Discover Saint-Pierre-De-Chartreuse

Saint-Pierre-De-Chartreuse brings Carthusian history together with a variety of trails, from an easy loop around the village to sections of the Tour de Chartreuse. In winter, seasonal skiing options are also available. When looking for a hotel for your stay, you can decide whether you are most interested in history, hiking or winter activities.

Carthusian history and sacred art

The Musée de la Grande Chartreuse is housed at La Correrie, a former residence of the Carthusian brothers. It presents European charterhouses and their distinctive architecture, and provides information about the daily lives of the Carthusians and their history, from Bruno of Cologne to the present day. In 1084, Bruno settled in Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse with six companions and founded a “desert” there. The history of the place and the museum’s presentation of Carthusian life can thus be explored together as related themes.

The Musée Arcabas en Chartreuse offers a different perspective, in the church of Saint-Hugues-de-Chartreuse in Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse. Its collection includes 111 paintings, stained-glass windows, sculptures and furnishings, and is considered one of the most outstanding works of 20th-century sacred art. While the Musée de la Grande Chartreuse focuses on the order, its architecture and its way of life, the emphasis here is on an extensive collection of sacred art.

Loops and trails in the Chartreuse

The easy Tour de Saint-Pierre loops around the village on roads, paths and a track along the Guiers. In the forest, it follows the Sentier des Orchidées and the slopes of La Scia; along the way, there are views of the Chamechaude valley. Weather and seasonal conditions can affect trail conditions. Take them into account when planning your outing.

Another option is the marked “Boucle découverte autour de Saint-Pierre” trail loop. It is 7.22 km long, with 350 metres of elevation gain and 350 metres of descent. Distance figures and markings may change; check the details before setting out. The routes are described differently: the Tour de Saint-Pierre focuses on the easy loop and its route, while the Boucle découverte gives specific distance and elevation figures.

The path to the Grande Chartreuse monastery makes for a peaceful walk through the quiet zone of the Désert de Chartreuse, with views of the Grand Som and Petit Som peaks. Check trail conditions and access before setting off. The GR de Pays “Tour de Chartreuse” reaches Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse via a descent through the forest along the Ruisseau de Rajas and through Perquelin; for this route, check the latest trail-condition updates on the official website. One stage of the Tour de Chartreuse runs from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse through the Hauts de Chartreuse National Nature Reserve to Saint-Pierre-d’Entremont. Also check the reserve regulations before setting out.

For a seasonal ride, there is the “Easy Trip Vert” e-bike route. It passes through numerous hamlets in the municipality of Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse and offers a view of the Grand Som. Check current conditions before riding. Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse is also a starting point for many hikes in the grounds of the Musée de la Grande Chartreuse.

Winter activities

In winter, lifts take visitors from the village centre to the slopes of the Coeur de Chartreuse ski area. Operations are seasonal and depend on conditions; check the latest status before planning your day around them. At the Saint-Hugues Nordic site, lessons are available in classic cross-country skiing and skating. Lessons and snow conditions depend on the season.

The very small Les Egaux ski area in Saint-Hugues is run by volunteers. Its winter operations depend on snow conditions and the current local arrangements. La Patinoire en Chartreuse offers hockey and curling for a family outing; seasonal offerings may vary. The winter options thus differ by activity and location, while each is subject to the season and local conditions.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Quentin-Fallavier, Saint-Pancrasse, Marnans, Saint-Martin-Dʼhères, Saint-Christophe-Sur-Guiers, Saint-Marcellin, Susville, Saint-Geoire-En-Valdaine.

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