Saint-Bon-Tarentaise: Village History and Chapels

Saint-Bon-Tarentaise combines the history of Courchevel’s original village with older village and church buildings. Located at an altitude of around 1,100 to 1,150 metres, Saint-Bon has the character of a mountain village, with narrow streets and old houses.

Saint-Bon and the development of Courchevel

Saint-Bon is regarded as the original village of Courchevel. The history of the winter sports resort began there with the construction of its first hotel in 1908. Courchevel 1850 was one of the first winter sports areas to be built on previously undeveloped land immediately after the war. The first buildings were constructed from 1946 onwards, in line with an overall plan by urban planner Laurent Chappis. Two stages can therefore be distinguished: the early beginnings of hotels in Saint-Bon and the later planned development of Courchevel 1850.

In Courchevel 1850 is the Chapelle Notre-Dame de l'Assomption, which has been listed as a historic monument since 17 January 2005. Other chapels offer insight into different periods of construction: the Chapelle Sainte-Anne in Le Freney dates from 1680, while the Chapelle Saint-Bernard-des-Alpes in La Jairaz dates from before 1613. The Chapelle Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Le Praz dates from the 15th century and was extended in 1697.

Saint Bon Church and its furnishings

Saint Bon Church also brings together different historical layers. It was extended in the 17th century, following the Romanesque floor plan of an earlier building. In 1689, Jean-Marie Molino created the Rosary Altar: shaped like a rosebush, it depicts the fifteen mysteries and includes a gilded wooden statue of the Madonna and Child. The altarpiece of the souls in purgatory is also located along the left side aisle. The floor plan, extension and furnishings can thus each be associated with a distinct historical significance.

Paths and village character

The Chemin du Paradis leads to Saint-Bon-le-Haut. The Chemin des Travers invites you to explore the hamlets of Saint-Bon. The two paths offer different points of reference: the Chemin du Paradis has a specific destination, while the hamlets are the focus of the Chemin des Travers. When choosing a route, you can consider whether a named destination or the hamlets matter more to you.

Traditions throughout the year

Every autumn, the “L’Alambic Saint-Bonnais” association keeps the tradition of distilling alive. At the Madelon celebration, Savoyard soup is traditionally prepared at the end of July. If you would like to include either of these in your travel plans, check in advance for current opportunities to take part or for event dates.

Saint-Bon as a reference point when looking for a hotel

Free, regular shuttle buses connect Saint-Bon with the other villages of Courchevel. If this connection is important to your choice, check the timetable in advance.

Discover more destinations: Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise, Jongieux, Hauteluce, Le Pré, Viviers-Du-Lac, Cruet, Gerbaix, Saint-Sorlin-Darves

For the regional travel overview: Savoie.