Sainte Marie de Foncouverte Chapel

Névache

The chapel is located in the hamlet of Foncouverte in Névache, accessible by car during the summer season, and by snowshoe or ski in winter. The chapel has become a symbol of the Clarée Valley.
The chapel is closed to the public, but the interior can be seen through the wooden lattice.

Description

This chapel, built in 1627 along the road through the Upper Valley, is said to have been erected on the site of a miraculous spring hidden by bushes. Hence its name, "Covered Fountain."
Designated a Historic Monument in 1946, it stands proudly on its rock, overlooking the imposing Queyrellin ridge in the background.

Founded by a member of the Maritan family, it still belongs to their descendants.
Like many chapels in the Upper Valley, its roof is made of larch shingles. Composed of two small adjoining buildings, its entrance is protected by a simple clerestory with larch bars framing the door that closes off the porch.
The bell turret, so emblematic of the site, is made of tuff.