Chartreuse de Bonnefoy, Carthusian monastery ruins in Le Béage, France
Chartreuse de Bonnefoy is a Carthusian monastery ruin in Le Béage where stone walls and foundations reveal the original layout and architecture of the complex. The ruins lie in a natural setting with meadows and trees that surround the deteriorated structures.
The monastery was founded in 1156 through a donation by Lord Guillaume de Fay and operated continuously until its dissolution during the French Revolution in 1791. After this time the building gradually deteriorated into the ruins visible to visitors today.
The name Chartreuse comes from the Latin roots of the Carthusian order and reflects the stark way monks lived here in complete silence. Visitors can still sense this withdrawn way of life through the stone foundations scattered across the grounds.
The ruins are located along D377 - Route des Estables and remain accessible year-round with no entrance fees to pay. Visitors can explore the grounds freely and are welcome to bring pets along.
Each monastic cell was built like a small individual house with a private garden, allowing monks to live in complete isolation. This layout let them maintain solitude while still remaining part of a larger community.
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