The Baroque in Savoie During the 17th and 18th Century, the Counter Reformation brought about new ways of expressing one’s faith, both colourful and theatrical in style. The Savoyard valleys boast about 60 Baroque churches, brimming with golden cherubs and multi-coloured painted saints, with their massive shining reredos. The easiest way of discovering this type of art, with its paintings and gilding, is to follow the tourist route “Les Chemins du Baroque” which take you through the valleys of the Tarentaise, the Maurienne and the Val d’Arly. During the month of August the route is particularly interesting as it features a daily music concert in the various churches.
Essential Monastère de Brou
Brou, in the very centre of Bourg-en-Bresse, remains one of the masterpieces of 16th Century heritage. Its fine art museum, its three cloisters which are the only example of “multi-storied” cloisters in Europe and its gothic church are all indicative of the skills of the artists who created it. In the museum visitors can admire a portrait of Marguerite d’Autriche, painted by Van Orley. Between 1996 and 1999, the monastery was completely renovated and particularly noteworthy is its stunning roof, consisting of coloured varnished tiles. Approximately 160,000 tiles were needed during its restoration. Several weeks of study produced precise plans of the tiles, featuring 4 colours and even respecting the various imperfections found on the original tiles: bulges in the enamelled surface, gravely texture of the varnish, accidental colour stains, and subtle variations between the tiles.
Copyright RA Tourisme / A. Perier