Ormaret Chapel

➡️ An ancient chapel in Haut-Combloux Located in the hamlet of Ormaret, in the heights above Combloux, this chapel was founded in 1495 by a local merchant named Michel Dintrod (or d’Introuz). It is dedicated to Saint Felix and Saint Maurice. Like many hamlet chapels, it provided a place of prayer closer to daily life for residents living far from the parish church. ➡️ Saints invoked to protect the hamlet Saint Felix was prayed to specifically to ward off thunderstorms, lightning, gales, and hail, while Saint Maurice is the patron saint of the House of Savoy. Residents would go in procession to the chapel to ask for protection for their crops against hail—a major risk for rural communities whose livelihoods depended directly on agriculture. ➡️ The bell: a witness to local history The original bell was melted down during the French Revolution. It was later replaced thanks to a fundraising drive organized among the residents of Combloux. ➡️ A Virgin Mary statue carved by a local resident Above the entrance, a small statue of the Virgin Mary was carved by François Feige, who lived in the farmhouse directly opposite the chapel. (Combloux Tourist Office) ➡️ The role of hamlet chapels In mountain villages, these small chapels served both religious and community functions. They offered a place to pray for the protection of homes, families, livestock, and crops, while also marking key moments in local life. According to old folk beliefs, ringing the bell during a storm was thought to help ward off lightning and the tempest itself. ➡️ Good to know before your visit The chapel is not open to the public for independent visits. However, it can be visited as part of a guided tour led by a Savoie Mont-Blanc Heritage Guide—either upon request or according to the schedule offered by the Tourist Office. In order to book a group visit with a Heritage Guide, please contact the Combloux Tourist Office.