Immerse yourself in an extraordinary cultural getaway, between alpine serenity and rich historical heritage. The Chemin du Calvaire, located between the center of Megève and the Mont d’Arbois plateau, offers a walk accessible in all seasons, ideal for walkers seeking discovery and calm.
Suggested itinerary
- Starting point: located between the casino parking lot and the restaurant Le Vieux Megève, take the land trails to the Saint-Michel cross.
- Easy ascent: follow the main path to the first chapel, dedicated to Our Lady of All Graces, near the Refuge du Calvaire.
- Keep wandering: let yourself be guided by the path, where oratories and spiritual elements follow one another. Upon arrival on the plateau, go back down to the village or opt for the shuttle (in season), at the “Mont d’Arbois” stop.
The walk is well marked, gentle for families (even with strollers), and offers an ideal round trip for about an hour’s walk. With an elevation gain of around 155 m over a distance of 1.6 km, all at a gentle pace
Heritage and heart relief
Along the ascent, discover one of the rare French “Sacred Mountains”: a Way of the Cross set up in the 19th century, the passionate work of Father Ambroise Martin, parish priest of Megève from 1820 to 1863. These chapels and oratories — fifteen in number — illustrate the different stations of the Passion, with life-sized painted wooden statues, embellished with frescoes and trompe-l’œil, in a rich variety of architectural styles.
Once such an important pilgrimage site that Megève was nicknamed the “Savoyard Jerusalem”, the site is now classified as a Historic Monument. It offers an incredible view over the Arly valley and the foothills of Mont-Blanc.
Catering and facilities
Between 2001 and 2007, extensive work restored this itinerary to its original splendor: the buildings and their surroundings were restored and redesigned in the spirit of the 19th century, while adding full lighting for modern comfort.
A guided tour is available (inquire at Megève Tourism), and the route remains easy to access for families with strollers.
My personal impression
I had the chance to take this path during an autumn morning. The air was crisp, the colors of the trees blazing, and the calm of the place invited a slower pace. Each chapel seemed to tell a silent story, almost forgotten, yet always vibrant. Arriving at the summit, the panorama over Megève and the surrounding mountains truly gave me the feeling of traveling through time, as if this trail intimately connected the village’s spiritual past and the eternal beauty of Savoyard landscapes.
Practical advice for your walk
- Duration: about 1 hour round trip.
- Distance & elevation gain: 1.6 km for 155 m ascent.
- Difficulty: easy, suitable for families and occasional walkers.
- Ideal seasons: spring and autumn for colors, winter for the snowy atmosphere, summer for the freshness of the undergrowth.
- Access: start between the Casino parking lot and the restaurant Le Vieux Megève. Possibility to return by shuttle from Mont d’Arbois (in season).
- Recommended equipment: comfortable shoes, water bottle in summer, warm clothes in winter.
- Note: the route is accessible to all-terrain strollers. Guided tours are occasionally organized by the Tourist Office.
