Chartreuse de la Verne
A restored 12th-century Carthusian monastery in a secluded forest, offering peace and unique monastic crafts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Chartreuse de la Verne
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A restored 12th-century Carthusian monastery in a secluded forest, offering peace and unique monastic crafts.
"A place of profound peace and spiritual beauty, truly an unforgettable visit."
🚗 Drive Carefully
Winding mountain roads lead here; take your time and enjoy the scenic route.
🚶♀️ Allow Ample Time
This is a place for peace, not rushing. Savor the atmosphere and explore slowly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Restored Monastery Architecture
Main Monastery Complex
Marvel at the impressive, restored architecture that blends harmoniously with the natural landscape. A testament to history and resilience.
Peaceful Forest Setting
Surrounding Maures Forest
Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of the chestnut forest, a truly tranquil escape from the everyday.
Monastic Boutique
Near Monastery Entrance
Discover unique handmade items and monastic products, offering a meaningful memento of your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Maures Massif
Embrace the Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Carefully
Winding mountain roads lead here; take your time and enjoy the scenic route.
🚶♀️ Allow Ample Time
This is a place for peace, not rushing. Savor the atmosphere and explore slowly.
🛍️ Shop for Monastic Goods
Support the community by purchasing unique handmade items from the boutique.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the monastery grounds and potentially from parking.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Carefully
Winding mountain roads lead here; take your time and enjoy the scenic route.
🚶♀️ Allow Ample Time
This is a place for peace, not rushing. Savor the atmosphere and explore slowly.
🛍️ Shop for Monastic Goods
Support the community by purchasing unique handmade items from the boutique.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the monastery grounds and potentially from parking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Chartreuse de la Verne as a magical, serene sanctuary nestled in a beautiful forest setting. The restored architecture and peaceful atmosphere are consistently highlighted as major draws, offering a profound sense of calm and historical immersion.
"This is an amazing refurnished monastery. It is beautifully cool inside. I rode to it on my bike from Collobrières - a lovely ride of around an hour and a half (less if you're fitter than me!). The return journey downhill was lovely."
David Platten
"Magical place.
This monastery is really in the middle of nowhere. Don't be put off by the twisty roads that lead you there.
Amazing, how in former times, people would build such a massive construction so far from anything else, they were really searching silence and seclusion.
Equally amazing, how after a long time of neglect and decline, another generation resurrected the monastery from ruins and once again filled it with life. Worldly as well as spiritual.
Take your time when you visit, this is not a place to rush through."
Joachim Mathes
"Restored monastery in a very secluded chestnut forest. Difficult drive on a tiny mountain road to access the monastery, a good walk from the parking lot, but it's worth all the effort. For a fee you can visit part of the monastery, and the view is just spectacular."
Jean Rene Duras
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The monastery is located in the heart of the Maures forest, accessible via winding and narrow mountain roads from Collobrières or Cogolin. While the drive is scenic, it can be challenging. Consider using a smaller vehicle or allowing extra time for the journey. Parking is available near the monastery.
Public transport options to Chartreuse de la Verne are very limited due to its secluded location. It is best accessed by car.
The drive involves navigating twisty, narrow mountain roads through a forest landscape. It's a beautiful but potentially challenging route, especially for larger vehicles.
The closest towns are Collobrières and Cogolin, both located within the Var department.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to reach the monastery, offering a rewarding experience for fitness enthusiasts.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The monastery is generally open year-round, except on public holidays. Specific hours can vary, so it's advisable to check in advance.
There is an entrance fee for visiting parts of the monastery. The full price is typically around 7 euros.
Advance booking is generally not required for self-guided visits, but guided tours may have different arrangements.
The monastery is not accessible for strollers, and accessibility for wheelchairs may be limited due to the historic nature of the site and its terrain.
The monastery is typically closed on public holidays.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the restored monastery, enjoy the peaceful forest surroundings, and visit the monastic boutique for handmade goods.
Yes, guided tours are available in addition to self-guided visits, offering deeper insights into the monastery's history and life.
The atmosphere is one of profound peace, serenity, and spiritual beauty, inviting silence and contemplation.
Photography policies can vary; it's best to be respectful of the monastic community and any posted guidelines.
There are no dining facilities within the monastery itself, but you can find places to eat in nearby towns like Collobrières.
📸 📸 Photography
The restored architecture against the natural forest backdrop offers stunning photographic opportunities. Capture the serene courtyards and the surrounding landscape.
Drone usage is generally restricted in and around religious sites and natural parks. It's advisable to check local regulations and respect the tranquility of the area.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft lighting for photography, enhancing the serene atmosphere.
While not explicitly stated, it's important to be mindful of the monastic community and avoid intrusive photography, especially in areas where they reside or worship.
Landscape, architectural, and contemplative photography are popular, capturing the monastery's beauty and its peaceful setting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, older children might appreciate the sense of history and the adventure of reaching the secluded location. The surrounding forest offers opportunities for nature exploration, and the idea of a working monastery can spark curiosity. Consider it more of a destination for families with older children or teens who can appreciate the quiet and historical significance.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Seekers of Solitude
The challenging drive adds to the sense of discovery, and once there, you can immerse yourself in the contemplative environment. The monastic boutique also offers a chance to connect with the community in a subtle way.
🚗 Road Trippers & Cyclists
Be prepared for narrow, sometimes steep sections, but the reward is reaching a truly unique and tranquil destination. It's a fantastic stop for those exploring the Var region and looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A History of Resilience
The monastery's secluded location in the heart of the Maures forest was chosen for its spiritual solitude, a characteristic that still permeates the atmosphere today. This remoteness also meant it was vulnerable to historical upheavals, leading to periods where it lay in ruins before being resurrected.
Today, the monastery is home to a community of Bethlehem sisters, who live a life of autonomy and contribute to the ongoing spiritual significance of the site. Their presence adds a unique dimension to the visitor experience, offering a glimpse into a life of devotion.
+1The Journey Through the Maures
These narrow, twisting roads are part of what makes the monastery feel so secluded and special. They wind through chestnut forests and offer glimpses of the wilder side of the Var region. Cyclists and motorcyclists often find this route particularly rewarding, though caution is advised for all drivers.
+1Despite the potentially difficult access, the effort is widely considered worthwhile. The journey prepares you for the tranquility that awaits, making the arrival at the monastery feel like discovering a hidden gem.
A Sanctuary of Peace and Craftsmanship
This sense of peace is amplified by the monastery's integration with its natural surroundings. The restored architecture complements the lush forest, creating a harmonious environment that soothes the soul. It’s a place where one can truly disconnect and find a moment of stillness.
Adding to the unique experience is the small monastic boutique. Here, you can find a selection of handmade items and products created by the resident monastic community. Purchasing an item from the boutique offers a tangible connection to the monastery and a meaningful souvenir of your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit