XNUMXth century farmhouse. which testifies to the architectural heritage. During the independent visit, discover the history of the region, the architecture in phase with the geology of the territory, the social life.
The Chartreuse de Bonnefoy was founded in 1156 on land donated by Guillaume de Fay, known as “Jordain”, lord of Mézenc. The Carthusian order chose this isolated site to found one of its monastic establishments. Guided tours offered in summer.
Description
The ruins of the Chartreuse de Bonnefoy date from the XNUMXth century, indeed, even if the chartreuse itself was founded at the end of the XNUMXth century, a fire ravaged the buildings. There remains the prior's house, the square tower, the entrance pavilion… The site is partly private property, please respect it.
The site of the Chartreuse de Bonnefoy is found nestled in a forest of conifers. The place is peaceful, "out of time", conducive to meditation. Bonnefoy is one of the most "intense" monastic sites by this natural contribution of serenity. The remains still reveal: the main facade rebuilt in the 7th century, the bell tower surmounted by a bronze cross 800 meters high, the prior's house , ponds and some plant specimens introduced 500 years ago. Remains of the Chartreuse de Bonnefoy: High and low house. You have to walk XNUMXm. The site is private property. Apart from guided tours, it does not allow visitors to venture there. An information panel, located on a small parking lot on the edge of the estate, gives some elements of understanding of the places and their history.
The Chartreuse will be built in the Veyradeyre valley. We find the elements favorable to the installation of an abbey, water, forest, pastures nearby.
Bonnefoy is one of the first Charterhouses founded in mountainous areas with a harsh climate (Bonnefoy is the highest altitude abbey of the Order).
The Chartreuse is in its desert, a vast territory of several thousand hectares which allows the monks to try as much
as possible to live off their own income (donations, renting land, forests, livestock, etc.). While remaining faithful to their rule of solitude and silence, they participate in the economic development of their region, the renting of land, for example, creating economic relations in the territory.
Solitude never allowed the Carthusians to operate large agricultural estates, scattered in so many "barns", like the Cistercians.
The Chartreuse site now hosts a work of contemporary art which is part of the Artistic Parcours du Partage des Eaux (contemporary open-air art course in the Monts d'Ardèche, several sites located along the geographical line of the Partage des Eaux des Eaux were chosen to host a work of art). Created by the artist Stéphane Thidet and entitled “On the other side”, this work accentuates the surreal character of the site, where a door and windows once stood, seven large screen-printed mirrors have been inserted. Slightly tilted at different angles, they reflect the landscape which literally penetrates the stone embrasures, creating an impression of disturbing transparency.
Opening
All year, every day.
Access from a designated viewpoint. Free access. Guided tour on request.
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The Chartreuse de Bonnefoy was founded by monks in 1156. On the other hand, it plays with the evolution of light. One day discreet, another bright, other times sparkling. Work by Stéphane Thidet as part of the Sharing of Waters.
Prices
| Free access. Guided tour on request. |
Location