SANCTUARY OF THE WINDOW MADONNA
Sanctuary hosting a 62-person guarded refuge from June to the end of September, with showers and meals provided
The sanctuary is 1,904 m high at the foot of mount Gelas, the highest summit in the Alpes-Maritimes (3143 m). Its construction is similar to the alpine sanctuaries like; the Madone d'Utelle and Sant'Anne-di-Vinadio in the Italian Province of Coneo. Known since the 13th century, it has become a high spot for pilgrimage. La Madone seems to have appeared on several occasions in the gap of a rock called "Caïre de la Madone" in the Provence language, at the origin of the name. The current building is a reconstruction of 19th century after it was destroyed by a fire. The polychrome statue in cedar of Liban de la Madone spends the winter in the Saint-Martin-Vésubie village and regains its place at the end of May. The sanctuary is a guarded refuge of 62 people from June to late September with guaranteed showers and meals.
This sanctuary is about 1000 but altitude.