"Le Cruet" hamlet

➡️ A hamlet shaped by rural history Situated on the border between Combloux and Domancy, the hamlet of Le Cruet offers a glimpse into the village’s traditional rural heritage. As you wander its paths, you will discover various features that tell the story of daily life in times past: old farmhouses, a chapel, a bread oven, a granary, granite water troughs, and even a wayside cross. These are all traces of a hamlet where housing, agriculture, and religious life were closely intertwined. ➡️ The Chapel of Le Cruet The chapel is one of the hamlet’s key historical landmarks. Construction of the original building began in 1667 and was completed in 1671, driven by Jean-Louis and Nicolas Brondex. It was placed under the protection of Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Roch—the latter traditionally invoked for protection against the plague. The current chapel was rebuilt in 1882 after the previous structure was lost. ➡️ Farmhouses that still tell their story Some farmhouses in Le Cruet have retained their *contrefiches*—the diagonal wooden braces located beneath the roof ridge. If you look closely, you can sometimes spot the construction date, the owner's name, or religious maxims inscribed on them. These inscriptions still offer a glimpse into the history of the people who built and lived in these buildings. ➡️ Traces of daily life Surrounding the farmhouses, several outbuildings and structures remain—features that were once essential to life in the hamlet. The bread oven, granary, granite troughs, and wayside cross all recall an era when many daily tasks revolved directly around the homes and farms. ➡️ Things to look out for during your visit Take the time to observe the details of the farmhouses, their timber framing, and the small heritage features still visible throughout the hamlet. As you walk a few steps further towards Grange Neuve, the landscape opens up to reveal the valley and the Mont-Blanc plain. The current information sheet highlights the layout of the plots, which gives the landscape an appearance resembling "floorboards" when viewed from this area.