Discover the local traditions and legends of the Maurienne Valley
In the heart of the Alps, the Maurienne Valley is not only renowned for its landscapes and legendary mountain passes.
It is also the cradle of many traditions and legends that have fascinated people for centuries and are passed down through families during long winter evenings.
Discover some of them during your stay in the Maurienne Valley.
In Bessans, it's impossible to miss the devil, who is a true local symbol.
In this small village perched at 1,750 meters altitude, the statue of the devil stands proudly at the village fountain, but also in houses and shop windows.
But what strange custom lies behind this tradition?
The village itself is anything but devilish, rest assured, but according to legend, the devil's curse struck a nearby structure called the Devil's Bridge.
To perpetuate this folklore, local craftsmen decided to create mischievous wooden sculptures representing the devil armed with a pitchfork or carrying a priest under his arm.
In Bessans, the tradition of woodcarving lives on. In the Savoyard dialect, it means carving a piece of wood.
Step into the Chapoteurs gallery to meet Fabrice and Georges Personnaz.
These Bessans woodcarvers can tell you more about the legend.
You can even buy some iconic wooden figurines of the four-horned devil, a testament to a folklore that is still very much alive.
A few kilometers away, discover the famous Devil's Bridge in Aniane.
Rebuilt in iron, it is now part of Alpine folklore, as the ingenuity of the villagers supposedly thwarted the devil's pact. From its 100-meter height, admire the breathtaking view of the Arc Gorge.
The Maurienne Valley is also linked to great medieval epics.
Legend has it that Roland's famous sword, Durandal, left its mark on the surrounding mountains.
It is even said that it was forged in the Maurienne Valley using ore from the Hurtières mines.
Among other notable legends is that of the fairies of Saint-Léger.
These benevolent creatures are said to have made their home near the village springs.
Legend has it that they ensured the village's prosperity.
If you would like to learn more about the traditions of the Maurienne Valley, be sure to visit the Museum of Costumes, Arts and Folk Traditions, located in the prestigious former episcopal palace in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne.
It explores the daily life of the valley's inhabitants through crafts, traditional clothing, and period objects.
Stay at a hotel in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, in the heart of the Maurienne Valley.
The Best Western Cœur de Maurienne enjoys a prime location for exploring Savoie, its mountains, local traditions, and legends.
Reach the various mountain passes (Galibier and Croix de Fer) and ski resorts in less than 30 minutes.
Our 52 rooms and apartments are all equipped with a private bathroom and a TV with Chromecast.
Take advantage of our L’Équilibre Spa for a moment of complete well-being and relaxation.
Book your stay now!
It is also the cradle of many traditions and legends that have fascinated people for centuries and are passed down through families during long winter evenings.
Discover some of them during your stay in the Maurienne Valley.
The Devil's Tales of Bessans, a unique heritage
👺The devil, an emblematic figure of the village
In Bessans, it's impossible to miss the devil, who is a true local symbol.
In this small village perched at 1,750 meters altitude, the statue of the devil stands proudly at the village fountain, but also in houses and shop windows.
But what strange custom lies behind this tradition?
The village itself is anything but devilish, rest assured, but according to legend, the devil's curse struck a nearby structure called the Devil's Bridge.
To perpetuate this folklore, local craftsmen decided to create mischievous wooden sculptures representing the devil armed with a pitchfork or carrying a priest under his arm.
The Art of Woodcarving
In Bessans, the tradition of woodcarving lives on. In the Savoyard dialect, it means carving a piece of wood.
Step into the Chapoteurs gallery to meet Fabrice and Georges Personnaz.
These Bessans woodcarvers can tell you more about the legend.
You can even buy some iconic wooden figurines of the four-horned devil, a testament to a folklore that is still very much alive.
Bridges, swords and fairies: the Maurienne of legends
The Devil's Bridge, between mystery and belief
A few kilometers away, discover the famous Devil's Bridge in Aniane.
Rebuilt in iron, it is now part of Alpine folklore, as the ingenuity of the villagers supposedly thwarted the devil's pact. From its 100-meter height, admire the breathtaking view of the Arc Gorge.
Durandal and the Legendary Heroes
The Maurienne Valley is also linked to great medieval epics.
Legend has it that Roland's famous sword, Durandal, left its mark on the surrounding mountains.
It is even said that it was forged in the Maurienne Valley using ore from the Hurtières mines.
The Fairies of Saint-Léger
Among other notable legends is that of the fairies of Saint-Léger.
These benevolent creatures are said to have made their home near the village springs.
Legend has it that they ensured the village's prosperity.
Folk Traditions and Living Heritage
If you would like to learn more about the traditions of the Maurienne Valley, be sure to visit the Museum of Costumes, Arts and Folk Traditions, located in the prestigious former episcopal palace in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne.
It explores the daily life of the valley's inhabitants through crafts, traditional clothing, and period objects.
Stay at the Best Western Coeur de Maurienne Hotel in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne
Stay at a hotel in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, in the heart of the Maurienne Valley.
The Best Western Cœur de Maurienne enjoys a prime location for exploring Savoie, its mountains, local traditions, and legends.
Reach the various mountain passes (Galibier and Croix de Fer) and ski resorts in less than 30 minutes.
Our 52 rooms and apartments are all equipped with a private bathroom and a TV with Chromecast.
Take advantage of our L’Équilibre Spa for a moment of complete well-being and relaxation.
Book your stay now!
