The Carthusian monastery of Valbonne is a former monastery of hermit monks of the Carthusian order whose buildings occupy a large area.
Founded in 1204, in the 13th century, it is situated in a valley in the heart of the rich national forest of Valbonne, sheltering rare species in the Mediterranean region.
The complex consists of a monastery church, a large cloister, a small cloister and numerous chapels.
From a distance, the Carthusian monastery resembles a village surrounded by ramparts, the roofs covered with tiles, some glazed, in Burgundian style giving the whole a most picturesque aspect for a Provençal Carthusian monastery.
Under this hectare of roof, only 40 monks and servants lived there as hermits for almost seven centuries until 1901.
In 1929, a leper colony was established there with up to 400 patients before the place was transformed into a rehabilitation and reintegration house.
Discover the complex vaults of the church, the work of the Franque d'Avignon brothers.
The Chartreuse was classified as a historic monument in 1959 and 1974.
The Charterhouse is now a tourist attraction
We visit part of its buildings surrounded by a famous vineyard, AOC Côtes du Rhône, whose tastings are also proposed to you.
The baroque facade of the church, several chapels with cross vaults, choirs, the small and large cloister and the monks' cells are all curiosities to be seen.
In addition to guided tours, in the enclosed courtyard with its remarkable natural acoustics, the Chartreuse organises concerts, festivals and exhibitions from spring to autumn. A catering service is available on site (reservations recommended).
And if the peace and quiet of the place seduces you, 13 cells of brothers have been converted into hotel rooms and two apartments of three and four rooms in the bishop's apartment and the concierge's office are available for short stays.
Charterhouse of Valbonne
Route de Valbonne,
30130 Saint-Paulet-de-Caisson
Tel: 04 66 90 41 05
https://www.chartreuse-de-valbonne.com/fr/
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