Nestled in the heart of the Aravis massif, the Manigod Valley boasts a rich history closely linked to the mountains, agriculture, and Savoyard traditions.
Over the centuries, its inhabitants have shaped an authentic landscape where natural and cultural heritage play a vital role.
A mountain village in the heart of the Aravis
The first recorded mentions of the name "Manigod" date back to the Middle Ages.
Whether the name refers to forest dwellers or alpine pasture dwellers—depending on whether one follows the Burgundian (*manning-gald*) or Celtic (*manning-aulp*) etymology—Maningot became a fiefdom in the early 11th century under the Lords of Chevron de Vilette, a powerful and devout family from the Tarentaise region. According to the oldest known records, the parish of Maningot was home to 1,600 souls in 1567. For centuries, the inhabitants lived primarily off mountain farming, livestock rearing, and cheese production. This pastoral activity helped shape the meadows, alpine pastures, and open landscapes characteristic of the valley.
Alpine chalets, traditional granaries, bread ovens, and numerous hamlets also bear witness to the mountain lifestyle that has shaped Manigod over the centuries.
Saint Francis de Sales and Manigod
Saint Francis de Sales’ visit to Manigod in 1607 left a lasting mark on local history. Several sites in the commune keep his memory alive today—notably the Montpellaz spring, the Col de la Croix Fry, and the Selle de Saint-François—while the "Sous l'Aiguille" area at the valley floor preserves a tangible trace of his presence.
Remarkable religious heritage
Manigod’s history is also defined by a strong religious tradition. The Church of Saint-Pierre, built in the 17th century and later expanded in the 19th, stands today as a key landmark of the local heritage. It is complemented by several chapels scattered across the commune's various hamlets, reflecting the traditional organization of mountain life.
Visitors can explore this heritage via the "Route des Chapelles" (Chapel Trail) and through tours organized by the Manigod Tourist Office. A stone engraved with a cross by Saint Francis de Sales during his pastoral visit in 1607 gave its name to the Col de la Croix Fry (*crux ferit*).
The Montpellaz spring has been credited with miraculous properties ever since the saintly bishop refreshed himself there.
Manigod and the Resistance
During the Second World War, the Manigod valley played a significant role in the Haute-Savoie Resistance. From 1943 onwards, various Resistance groups and individuals evading the STO (Compulsory Work Service) organized themselves in the area. The Manigod camps subsequently took part in the *Maquis des Glières* campaign, a pivotal site in the French Resistance.
A Preserved Identity
Life revolved around hamlets, alpine pastures, and livestock farming—activities that have left a lasting mark on the landscapes we still admire today.
Today, Manigod keeps its heritage alive through its traditions, architecture, alpine pastures, gastronomy, and local craftsmanship.
One of Manigod’s iconic traditions is the *paret*—a small, typically Savoyard wooden sliding device—the use of which is still celebrated today through the Manigod Paret Championship.
The municipality, local associations, and residents are committed to preserving this cultural, historical, and landscape heritage so that it may be passed on to future generations.
