Twelve kilometres from Collobrieres on the Grimaud road, the Chartreuse de la Verne occupies a wooded fold of the Maures massif. Founded in 1170, rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries, it has been fully restored. Its singularity is mineral as much as architectural: door frames and vaults are cut from the green serpentine quarried in the Maures. A monastic community of Bethlehem has lived here since 1983, under a vow of silence.
The visit is therefore a restrained one, far removed from the conventional heritage circuit. It is a hinterland stop, about forty minutes by road from the gulf, and requires a vehicle. One point of attention: from 21 June to 20 September the RD214 access road falls under the Var forest-access regulations, which may close the route depending on the day's fire risk.
Other experiences in Port de Saint-Tropez
The Tropezian sandal was born here in 1927. The Rondini family still stitches it by hand in its workshop on rue Georges Clemenceau, minutes from the old port.
Food & VineyardsFondugues-Pradugues, a biodynamic vineyard in RamatuelleAt the foot of Ramatuelle village, an estate certified organic and Demeter, presented as the only certified biodynamic vineyard on the Saint-Tropez peninsula.
Adventure & OutdoorsCap Taillat and Cap Lardier, coastline protected by the ConservatoireTwo preserved headlands between Ramatuelle and La Croix-Valmer, owned by the Conservatoire du littoral and managed with CEN PACA and the town of Ramatuelle.
Shopping & CraftsmanshipCh. Courrieu, the master pipe maker's workshop in CogolinA Cogolin family house shaping briar pipes since 1802, holder of the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant label, with a guided tour of the workshop.
Wellness & Private RetreatsLily of the Valley, a wellness stop above GigaroOn the heights of Gigaro in La Croix-Valmer, a five-star house open year-round whose wellness programme combines nutrition, treatments and sport.