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Grande Chartreuse monastery: history and serenity
The Grande Chartreuse monastery is unique in France and is one of the symbols of the Chartreuse massif. Experience a moment of tranquillity amidst the serene silence that surrounds this historic site in Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse.
Discover the history of the Carthusian monks in the Correrie museum, which is open to the public, and set out on a hike through lush natural surroundings.
The foundation of the monastery
Sent on a mission by Bishop Hugh of Grenoble, Bruno the Carthusian and six companions settled in the late 11th century in a remote wilderness renowned for its isolation. Near Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse, they laid the foundation stones of what would become the monastery of the Grande Chartreuse.
Initially, the site consisted of two distinct buildings:
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The Lower House: this now houses the Grande Chartreuse Museum in La Correrie. It originally accommodated the friars, workshops, and outbuildings.
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The Upper House: said to have been destroyed by landslides near the Col de Bovinant, this building was home to the prior and fathers of the monastery.
To improve visibility and reduce the risk of landslides, the current monastery was built two kilometres further down the hill. The stonework was gradually renovated, particularly in the 16th century. In 1920, the buildings were listed as historic monuments, and today only the Chapel of Saint Bruno remains as a testament to the former upper house.
The history of the monks can also be traced through the Moulin des Chartreux (the Carthusian Mill). Built in 1733 on the banks of the Guiers Vif river, this small mill now serves as a welcoming retreat, offering holiday cottages and bed-and-breakfast accommodations steeped in symbolism. If you thrive on silence and serenity, this tranquil haven will be your perfect escape!
The monastery, buildings kept secret
The current prior, Dom Dysmas de Lassus, serves as the general minister of the Carthusian Order, overseeing a community of thirty monks who live in silence and solitude within this hermitage.
Public access to the monastery is extremely rare, with Dom Benoît, who is in charge of public relations, occasionally opening the door. The director of the documentary The Great Silence by Philip Gröning (2005), which tells the story and the life of the Carthusians, had to wait 16 years before the doors were opened to him.
The monks reside in 35 individual wooden cells set around a large cloister, a rectangle measuring 216 metres long and 23 metres wide. Stone is the main building material of the church.
Their day follows an unchanging ritual from 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
La Correrie: not to be missed
Directly accessible from the car park, the Correrie de la Grande Chartreuse is a former Carthusian monastery. Now converted into a Museum of France, it opens its doors to the general public and takes you on a journey of discovery through the history and way of life of the monks.
An exhibition entitled ‘Chartreux, veilleurs silencieux’ (Carthusians, silent watchmen) and a programme of cultural events are regular features at this museum, which deserves to be added to your list of must-sees.
Chartreuse liqueur: a product made by monks
The Charterhouse monks produce the famous Chartreuse liqueur. Available in green, yellow or elixir form, its reputation continues to grow. The production of this unique liqueur provides the monks with a substantial income to maintain their monastery and way of life, though it has been the object of envy and intrigue over the centuries.
Only two monks know all the ingredients used to make the liqueur at the Aiguenoire distillery in Entre-deux-Guiers.
In Voiron, in the historic cellars, visitors can explore the history of Chartreuse at the Caves de la Chartreuse. The shop provides a wide range of liqueurs, but sales are strictly limited to in-person purchases—no online sales are available.
A path to serenity
Let yourself be led to the monastery along a contemplative hiking trail, accessible from spring to autumn. This serene path takes you to the outskirts of the Grande Chartreuse Monastery. As you enter the grounds, silence envelops you, creating an atmosphere of profound tranquillity.