Chantemerle is mentioned in archives dating back to the 14th century, when it was known as Chantamellaz. It is difficult to imagine these days that, in the 1950's, only a dozen families lived there all year round. Most of them raised livestock on large farms that are still in perfect condition. They joined forces for haymaking, chopping wood and maintaining the road. They also worked together to maintain a water supply.
The school, which had thirty-five pupils from all over the area in 1920, was closed in 1960. More recently, like most of the houses in the village, the shutters on the school are not opened until the holidays and the arrival of its new owners, here for the summer.
At the top end of the village stands the onion-domed chapel founded in 1684 and dedicated to St. François de Sale. It serves as a reminder of the craftsmanship of the stonecutters. It was once a place of pilgrimage. People would join a procession to the chapel to sing hymns and pray for good weather and abundant harvests.
Having survived the passing centuries and protected its villagers, nicknamed the "Bochars de la Lanche", the chapel was magnificently restored in 2007 with the assistance of the "Friends of the Chapels" association.
Chantemerle is one of the highest villages in the Samoëns area. It stands like a picture postcard of days gone by with its orchards, its panoramic view and its scattering of farm implements that look as if they are ready for use. Nothing has been abandoned here. Life has just gone to sleep for a while.