The Cuney refuge-oratory

At 2,656 metres, at the very top of the Saint-Barthélemy valley in the municipality of Nus, a stone building brings two worlds together under one roof: a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Snows and a hut for walkers. This is the Cuney refuge-oratory.

From a 17th-century chapel to the 1950 building

It all began in the 17th century with a small chapel to Our Lady of the Snows. For generations pilgrims climbed here to ask for the Virgin’s protection. The present building, from 1950, welcomes both worshippers and walkers.

The statue that kept coming back

A legend explains the choice of site. A shepherd is said to have found a small statue of the Virgin near the present spot. Villagers tried several times to take it elsewhere, but each time it returned to its place. So they built the chapel right there.

Stone and wood: a building made for the mountains

Stone walls with small windows, a timber roof and a chapel decorated with frescoes: the building is made to stand up to the mountains.

The 5 August pilgrimage to Our Lady of the Snows

Every 5 August, the feast of Our Lady of the Snows, a pilgrimage climbs to the refuge and an open-air Mass is held. The rest of the summer, it is mainly walkers who come.

Hikes around the Cuney refuge hut

Cuney is a base for longer outings: experienced climbers aim for the Becca di Luseney or Mont Morion. Easier trails cross the valley’s pastures and forests.

Getting there: on foot from Lignan

• Access: on foot from the hamlet of Lignan (Nus), about 3½ hours’ walk.
• Open: mid-June to mid-September.
• Booking: strongly advised in high season.

Cuney refuge-oratory
Località Cuney
11020 Nus (AO)
Tel.: (+39) 375 687 5114