Touvière - Caronière loop - Hike

The old Carthusian monastery, now Carmel, is classified as a Historic Monument. In the shadow of Pointe Percée (2752m), it was founded in 1151 by Carthusian monks.The buildings, refurbished in 1686 and 1717, contain the old cells of the monks, the large and the small cloister in Flamboyant Gothic style (open for visits only during the European Heritage Days), the harmonious chapel (1480-1530) and the common rooms. After having cleared the soils for centuries and organized pastoral and agricultural life, the Carthusians left the place in 1901, leaving the place since 1932 to Carmelites. Inside, the nuns broadcast a commented slide show about their way of life. A model of the buildings is also displayed. Contact our heritage guide Anne-France Binder for a guided tour of the monument. Do not hesitate to take a look at the chapel of John from Spain the Blessed to learn more about the origins of the building.

Le Reposoir's church was built by the same architect than the church of Saint-Sigismond : the priest Rouge. Constructed in 1849 on a Greek cross plan, it had no steeple for lack of means.In 1888, the church declared too small for 430 inhabitants, was extended on a Latin cross plan. The wooden belfry was replaced by the current steeple and the works were paid by the Carthusian monks. Inside, you will be able to see 8 stained-glass windows made by the factory of Bessac near Grenoble and a statue of John from Spain the Blessed. For a detailed story of the church and the village, please contact our heritage guide Anne-France Binder.