Chapelle Saint-Bernard-des-Alpes (chapel): open access

La Jairaz is one of the twenty or so hamlets that make up the village of Courchevel, all of which are located between 650 and 1,600 metres above sea level. its name, "Jairaz," (pronounced "jèr") may originally have described a sloping site on loamy terrain.

The chapel, which is dedicated to Saint Bernard, certainly predates the 17th century and is one of the oldest in the valley. Located at the top of the hamlet, it was designed to protect the local residents and buildings. Bernard - originally from the Aosta Valley - was an historical 11th century figure who was widely worshipped in the Savoie region and recognized as the protector of mountain dwellers and climbers. During his life, he helped protect mountain passes and popular routes across the Alps. In the chapel, you'll also find evidence of the cult of Saint Catherine: her statue, dated 1613, has suffered considerable damage over the years. However, it has recently been restored in its original colours and specially treated to better preserve the wood.