Fromentières Oratory

The oratories, which date from the 15th century, have a rural character, as they enabled peasants to devoutly pray to a patron saint or to God. However, it was also a place to give thanks and make offerings in the hope that the saint or God would protect them in return. In Montagnée, every year on 6 June, in a procession along a pastoral path, each family climbed up to their mountain chalet, with their animals (barnyard, dog, cat, cows, goats, sheep, pigs and mules carrying victuals): a priest accompanied them and blessed them, in front of the oratory: prayers were said for a favourable season in the mountain pastures, lush crops and protection for the livestock from lightning.
Villarembert has three surviving oratories.