Discover Hermillon: pilgrimage, trails and heritage

Around Montandré, religious tradition, heritage and nature come together in Hermillon. The Chapelle de Montandré is near the hamlet of Montandré and overlooks Hermillon from an altitude of 850 metres. Pilgrimage, oratories and the Roman Road offer different ways to explore this part of the area; other trails and activities appeal to travellers looking to spend time outdoors.

Heritage and traditions

The Chapelle Notre-Dame in Montandré houses an 18th-century antependium, which is listed as a protected object. The Oratoire Saint Michel in Champessuit also reflects local initiative: it was built at the suggestion of a Hermillon resident. These two places give religious heritage specific names and settings.

The annual pilgrimage to Montandré takes place on September 8. Pilgrims pray at each oratory before attending an outdoor mass near the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Montandré. Les trois Glorieuses is a three-day festival around September 8, established in 1960. The distinction is useful: the pilgrimage has a fixed annual date, while the festival description specifies its duration and connection to that date.

Cultural life also includes the Salon du Livre d’Hermillon, organised by the LE COLPORTEUR association, founded in 1989. The Câbles à foin offer a different glimpse of the area's history: these once included around twenty hay cableways, used to transport “Barillons” from the mountain pastures to the village. The installations have been dismantled, but traces remain. Religious tradition, a literary event and historic transport technology can thus be explored as distinct themes in the area's history.

Viticulture has also shaped Hermillon's history: it has been practised there for many centuries. This adds a longstanding use of the landscape to the picture of the area's heritage.

Trails, nature and activities

The Roman Road leads from Hermillon to the Chapelle de Montandré in about a 45-minute walk, passing several oratories along the way. The approximate walking time gives you an idea of how long the route takes. The Roman Road also leads to a botanical discovery trail and a picnic area. It therefore combines a specific route with religious sites and other destinations for time outdoors.

Two tulip species have been recorded on the Montandré Plateau; at the same time, it is the only known habitat of Tulipa montisandrei. There is a hiking route in the Forêt d’Hermillon. The Canyon d’Hermillon amont at the Hermillon site is listed as a canyoning route. Hiking and canyoning are thus two different activities mentioned in the local information.

For climbing enthusiasts, the Falaise d’Hermillon is classified by the FFME as “terrain d’aventure.” It is currently temporarily closed. Check its status before planning a climbing visit.

Getting around and staying

The Table d’Orientation is located in front of the Chapelle de Montandré. It overlooks the valley and provides information for walkers. Together with the chapel, it is a useful landmark on the way to Montandré. In the town centre, the Médiathèque – Hermillon is a cultural space offering free access to books, CDs, computers and the internet. Opening hours may change; check the latest times before visiting.

Whether you are interested in the pilgrimage, the history of the hay cableways, the botanical discovery trail or one of the outdoor activities mentioned, you can plan your visit to Hermillon around these different themes. Information about the route, walking time and closed climbing area helps you distinguish between the options.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Pierre-De-Genebroz, Saint-Etienne-De-Cuines, Valmeinier, Attignat-Oncin, Villaroger, Saint-Marcel, Jarrier, Saint-Paul.

See the main travel overview: Savoie.