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La Chartreuse de la Verne, Collobrieres
Enormous Benedictine abbey in the heart of the Massif des Maures
Located in Collobireres, the old Carthusian monastery of Our Lady of La Verne is close in distance from the major tourist towns.
The Romanesque church was built in 1174, however in 1264 and 1271 it was burned down. It wasn't until the sixteenth century that the present chapel and the great south gate were built.
The current Chartreuse is a lovely and imposing set of buildings, completely isolated in a hilly forest of pine, oak and chestnut, overlooking the artificial lake, Lac de la Verne.
The drive up to the monastery is a beautiful scenic trip. A community of nuns still lives in the building, making ceramics and other crafts for sale at their shop.
Directions
From Collobrieres, take theD14 road towards Grimaud. After around 6km, turn right to La Verne and follow the signs.
