Chapelle Sainte-Marguerite (chapel): open access

La Nouvaz (pronounced "nouve") is a hamlet belonging to the village of La Perrière which since 2017 has been part of Courchevel. Located at 1,180 m above sea level it is one of the highest hamlets, with a permanent population, in this ancient region. La Nouvaz - the name refers to a site that has been recently cleared - superbly illustrates the ability of a population to adapt to adverse sloping terrain, high altitude and an unfavorable aspect.

The chapel was built in 1612 on land donated by the hamlet's residents in 1598, making it one of the oldest in the valley! Saint Margaret, who probably lived in the 3rd century, is the hamlet's designated protectress and is popular throughout the Savoie region. Legend has it that this woman, while facing her executioners, emerged victorious from her battle with evil, including a dragon that tried to devour her! She is represented in this mountain chapel by a beautiful, gilt wooden statute that was renovated by the hamlet's residents.