Chartreuse d'Auray, Carthusian monastery in Brech, France.
Chartreuse d'Auray is a Carthusian monastery with a preserved cloister, chapel, and refectory that reflect traditional monastic design principles. The stone buildings and corridors form an interconnected complex representing standard religious architectural elements.
Founded in 1480, the monastery housed Carthusian monks until 1791 when the French Revolution forced their expulsion. This upheaval set the stage for the site's later transformation.
The monastery became an educational center in 1810 when two priests established a school for deaf and hard of hearing children, transforming its purpose from purely religious to social.
Contact the administration in advance to arrange a visit and confirm accessibility details for this historical site. The location in Brittany requires planning ahead to ensure you can see the complex.
A memorial chapel within the complex honors victims of Quiberon, where remains of executed emigrants were transferred during the Restoration period. This connection ties the monastery to a dramatic moment in French history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.