Church of Avoriaz en Haute-Savoie

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Origin and history

The church of Avoriaz is a Catholic religious building located in the winter sports resort of Avoriaz, in the commune of Morzine, Haute Savoie. Unlike traditional churches, this place of worship is integrated into a multifunctional complex, also home to the Tourist and Commercial Office. Its particularity lies in its modularity: the multi-purpose hall is designed to accommodate Sunday celebrations, including Mass, while serving as a reception and entertainment space for tourists.

The construction of this place of worship was decided in 1984, as part of the third phase of the development of the Avoriaz station. The aim was to facilitate the access of holidaymakers to a place of prayer, which encountered difficulties in getting to the church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Morzine, lower in the valley. The architectural project, entrusted to Jacques Labro, designer of the station, integrated the chapel, its triangular wooden bell tower, as well as tourist and cultural facilities such as the Salle des Festivals.

The bell tower, a distinctive element of the church, is characterized by its wooden structure, zebra openings and two clock dials. It indicates the presence of the place of worship within the complex, while harmonising with the modern architecture of the station. Although mainly dedicated to religious celebrations, space remains above all a versatile place, reflecting the dual tourist and spiritual vocation of Avoriaz.

No information is available regarding any protection for historical monuments or additional details of its liturgical use outside Sunday Masses. The sources also mention another chapel in Avoriaz, Notre-Dame-des-Prisonniers, but without direct connection to this complex.

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