Notre Dame des Neiges, Modern church in Alpe d'Huez, France
Notre Dame des Neiges is a modern church in Alpe d'Huez built with curved concrete frames and topped by a copper roof that weathers to a green patina. A translucent glass dome at the top allows daylight to shine directly into the interior, lighting the walls and the space below.
Construction took place between 1968 and 1970, replacing an older wooden chapel that had served the mountain community. The building project was driven forward by the region's preparation for the Winter Olympic Games, which expanded local infrastructure.
The stained glass windows inside show scenes from Mark's Gospel and fill the space with colored light throughout the day. These works by artist Arcabas create a feeling of connection to religious stories as you walk through the nave.
The building is open to visitors daily and you can walk in to explore the interior at your own pace. Guided tours are sometimes organized by local museums, so it helps to ask for current information when you arrive.
The organ inside has an unusual shape like an outstretched hand and was built by German craftsman Detlef Kleuker according to composer Jean Guillou's design. This creates a bridge between visual art and music that catches many visitors by surprise.
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