Eglise Saint-Martin (St-Martin-de-Belleville)

All the enthusiasm of the mountainous dwellings of the 18th century is reflected in this magnificent church. Its unusually long chancel and its richly decorated altarpieces make it a real gem of Savoie Baroque architecture.

The only decorative element of the main façade is the entry door, together with a few openings that illuminate the tribune. Do not trust the outer appearance - step inside. Jacques-Antoine Todesco and Guillaume Moulin sculpted the main altarpiece during the last quarter of the 17th century. This imposing work has three panels of equal width; the central panel shows St. Martin on horseback showing charity by cutting his cloak to share it; the left panel shows St. Joseph; and the right panel St. Sebastian. Ten polychromatic gilded columns, with identical bases and caps but with different bodies, punctuate the ensemble. A balustrade opposite that of the tribune can be seen on the balcony above the central panel, on which a high relief depicts the Assumption of the Virgin, transported by four angels. The ensemble is, of course, overlooked by the Holy Trinity! At the top of the right-hand nave, the painting of the Rosary altarpiece depicts the Virgin giving the Rosary to St. Dominic, while the Christ Child presents it to St. Catherine of Sienna. The seven twisted columns wrapped in rose branches lift your gaze...and your spirit! There is one curiosity in the left-hand nave: the altarpiece of the Blessed Paul, whose painting tells the story of a Spanish pilgrim who died from exhaustion in 1721 near Lou Lake - one hour's walk from the village - and who has been the subject of particular devotion ever since the 18th century.