Mayens-de-la-Zour is defined by its widely dispersed settlement, the history of the Sainte-Thérèse Chapel and hikes into the higher areas of Savièse. These themes reveal different sides of the place: its landscape and settlement pattern, a religious heritage linked to its former summer life, and trails with different focuses. The hike to Prabé is particularly easy to plan, as both an approximate duration and the elevation gain are provided.

A place shaped by the Mayens

The buildings in Mayens-de-la-Zour are very spread out, reflecting the typical dispersed settlement pattern of the Mayens. Trees, boulders and the topography are among the area's original landscape features. The heritage features worth preserving are to be safeguarded in the historic centre. Thus, both the widely dispersed settlement and the aim of preserving the historic centre shape the character of Mayens-de-la-Zour.

The village and the wider landscape can also be considered separately: trees, boulders and topography are among the area's original features; forests, ponds and bisses are part of the higher-altitude landscape of Savièse around Mayens-de-la-Zour. Those interested in the surrounding area will find not only the settlement pattern but also a landscape shaped by waterways and bodies of water.

The chapel's history and summer life

The Sainte-Thérèse Chapel was consecrated on 10 August 1941 and is dedicated to Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873–1897). It was built so that guests staying in Mayens-de-la-Zour during the summer could attend Sunday Mass. Its history thus points to a specific reason for its construction: the chapel was built for guests who stayed in the area during the summer.

A stained-glass window in the choir depicts Saint Thérèse with a bouquet of roses. The image reflects the chapel's dedication and adds a specific artistic detail to its history. The date of consecration, patron saint and original purpose give the chapel several historical connections, without requiring a long list of individual construction details.

Hikes with different focuses

The hike from Mayens-de-la-Zour to Prabé leads to the 2,042-metre-high mountain. It takes about an hour and involves an elevation gain of 650 metres. Take both figures into account when planning: the stated duration comes with a considerable elevation gain. The route includes difficult sections and sections that may cause vertigo; sturdy hiking footwear is recommended.

Another hike from Mayens-de-la-Zour offers the opportunity to explore the higher areas of Savièse and its tourist zone. It takes in a wider area of landscape, while the hike to Prabé leads to a named mountain and is described with specific duration and elevation figures. In the area around Mayens-de-la-Zour, the restored Torrent-Neuf trail also offers the opportunity to discover the remains of the old bisse and suspension bridges.

Water engineering and practical information

The Prabé Tunnel adds the history of water engineering to the hiking and landscape themes. Work began in autumn 1933 to provide sufficient irrigation for the entire municipality of Savièse, and was completed in early 1935. The historic waterworks is 4,475 metres long and runs between Tsandra and Mayen-de-la-Zour. Its purpose, construction period and endpoints help explain the structure as part of the municipality's infrastructure history.

In the area around Mayens-de-la-Zour, Place des Binii offers parking for visitors to Torrent Neuf and for hikers and cyclists. PostBus route 343 connects Mayens de la Zour with St-Germain. If you plan to use this connection, check the route's timetable before setting off.

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Go to the main travel overview: Savièse.