Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse is a commune of the Isere in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 28 km north of Grenoble.
The territory of the locality is vast of 80 km ² and falls of the average mountain, ranging from 640 to 2079 m of altitude, in the heart of the solid mass of the Chartreuse.
Counting many hamlets, the village is located in the valley of Guiers.
The town, largely wooded (72% of its area), has become a hotspot for tourism in the region with a winter sports resort and many sports and leisure activities in summer in an exceptional natural setting.
The town is also famous for the establishment in the eleventh century of a monastery of the order of the Carthusians whose radiation proved international. Hunted during the Revolution, the religious take possession of the site in 1816. The convent buildings are once again deserted during the separation of the churches and the state but the monastery is redeveloped and expanded and again occupied by the monks from 1940.
Living mainly formerly of agriculture and forestry, Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse which counts more than 1000 inhabitants now also develops its tourist infrastructures during the twentieth century. Today it is a famous resort whose cultural heritage is also appreciated. A step is required!
If the vast monastery of the Carthusians (with buildings dating back to some of the fifteenth and seventeenth century, classified as early as 1912) can not be visited, a museum below was opened in an old dependency dating from the seventeenth. It evokes the great spiritual principles that guide the monks of the order and present via documents, objects of their everyday life, engravings and audio-visual projections the daily life of the religious. Lighting is brought on the famous liquor whose Carthusians derive their income and which is produced in Voiron according to ancestral recipes. The site houses a garden, a chapel, a space of silence and meditation and a shop. Open from April to November except Thursdays. Information on +33 4 76 88 60 45.
To see then, the museum of contemporary sacred art established in the church of the hamlet of Saint-Hugues. For over thirty years, the painter and sculptor Jean-Marie Pirot said Arcabas (1926-2018) made paintings and frescoes adorning the walls and the choir, decorated and carved altar, floor and doors. In a resolutely contemporary style but dotted with spiritual references, this museum is open every day except Tuesdays. Free entry. Information on +33 4 76 88 65 01.
In terms of historical and built heritage, are still to be included during a discovery walk the house of the Watchtower, located Desert Road, dating from the sixteenth century, classified as a Historic Monument, the forest house of the neck Charmette (nineteenth), an example of forest architecture, or several bridges, including that of the Lady in the hamlet of Diat, the bridge of the Forge, the bridge of the Tannerie on the Guiers-Mort and the Grand Logis bridge.
As for sports and nature recreation, in summer, the leisure center of the Diat includes a bike park dedicated to the practice of mountain biking, BMX, balance and rollerblading. Several trails and circuits of varying difficulty are available for practitioners of all levels. Free access.
Nearby, playgrounds, a mini-golf course and tennis courts are also available.
In July and August, on the same site, the public swimming pool discovered but whose water is heated allows to combine swimming and idleness. Price: 2.50 and 3.80 euros. Information on +33 4 76 88 60 47.
Note also for fans of thrills that it is possible to practice climbing on the site of the Rocher du Mollard and two associations offer to learn paragliding: contact "Les Gens d'Air" at +33 6 72 28 55 42 or "Fly" to +33 7 78 34 60 77.
In the summer season, countless hiking trails are possible, including the village, hamlets but also forest paths and incursions to the peaks (Chamechaude at over 2000 m altitude and Charmant Som). The opportunity to enjoy a fauna and flora of quality and enjoy views of the entire massif and valleys. Some itineraries present difficulties. As for mountain bike hikers, it is possible for them to take some ski trails in winter. Brochures, maps and information on +33 4 76 88 64 00.
Finally, the fishermen are also at the party, the Guiers being rich in trout. Maps on sale at the Tourist Office, information at +33 4 76 88 64 00 or from the local association at +33 6 47 74 16 34.
In winter, the Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse and Planolet resort has 35 km of alpine ski runs (4 black, 9 red, 5 blue and 6 green) served by 14 lifts. The estate culminates on La Scia at nearly 1800 m altitude and the bottom of the station is 900 m. A snowpark and areas dedicated to mogul skiing are also available. Snowshoeing trails and 62 km of cross-country ski trails are located in the hamlet of Saint-Hugues. All information on the station at +33 4 76 88 64 13.
Every Sunday morning, the market on the village square is a good opportunity to discover the flavors of the terroir of Dauphiné.
On the last weekend of June, the Grand Duc Ultra Trail (formerly Tour de Chartreuse) offers various races in the countryside in the mountains.
The third weekend of July, the festival of Grand Son (formerly Jacques Brel Encounters, in tribute to the singer who had a residence in the village) program on several days of rock and French song concerts.
The last weekend of July, feast of gentians with garage sale.
The first Sunday of August, in a friendly atmosphere, presentation and "battles" of Hérens cows and election of the most valiant "candidates".
