June 10, 2018

Monument des Pénitents Noirs

The Monument des Pénitents Noirs is located in Faubourg Reclus, a suburb of Chambéry. It was built at the behest of the Pénitents Noirs (Black Penitents), a Christian order tasked with taking care of those sentenced to death, by administering last rites, accompanying them to the gallows and burying the corpses. In Chambéry, they originally gathered around a large cross located at the execution ground near Parc du Verney. But when the park was redesigned in 1860, that cross was moved to the top of the Dent du Nivolet, a mountain above Chambéry: The cross (actually rebuilt a couple of times) is now known as the Croix du Nivolet and is a popular hiking destination. The Penitents also had the Monument built in Faubourg Reclus to serve as a new gathering place.

March 1, 2018

Cimetière du Père Lachaise

The Cimetière du Père-Lachaise (Père Lachaise Cemetery) is the largest cemetery in the city of Paris. It hosts the tombs of many famous people, such as Molière, Chopin or Jim Morrison, and is the most visited cemetery in the world.

November 20, 2014

Hike to Croix du Nivolet

The Croix du Nivolet is a giant christian cross (22 meters high) at the summit of the Dent du Nivolet, in the Bauges Massif. Its size and location make it highly visible from Chambéry and the surrounding towns. It offers a great view on the valley below, as well as the Lac du Bourget. The path to get there is pretty easy (although sometimes muddy) and is therefore very popular. This itinerary was the inspiration for the path I followed.