Culture of Meribel. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Although Meribel cannot boast historical attractions, there are lots of them in its immediate surroundings. At any time of the year, travelers are offered fascinating tours, during which they can see not only iconic historical sites but also enjoy natural sights. Within the resort, you can explore a large planetarium, which a single research center with an observatory. It hosts daily thematic tours allowing visitors to see modern astronomical equipment, as well as admire the stars through powerful telescopes. It'd be interesting to visit the planetarium with children, as special programs are arranged for them here.

One of the region's most visited cultural centers is the Les Allues Museum introducing visitors to the history of the region. The museum keeps a very diverse collection including important historical documents and manuscripts, as well as old photographs of the resort area. A significant part of the exposition is devoted to the traditions and lifestyle of the indigenous population. In the museum, you can see household items that were used by locals hundreds of years ago, as well as interesting handicrafts and works of art.

Nearby is an important religious monument - an old church built in honor of St. Martin. The church has managed to preserve its original architectural appearance and interior decoration as much as possible. Ancient icons and other religious artifacts are stored within its walls. For local residents, the historic church has long become a full-fledged cultural center that hosts classical music concerts regularly. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Trips to the nearby village of La Grave are popular among fans of historical areas. After hundreds of years, it has managed to preserve its inimitable historical charm. The main historical symbol of the resort is a beautiful church erected in these places back in the 12th century. Over the long history of its existence, it has been repeatedly rebuilt and reconstructed. The religious monument retains elements of various historical periods. The church is located in the very center of the village near the main square and the picturesque historic streets. The village will be a great place for leisurely walks, here you can see traditional houses of locals and other interesting historical monuments at every step.

In the nearby town of Moutiers, you can see the wonderful Église de Saint Pierre, one of the oldest religious buildings in the region. According to historical data, the construction of the cathedral took place in two stages, starting in the middle of the 11th century. After construction, it remained the main residence of the archbishop for a long time but eventually lost its original purpose. The eastern part of the cathedral is considered the oldest. After the completion of the first stage of construction, it has been preserved almost unchanged.

By the beginning of the 19th century, the religious monument was desolate and collapsed gradually. Over time, local authorities decided to undertake its complete renovation. The restoration of the cathedral lasted several decades, and it was possible to rebuild it as close to historical traditions as possible. Near the cathedral, there is also a picturesque historic district whose guests can stroll through charming narrow streets and admire local houses.

Meribel lives a rich cultural life: throughout the year, many interesting exhibitions dedicated to various areas of contemporary art are held here. The resort is often visited by modern artists and fine-art photographers, and in winter, it hosts an exciting ice sculpture contest. Despite the fact that there are no historical buildings in the resort, it is famous for the outstanding monuments of modern architecture.

Here you can see luxurious alpine chalets designed in keeping with beautiful regional traditions. Most local hotels and other facilities are built of natural wood. Traditional chalets look very elegant and solid at the same time. Interesting routes are offered to hiking enthusiasts at any time of the year, while the greatest variety is still available in summer. During the tours, you can visit picturesque mountainous areas and natural observation points offering breathtaking views of the Three Valleys.