Discover Domessin

In Domessin, Romanesque architecture, reminders of village life in the past and the “Les côteaux domessinois” route come together. Churches and oratories offer tangible insights into the area’s history; the route crosses open countryside and passes scattered hamlets. This lets you choose different focuses when planning your trip: buildings and local history, or a route through the surrounding area.

Churches and historic buildings

The Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs on the Guiers is the surviving choir of the former church and was restored in 1828. It stands on the site of the former Sainte-Marie church, which was once called Notre-Dame de la Maladière because of its proximity to a leper colony that existed before the 13th century. The surviving choir and its restoration are connected here with the older history of the church site.

The church in Domessin has preserved a significant part of its original Romanesque structure and is considered a valuable resource for the study of Romanesque art in Savoie. The Église Saint-Roch de Domessin is a Romanesque church with three naves, painted walls and vaults. Those interested in architectural forms can see both a preserved Romanesque structure and the layout of a three-nave church, along with its painted decoration.

The church in Domessin is open to visitors outside service times. It opens during the European Heritage Days; visits can be arranged on request through the Saint-Benoît-du-Guiers parish or Domessin town hall. Arrange such a visit before your trip.

The Jean-Louis Oratory on Route des Nugues dates from 1745. Its depictions of pistols refer to the Louis family, whose gunsmithing trade had been passed down from generation to generation since at least the 16th century. The motif thus points to a local family history and a craft that was carried on over a long period.

The area’s earlier history can also be seen in other places: the Chapelle de Domessin is near Route du Bonnard, at a site with a history stretching back several centuries. At Bonnard, the Châteauvieux earth mound preserves the remains of the first castle, probably built before the year 1000 to guard the ford. The lanes and local roads are also lined with limestone houses with rounded-tile roofs, washhouses, wayside crosses and communal ovens.

The “Les côteaux domessinois” route

The route starts in the town centre, opposite the school. It follows small country roads and forest paths, approaching the Thiers River. Along the way, it crosses open countryside dotted with traditional hamlets of adobe houses. The Thiers forms Domessin’s northern boundary and is of particular importance to anglers.

The route is open every day throughout the year. Seasonal hazards and temporary restrictions may still occur, so check conditions before setting out. The starting point, trail conditions and landscape provide different reference points for planning, without requiring you to assume a particular walking time.

A farmers’ market with regional produce

The “Marché de la ferme à Travers Champs” farmers’ market offers vegetables, jams, fruit, bread and eggs, as well as cow’s and goat’s cheese, pork and beef, honey and spices. The selection ranges from fresh produce and baked goods to cheese, meat and other foods. Individual offerings may vary.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Franc, Myans, Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers, Landry, Aigueblanche, Barby, Montcel, Saint-Jean-De-Belleville

Return to the regional travel guide: Savoie.