Chapelle Saint-Barthélemy (chapel): open access

The chapel overlooks and protects this small hamlet, located near two previously-raging rivers. Learn more about the history of Les Belleville through its altarpiece, murals and colourful statues, all of which have been restored!

Les Belleville is a large village, extending over 22,000 hectares, with no fewer than 22 hamlets! Villarenger is one of the largest hamlets; its name is said to result from the division of an ancient territory in the 4th century, combining "villaret" or "villard" designating a rural estate parcelled into plots and "Rangerius," the owner of this estate. Embracing gender equality, the chapel has two protectors: a man, Saint Bartholomew and a woman, Saint Brigid. The worship of Bartholomew - who was one of Christ's apostles - pre-dates the veneration of Brigid. Remember to visit the lower part of the village: in a small square is a mysterious, engraved rock whose origin is still unknown....