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Origin and history

The church of Sainte-Marguerite d'Orelle, located in the hamlet of Bonvillard on the commune of Orelle (Savoie), originated in 1412, when a landslide partially destroyed the former church of Saint-Aurelle. The inhabitants of Bonvillard, isolated in winter by snow, obtained in 1661 the construction of a new building on their adret, more accessible. Consecrated in 1760 after major repairs in 1750, it was enlarged in 1840 westward to accommodate more faithful, while retaining its 18th century bell tower.

In 1874, a municipal project financed to the tune of 5,000 francs made it possible to renovate structures and walls, thanks to donations of materials (wood of parish forests, stones offered by priests) and local labour. The Charvoz and Chinal families finance stained glass and columns, while the canon Seraphin Perret offers calvary, pulpit and ramp of communion. The work, conducted by Mr. Azario for 28,000 francs (including 11,000 surveys among the faithful), was completed in 1878. Bishop Michel Rosset solemnly consecrated the extension on 4 and 5 June 1878, marking his definitive integration into parish life.

In the 20th century, the church underwent ad hoc renovations: paving in 1882 to combat moisture, installation of a clock with four dials in 1913 (restored in 1934), and external work in 2018 (crunch, roof, bell tower). During the First World War, the parish priest had to manage two parishes, illustrating the logistical challenges of the mountain. Today, the building, still active for cults and ceremonies, embodies the resilience of an Alpine community around its religious heritage.

Architecturally, the church combines Baroque, Gothic and Neoclassical styles, with a 20 m bell tower with four clocks and bells. Its ten windows, three windows west and eight bays gridded from the bell tower illuminate an interior enriched by polychrome terracotta statues (offered by the Perrets) and a southern sundial. The dedication to St.Marguerite of Antioch, the martyr virgin of the fourth century, underscores her medieval spiritual anchor, perpetuated by generations of faithful and local donors.

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