Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Myans, Medieval church sanctuary in Myans, France

The Sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Myans is a medieval church building organized on two levels: a lower crypt holding the Black Madonna statue and an upper church decorated with marble and golden ornaments. The structure combines romanesque elements with baroque detailing, creating distinct spaces for worship and devotion.

The first written mentions of Notre-Dame de Myans date to the 11th century. On 24 November 1248 the collapse of Mont Granier buried the villages on its flow under 500 million cubic metres of earth and rock; legend holds that the small country chapel holding the statue was spared. Over 5,000 victims were counted, the event was read as a sign from heaven, and a pilgrimage arose spontaneously. In the mid-15th century Jacques de Montmayeur brought Franciscan monks, who built a monastery and then a second, upper church above the first.

The sanctuary walls display frescoes painted by Leon Raffin in 1936, depicting Savoyard saints and illustrating the Mount Granier landslide story.

The sanctuary remains open throughout the year with regular services and quiet times for prayer and reflection. Visitors can explore both levels and find religious literature available on site, while respecting any ongoing ceremonies.

The golden Virgin above the facade commemorates the collapse of Mont Granier on 24 November 1248, when 500 million cubic metres of rock buried the villages on its path; legend holds that the small country chapel holding the statue was spared. The sanctuary now receives an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 visitors a year.