The monastery was originally built on the site of a 12th-century priory and destroyed by fire multiple times before its current restoration.
It is built using metamorphic green schist (serpentine) extracted from the immediate forest surroundings.
The Carthusian monks who occupied the site for centuries were known for their strict vow of silence and reclusive lifestyle.
The 17th-century bell tower was added after earlier Romanesque structures were damaged.
The site contains the ruins of the original 12th-century church, which was larger than the current restored chapel.
The monastery is located within a protected forest area known for its unique Mediterranean biodiversity.
The Moniales de Bethléem community maintains the site while living a life of prayer and manual labor, including the creation of artisanal ceramics.
Chartreuse de la Verne is a 12th-century monastery situated in the heart of the Massif des Maures forest. Founded in 1170, it transitioned through several religious orders before being settled by the Moniales de Bethléem in 1983. The site retains significant Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements, including a fortified gateway and a 17th-century bell tower. It is constructed primarily from locally sourced serpentine stone, which gives the masonry a distinctive greenish hue. Visitors explore the preserved cloister, ruins of the monks' cells, and the restored chapel. The monastery is remote, accessible via a winding forest road that rises into the hills above Collobrières. It functions as a cloistered contemplative site, requiring visitors to observe strict silence in designated areas.
The arched stone entrance gate framed by the surrounding forest trees.
Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the path from the parking area to the entrance is steep and unpaved.
Maintain absolute silence upon entering the inner courtyards and chapel.
Bring a light jacket, as the altitude and forest shade make the temperature significantly cooler than the coast.
Do not attempt to reach the monastery during high-wind alerts, as the forest road is frequently closed for wildfire prevention.
Closed on Tuesdays. Often closed during periods of extreme fire risk in the summer months.
Modest dress is strictly required; shoulders and knees must be covered. Silence is mandatory in all religious and contemplative spaces.
