The chapel marks the historical border between the Duchy of Savoy and the Aosta Valley.
The ornate altarpiece was crafted by master woodcarvers from the Valsesia region of Italy.
The site was historically associated with Roman-era transit, evidenced by nearby sections of ancient Roman road paving.
It sits at an elevation of 1,210 meters, serving as a mountain refuge station for centuries.
The structure is built directly against a limestone cliff, which influenced the unique orientation of its nave.
Notre Dame de la Gorge is a Baroque-style chapel situated at the terminus of the road leading into the Val Montjoie valley in the French Alps. Originally built in 1699, the current structure replaced an earlier chapel dating back to the 12th century. The building serves as the traditional departure point for the Bonhomme mountain pass route on the Tour du Mont Blanc trekking circuit. Its interior features ornate gilded wood carvings typical of the Savoyard Baroque architectural style. The chapel is positioned at the confluence of several high-altitude hiking trails and acts as a gateway to the Contamines-Montjoie Nature Reserve. It remains an active site of pilgrimage, particularly noted for its annual festival held in August.
From the trail path looking back toward the chapel with the sheer cliff face rising behind the bell tower.
Bring sturdy hiking boots if you plan to continue past the chapel into the Nature Reserve.
Visit the small stone bridge located just behind the chapel for views of the Bonnant gorge.
Check the local tourist office schedule before visiting if you wish to see the interior, as it is occasionally locked outside of services.
Do not attempt to drive your vehicle beyond the parking area, as the road is restricted to service and mountain refuge access.
Accessible by car only until the main parking lot; the site is most active during the summer hiking season and religious feast days.
Maintain silence as it remains an active place of worship; remove hats upon entering.
