Monastère de la Verne

Top choice


The majestic 12th-century Monastère de la Verne sits on a forested ridge in the Massif des Maures, rising like an island of honeyed stone in a sea of green. The Carthusian institution was founded in 1170, possibly on the site of a temple to the goddess Laverna, protector of the bandits who hid in the Maures. It has been ravaged by fire and rebuilt several times over the years (much of the reconstruction dates from the 17th and 18th centuries).

After falling into further disrepair, the monastery has been painstakingly restored over past decades (a 20-minute video details the work) and now houses a community of the Sisters of Bethlehem. Highlights include the austere Romanesque church, the prior’s cell – with small formal garden and workshop – the bakery and the olive mill. The shop (closed Sunday) is full of excellent artisanal food, soaps, art and crafts made by the nuns. Walking trails lead from the monastery through ancient châtaigneraies (chestnut groves) into the forested surroundings.

From Collobrières, follow rte de Grimaud (D14) east for 6km, then turn right (south) on to the D214 and drive another 6km to the monastery. Park at the lot and walk the final 700m section, which is unpaved.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Château du Grimaud

6.61 MILES

Built over an 11th-century predecessor in the 13th, and extended in the 15th, this chateau was destroyed during the Wars of Religion (1562–98). Rebuilt in…

2. Domaine du Rayol

7.06 MILES

Growing continuously since its conception in 1910, this stunning garden, with plants from all Mediterranean climates, is wonderful for a stroll or a…

3. Château de Brégançon

9.56 MILES

Within sight of the Îles d’Hyères, this 52-acre vineyard abuts the early-18th-century Château de Brégançon.

4. Domaine de la Sanglière

9.76 MILES

Côtes de Provence and La Londe Appellation rosés, reds and whites can be tasted at this winery with a view of the sea. Technically it's in Bormes-les…

5. Clos Mireille

9.91 MILES

One of three estates comprising Domaines Ott, a winemaking concern with roots in the late 19th-century, Clos Mireille is still run by descendants of…

6. Château des Bormettes

10.58 MILES

Scenic, with a cellar located under a former Carthusian monastery, des Bormettes is also ancient, with evidence of wine-production in the area going to…

7. Village des Tortues

10.66 MILES

This sanctuary protects one of France’s most endangered species, the Hermann tortoise (Testudo hermanni) today found only in the Massif des Maures and on…

8. Fort de Brégançon

10.67 MILES

A private residence of the president from 1968 to 2013, the Fort de Brégançon is now an accessible national monument. Located on a scenic peninsula 20…