Visit to Saint-Jean-Baptiste church

The Gothic choir of the church appears to have been built at the end of the 14th century. The nave, destroyed by fire in 1728, was rebuilt at the end of the 17th century. Finally, the nave was added to the building in the 1870s. A little marvel of architecture and history, it attracts Christians and non-believers alike. It was this unique style that led to Saint-Jean-Baptiste being listed as a French historic monument in 1988. Renovation work is carried out regularly to preserve and maintain the site.

Just a few metres from the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, the small chapel of Sainte-Anne also welcomes visitors. This building, erected in 1500, was once the meeting place for the brotherhood of penitent adorers of the Blessed Sacrament. This is why it is still often referred to as "the penitents' chapel".

After being converted into a sports hall for a number of years, the chapel was refurbished in the 1970s. Its interior, though modest, is very modern for a building of that era. The large gilded wooden icon, created by the artist Karine Vadim, is well worth a visit.

The Saint-Jean-Baptiste church is located in the centre of Megève, on the Place de l'Église. This highly photogenic square is popular with tourists, who come to admire the shop windows of the town's jewellers and other luxury retailers. In winter, this is also where the Christmas tree is put up, giving the place an enchanting and friendly atmosphere.

This main square in Megève, at the centre of the shopping streets, is very easy to get to. If you're staying in the town centre, you can get there in just a few minutes' walk. For those whose accommodation is close to the ski slopes, the free "Meg'bus" shuttle bus is the best way to get to the church quickly.

When should I visit Saint-Jean-Baptiste church?

Saint-Jean-Baptiste church is open to all 7 days a week, all year round. Its doors are open to visitors from 9am to 7pm, except during mass. Religious services are held every Saturday at 6.30pm and every Sunday at 10.30am. To avoid disrupting worship, only churchgoers are allowed to enter the church at these times. Other masses are also organised on religious holidays (Easter, Christmas, etc.); please contact the Tourist Office beforehand for details.

How much does it cost to visit Saint-Jean-Baptiste church?

Admission to Saint-Jean-Baptiste church in Megève is completely free. However, you can leave a donation when you visit, to help preserve this unique heritage. Anyone wishing to keep a souvenir of their visit can purchase the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church history booklet. The booklet costs 3 euros and is available from Megève Tourisme (70 rue Monseigneur Conseil, Megève).

Thanks to its location in the centre of Megève, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church is not far from a host of hotels and rental flats. From luxury 5* hotels to traditional Savoyard accommodation, you'll have no trouble finding the right place to stay.

If you want to stay as close as possible to the building, the Hôtel Cœur de Megève is the obvious choice. This luxury boutique hotel has 39 rooms (some of which boast breathtaking views of the church tower), a bar, a restaurant and a spa area. Please note that this establishment is only open during the winter season.

As with the hotels, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church is surrounded by numerous restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisine. Alongside traditional mountain dishes, you'll also find more refined cuisine and more modern addresses, ideal for brunch. For example, Le River tearoom, just 100 metres from the church, offers breakfast and brunch in a cosy atmosphere.

For a more substantial meal, head for Le Hibou Blanc or Le Prieuré, also less than a minute's walk from the church.