Despite its name, the Calvario Way is an excellent route to take with children if you visit the beautiful town of Megève. Beyond its historical legacy, which only older people appreciate and which I will now tell you, it is a very simple walk to share with the little ones. The Calvary way is a Via Crucis composed of chapels and hermitages decorated with frescoes made by artisans from the area.
It is easy because the route starts very close to the center of town, so there is no need for a car or other transportation to get there. And it is also very comfortable to do, with a well-paved and perfectly lit road so that you can also enjoy it in the evening.
Also on a beautiful walk along the hillside of Mont d’Arbois, surrounded by lush trees and with spectacular views of the village, the upper valley of Arly and the slopes of Mont Blanc.
And here comes the lesson of promised history.
The Calvary Way was built between 1840 and 1878, promoted by Father Ambroise Martin, who was the parish priest of Megève from 1920 until his death.
It consists of a total of 15 chapels and oratories, representing the stations of the Way of the Cross from Jerusalem to Golgotha, and draws attention to the surprising combination of some of the different architectural styles of the time, such as the Neo-Gothic, the Byzantine , the Baroque and the Neoclassical.
To complete the artistic legacy of the Way of Calvary, these chapels house around 50 statues of wood in real size, and several frescoes and paintings that evoke amazingly realistic images of the life and passion of Christ.
The Calvary way, an artistic treasure
It is a true artistic treasure just one step from the center of Megève, and located in an incomparable enclave.
Without a doubt, it is a combination of nature, architecture, sculpture and painting unique in France, and was for a long time an important place of pilgrimage known as ‘the Jerusalem of Savoy’. Today it has been granted the recognition of Historical Monument.
The tour begins with a small but steep climb that will take you to the Cross of San Miguel, from here on it continues ascending until you meet the first two chapels and the first of the 14 stations of the Cross.
Although the Calvary Way is all up, do not be scared, it is suitable for all audiences and all ages. In fact, it is a perfect walk to do as a family both in winter and summer, enjoying in each season of spectacular panoramic views.
So do not forget to bring the camera or mobile phones with the battery fully charged, it is a perfect place to take pictures and bring you the best memory of your holidays in the beautiful town of Megève.
If you go to Megève and are looking for a hotel to stay, Royal Rochebrune will certainly not leave you indifferent. Take a look at the rooms we have available.