Chartreuse, Isere Visit - Spring 2009

http://www.american-in-france.com; http://www.french-alps-tours.com; http://www.france-and-beyond-photoblog.com; http://www.frenchcomfortfood.com

Chartreuse is a small region about 30 minutes outside of Chambery in Isere. There are several quaint, mountain villages which are worth driving through, but what's even more beautiful is the scenery of the mountains, hills, forests and pastures. It may be the most gorgeous scenery I've seen yet and we frequent the area on our motorbike. The main little town is called St. Pierre du Chartreuse - near the town are the museum and the Abby, which was first settled in the 1100's by a Monk who came to the area for isolation and solitude. The Abby is still occupied by monks who have taken an oath of silence. Visitors are not usually allowed. Their income comes from the liquor they make which is also called 'Chartreuse.' It's quite famous in France and has an herbal taste, but frankly, I don't care for it. But what is fun is taking a tour of where they make it and other liquors in Voiron, which is a 45 minute drive away. The tour includes one tasting of their liquors and some of the fruit flavored ones are excellent. For me however the best place to stop in St. Pierre du Chartreuse is the Saint Hugues Church. It is filled with contemporary religious art by Arcabas and is glorious to see. Most French people in Chambery don't even know about the church so this is truly a wonderful secret to discover.

Have an IPhone, IPod? Buy my Chambery City Walk app and get a map, narrative, and directions to all the Old Town historic landmarks:
http://www.gpsmycity.com/gps-tour-guides/chambery-2808.html

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Travel & Events

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• Chartreuse
• savoie
• st pierre du chartreuse
• abby
• abbaye
• monk
• villages
• mountains
• museum
• arcabas
• church
• cathedral
• france
• scenery
• chambery
• saint hugues church