Читать книгу Mountain Adventures in the Maurienne. Summer routes for a multi-activity holiday in the French Alps онлайн

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Art and culture

The Maurienne was the road to and from Italy for those taking part in Grand Tours, and this has inevitably left its creative mark, with Baroque architecture and design particularly in evidence. Indeed, one church in Lanslebourg has been converted into a museum of Baroque architecture and artwork. Many other churches and chapels in the valley were designed in this style and are often open for visitors. A number of artisans throughout the valley also encourage visitors and sell direct to the public. The glass-blowing workshop at Avrieux and woodworkers at Sollières welcome visitors and sell unusual pieces made on site. Many dairies give guided tours (usually in French) of milk and cheese production, and also offer ‘vente directe’ for great prices and an opportunity to see the source of such wonderful food. The local cheeses are of international renown and a key ingredient in many a picnic lunch.

Folklore abounds in the mountains and the Haute Maurienne is no exception. In or near Bessans many statues and paintings feature a four-horned devil. According to folklore a local man, Joseph, was contracted to build a bridge over the Arc. He fell behind in his work and was worried that he might end up imprisoned for failing to fulfil his commitment in the allotted time. The Devil appeared and made Joseph an offer that in return for his assistance the Devil would be allowed the soul of the first to cross the bridge. Joseph readily agreed and the bridge was duly completed on time. On the day of the opening, a troop of soldiers were approaching the bridge, led by a small local boy. Knowing what would happen to the boy if he was first to cross, Joseph's wife chased a goat onto the bridge. The goat saw the Devil and, mistaking him for another billy goat, charged him. His horns pierced the Devil's skull and the Devil escaped, never to be seen again.