Chartreuse de Bonlieu, Carthusian monastery in Bonlieu, France.
The Chartreuse de Bonlieu is a Carthusian monastery in the Jura valley beside Lake Bonlieu, located in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. The site sits within an area marked by dense forests and pastures.
The monastery was founded in 1170 by Thibert de Montmorot and received confirmation from Count Gerard of Vienne. It ceased operations as a religious community after being sold during the French Revolution.
The community developed agricultural practices across the region, including sheep farming and wool production. They also managed vineyards and salt extraction sites in the Jura area.
No original structures remain at the site today, as German forces destroyed the final remnants during their retreat in August 1944. Visitors should keep this history in mind and have realistic expectations about what they will encounter at the location.
The monastery operated industrial facilities including a forge at Saut-Girard that later supported weapons production. After the Revolution, the site was transformed into a national factory for manufacturing arms and saltpeter.
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