Domessin combines a Romanesque church and several historic chapels with a route through open countryside. The “Les côteaux domessinois” route starts in the town centre opposite the school, follows small country roads and woodland paths, and approaches the Thiers River. It brings together a range of interests: architectural and local history, as well as a walking exploration of a landscape dotted with hamlets.

Churches, Chapels and Local History

The Église Saint-Roch de Domessin is a Romanesque three-nave church, with painted walls and vaults shaping its interior. A significant part of the original Romanesque structure has been preserved. The church is also considered a valuable source for the study of Romanesque art in Savoie. Visitors interested in architecture can see specific features of the church building here, rather than just a general classification by style.

The church is open to visitors outside service times and also opens during the European Heritage Days. A visit can be arranged on request through the Saint-Benoît-du-Guiers parish or Domessin town hall. Confirm visiting arrangements before your trip.

By the Guiers stands the Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs, the surviving choir of the former church; it was restored in 1828. It stands on the site of the former Sainte-Marie church, which was once also known by this name because of its proximity to the Notre-Dame de la Maladière leper colony. The leper colony existed before the 13th century. The early date refers to the leper colony, while 1828 is the year the chapel was restored.

Other sites tell of different periods in the town’s history. The Jean-Louis Oratory on the Route des Nugues dates from 1745. Its depictions of pistols refer to the Louis family, whose gunsmithing craft had been passed down from generation to generation since at least the 16th century. The Chapelle de Domessin is near the Route du Bonnard, at a site with a history spanning several centuries. At Bonnard, the remains of Châteauvieux survive as an earthen mound: the first castle was probably built before the year 1000 to guard the ford.

Traces of village life also remain in the lanes and local paths: limestone houses with rounded-tile roofs, washhouses, wayside crosses and communal bread ovens. These features add further elements of local history to the churches and chapels.

Route and Landscape

For exploring on foot, “Les côteaux domessinois” has a clear starting point opposite the school in the town centre. The route follows small country roads and woodland paths and approaches the Thiers. It is open daily throughout the year, although seasonal hazards or temporary restrictions may still apply. Check conditions before setting out.

The route crosses open countryside dotted with traditional hamlets and their earthen houses. This offers a different focus from the local history of the religious buildings: here, the landscape and individual hamlets take centre stage. The Thiers forms Domessin’s northern boundary and is of particular value to anglers.

Local Food

The “Marché de la ferme à Travers Champs” farm market offers vegetables, jams, fruit, bread, eggs, cow’s and goat’s cheeses, pork and beef, honey, and spices. The selection of individual products may vary. This local food offering complements the historic sites, giving visitors more ways to explore Domessin according to their own interests.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Avrieux, Novalaise, Salins-Les-Thermes, Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise, Viviers-Du-Lac, Lescheraines, Valloire, Les Déserts.

For the broader travel guide: Savoie.