“The Italians call it their church”, the old woman whispered, her eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. We stood before the Chapelle Saint-François de Sales, its Italian-inspired architecture a surprise amidst the French charm of Annecy. The Chapelle Saint-François de Sales, she explained, wasn’t always this serene. Built in 1614, it served as the first resting place of Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane de Chantal, founders of the Visitation Order. The ornate interior, designed to awe visiting royals, still whispers of their legacy. But the French Revolution saw the Chapelle Saint-François de Sales stripped of its sacred duty. The relics of the saints were moved, the building repurposed into a military barracks, then a canvas factory. Imagine the clatter of looms replacing the hushed prayers, the scent of paint eclipsing the fragrance of incense. Yet, the Chapelle Saint-François de Sales endured. Restored to its religious purpose in 1923, it stands today as a testament to resilience, its beauty a beacon across the centuries.
Chapelle Saint-François de Sales
Discover cities like never before.
Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.
More Places in Nice
Cagnes-sur-Mer-1
“Is this where the ‘Montmartre of the French Riviera’ once thrived?” you might ask, gazing upon the captivating Cagnes-sur-Mer-1. This
Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur
Across the vibrant landscape of the French Riviera, the Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur stands as a testament to collaboration and
Port de Nice
Standing here, overlooking the lively Port de Nice, it’s hard to believe this bustling hub began as a humble swamp.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Is this where the legendary American writer, Aldous Huxley, found his muse? Villefranche-sur-Mer, a jewel on the French Riviera, has
Les anciens abbatoirs
“A city within a city,” they called Les anciens abbatoirs. It sprawled across two hectares, a testament to Nice’s industrial
David Statue
“A slingshot? Really?” a young boy whispered to his mother, squinting up at the David statue. He couldn’t believe this
Église Saint-Marc
In 1994, this very spot buzzed with construction activity. Workers were busy laying the foundation for what would become the