Chartreuse de Vauclaire, Carthusian monastery in Montpon-Ménestérol, France
The Chartreuse de Vauclaire is a Carthusian monastery in Montpon-Ménestérol with individual cells arranged around a large cloister and a central church. The complex retains 14th-century frescoes in its church and displays the typical layout designed for monastic life separated from the outside world.
The monastery was founded in 1315 with noble patronage and survived the Wars of Religion and the French Revolution. In the 20th century it underwent major changes when used by the military and later converted into a healthcare institution.
The name comes from the Vauclaire family who donated the land for the monastery's creation. Visitors can see how the layout reflects the monks' desire for solitude combined with communal worship in the church.
The site is located in a rural area and requires a car to reach it, as public transportation options are limited. Visitors should check in advance whether guided tours are available, as the interior is not always freely accessible.
Between 1916 and 1918 the monastery served as a military hospital for American soldiers during World War I. This surprising use left marks on the site's history that visitors can still learn about today.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
