At first glance, it's hard to believe it's a church. With its silhouette of a Berber tent standing on the snow, Notre-Dame des Neiges d'Huez baffles, intrigues, and always ends up fascinating. It is one of the most unique monuments in the Alps, combining modern architecture, religious symbolism and mountain culture.
Inaugurated in 1970, the church replaces a former wooden chapel. Its architect, Jean Marol, drew his inspiration from the modernism of Le Corbusier to create a bold, curvaceous building of concrete, copper and glass.
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The idea? To break with traditional codes. Here, there is no nave or transept: the building takes the form of a hand open to the sky, a symbol of welcome and prayer.
A spiritual... and cultural place
Colourful stained glass windows by Arcabas bathe the interior in changing light, while the choir houses an exceptional organ built by Detlef Kleuker to designs by the famous organist Jean Guillou. The acoustics here are reputed to be unique in the Alps.
The beating heart of Alpe d'Huez, Notre-Dame des Neiges is not just a place of worship. From the moment it was built, Father Jaap Reuten, the man behind the project, wanted it to be open to everyone: believers and the curious, artists and visitors alike.
Concerts, exhibitions, shows and screenings are held here throughout the year. Every Thursday, the Notre-Dame des Neiges association organises concerts, welcoming musicians from all over the world.
Tasty anecdotes
Local legend has it that the priest entered into an unusual partnership with Heineken: every shop selling this beer donated a share of its sales to the parish.
In another nod to this open-mindedness, over the years the crypt has hosted fashion shows, boxing matches, concerts and even a DJ set organised by the Tomorrowland Winter festival, bringing together over 500 festival-goers in the heart of the church.
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A symbol of the boldness and cultural identity of Alpe d'Huez, the church of Notre-Dame des Neiges is the perfect embodiment of the meeting of faith, modernity and the mountains.
Whether you come here to listen to a concert, admire the stained glass windows or simply to meditate, the place always invites you to look up into the light.
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