Domessin preserves Romanesque church architecture and an open landscape crossed by the “Les côteaux domessinois” route. Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Domessin can include this accommodation preference in their travel plans.
Culture and History
The Chapelle Notre-Dame des Sept-Douleurs stands on the site of the former Sainte-Marie church, which was formerly named after the nearby Notre-Dame de la Maladière leprosarium, already in existence before the 13th century. The Jean-Louis Oratory on the Route des Nugues dates from 1745. Its pistol depictions refer to the Louis family, whose work as gunsmiths had been passed down from generation to generation since at least the 16th century. In May, the residents of the district gather there every evening for communal Marian devotions.
Near the Route du Bonnard, the Chapelle de Domessin stands at a site with a history spanning several centuries. At Bonnard, the remains of a first castle, probably built before the year 1000 to secure the ford, survive as the Châteauvieux earth mound. The Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs on the Guiers is the surviving chancel of the former church and was restored in 1828.
The church of Domessin has preserved a significant part of its original Romanesque structure and is considered a valuable testimony for the study of Romanesque art in Savoie. The Église Saint-Roch de Domessin is a Romanesque three-nave church with painted walls and vaults. Outside worship hours, the church is open to visitors; it is opened during the European Heritage Days. On request, it can be visited through the Saint-Benoît-du-Guiers parish or Domessin town hall.
The lanes and local paths still feature limestone houses with rounded tile roofs, washhouses, wayside crosses and communal ovens.
Paths and Landscape
The “Les côteaux domessinois” route begins in the town centre opposite the school. It follows small country roads and forest paths, approaches the River Thiers and runs through an open landscape dotted with traditional hamlets of earthen houses. The route is open every day all year round.
The River Thiers forms the northern boundary of Domessin and is particularly valuable to anglers.
Local Produce
The “Marché de la ferme à Travers Champs” farmers’ market offers vegetables, preserves, fruit, bread, eggs, cow’s and goat’s cheese, pork and beef, honey and spices.
