Chartreuse de Montrieux-le-Vieux

The Chartreuse de Montrieux-le-Vieux is a Carthusian monastery in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, with buildings spanning several centuries of medieval and classical architecture. The complex includes a church, cloister, monk cells, and service buildings arranged around quiet courtyards.

The monastery was founded in 1137 as the eighth Carthusian house in the order. It survived wars and conflicts, undergoing major reconstructions during the 17th and 18th centuries before eventually ceasing its religious operations.

The monastery carries the name of its Carthusian order, which maintained strict rules of silence and solitude here for centuries. The buildings and courtyards still reflect the simple, focused way of life these monks chose.

The monastery is managed by a private organization and requires advance notice for visits. Some areas of the site have restricted access, so visitors should check conditions before arriving.

A monk from the monastery introduced styrax plants to the region, which grew into extensive forests that still shape the landscape today. These trees remain a distinctive feature of the area.