logo
ic_menu

Chartreuse de la Verne

Route de la Verne, Collobrières, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Description

The Chartreuse de la Verne is a Carthusian monastery located in the massif des Maures, in the hinterland between Hyères and Fréjus, in South Eastern France. It was founded in the late 12th century but closed during the French Revolution (1789). Monastic life has partially resumed there since the 1980's but the monument is open to the public most of the year (annual closure in January). The building is situated at the top of a rocky outcrop and measures about 155m x 85m. It includes a defensive wall, a large portal, a chapel, a jail (!), a church, a small cloister, refectory, baking area, oil press, monk cells, the large cloister (70m x 25m) and the cemetery.

Access & Transport

Address: Corniche des Maures, 83610 Collobrières The Monastery is 55km northeast of Toulon. Take the A57 and exit 10 onto the D14. After exactly 22km past Pierrefeu-du-Var take a right onto the D214 at Croix d'Anselme until you reach. Coming from the St-Tropez / Fréjus area, take the D98 to Cogolin and then the D48 / D14 for 20km and turn left onto the D214 at Croix d'Anselme until you reach.

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest having a GPS app or even better: a map. Also do take note that between 21 June and 20 Sept. the RD214 is subject to closure if the risk of foret fire is too high. You can check the status on the prefecture website (http://www.var.gouv.fr/), in the Var Matin newspaper or by calling the Collobrières tourist office on 04 94 48 08 00.

Meta review

The highlight of the visit for most tourists is actually the scenic drive to get there - although do note it is quite long and the road is very narrow so crossing can be a little stressful. The views of the Chartreuse on the way are impressive but the visit itself is underwhelming for many: a little short, no audio-guide / lack of information and many rooms not accessible. There are regular comments that the shop is selling enticing natural products (skin care and chestnut cream for instance) and that one should take water and some snacks before heading there as there isn't refreshment stop on the way or at the monastery.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral. The admission fees contribute to the maintenance and restoration of the Chartreuse

Conclusion

The Chartreuse de la Verne isn't for those short on time ... or with motion sickness. The visit isn't the most comprehensive but the scenery to get there and the views of the Carthusian monastery nestled in the hills will reward those keen to discover the massif des Maures countryside with a dash of cultural attraction.

Key positive

Picturesque setting

Visually impressive complex

Key negative

Long drive on narrow roads that not everybody will enjoy

Not that much to see inside and lack of detailed information

Suitability

No religious denomination restrictions. Because of the stairs, the access for disabled persons is particularly difficult and impossible with a wheelchair (it is possible to drive all the way to the monastery though)

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Open on Tuesday during Apr-Nov. Closed on religious public holidays

av. transport time:1h 15m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Feb, 01

Season 1

MONDAY11:00 - 17:00

TUESDAY -

WEDNESDAY11:00 - 17:00

THURSDAY11:00 - 17:00

FRIDAY11:00 - 17:00

SATURDAY11:00 - 17:00

SUNDAY11:00 - 17:00

Start of Season 2:Jan, 01

Season 2

MONDAY -

TUESDAY -

WEDNESDAY -

THURSDAY -

FRIDAY -

SATURDAY -

SUNDAY -

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Group price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€7
5
Adult
18 - 64
€7
5
Teen & Young
12 - 17
€3
5
Child
3 - 11
€0
0
Infant
0 - 2
€0
0

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. For a complete overview of all cookies used, please see MORE INFORMATION.