed for about six centuries, until the second half of the 18th century. The abbey church of Notre-Dame-de-Tous-les-Saints is part of this history. Its furnishings and sacred artworks, which are protected as historic monuments, include a double Baroque altarpiece, Gothic choir stalls, and medieval pieces from the abbey treasury. The church also preserves trompe-l’œil paintings. The furnishings thus bring together Baroque, Gothic, and medieval elements, as well as painted decoration; each represents a different aspect of the site’s church-art history.

An altarpiece is a decorated structure behind an altar. Together with the Gothic choir stalls and medieval treasures, the double Baroque altarpiece points to different periods represented in the furnishings. The trompe-l’œil paintings add their own distinctive form of decoration. The abbey’s history and artworks thus offer different ways to explore Entremont’s past.

A Chapel with Its Own Architectural History

The Chapelle de la Rivière stands at the entrance to Entremont. It dates from the second half of the 17th century and is considered typical of the Counter-Reformation; it was altered in the 19th century. It also has a rare roof in the style of Philibert Delorme. The chapel brings together its historical context, a later alteration, and a distinctive architectural feature—another way to explore the area’s architectural history, different from the centuries-old men’s abbey.

Landscape and Hiking Trails

The landscape has its own history of protection. The Montagne des Auges is part of an area entered in the register of protected landscapes by ministerial decree on June 12, 1947. This landscape protection adds another perspective on the area’s history alongside its church buildings.

The Chemin des moulins hiking trail starts in Entremont and leads through forests, along streams, and over old paths to the abbey. Along the way, it offers mountain views across the Massif des Bornes. For travelers who want to combine forest, streams, and mountain views with a named historic destination, this route is a specific point of reference.

The third stage of the GRP Massif de Tournette-Aravis passes through Entremont before climbing to the Plateau des Glières. It follows the Overan watercourse and passes through mountain pastures and wooded sections to the Refuge des Mangeurs de Lune. The fourth stage follows the Nant Debout to the Cascade de Morette. The two sections of the same GRP can thus be distinguished by their landscape features and destinations: the third stage is described by the Overan, mountain pastures, forest, and refuge; the fourth names the Nant Debout and the Cascade de Morette.

Access to the GRP stages depends on seasonal mountain conditions; snow and weather play a role. Check conditions before setting out. The abbey, mountain views, and the different destinations on the GRP stages provide helpful points of reference when choosing a route.

Discover more destinations: Messery, Nernier, Archamps, Bonne, Évian-Les-Bains, Draillant, Scionzier, Argonay

For the regional travel overview: Haute-Savoie.