Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse: a natural getaway with Camping La Bruyère
In Isère, Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse is a magnificent village perched at an altitude of 900 meters. What makes it special? It seems almost destined to make your stay unforgettable. This tourist haven enjoys a spectacular green setting in the heart of the Chartreuse massif.
The village is a popular holiday destination in summer and winter alike. It's home to a ski area, beautiful hamlets and fascinating sights. It also offers all kinds of exciting activities. If you want to enjoy everything this charming village has to offer, opt for nearby accommodation! Camping La Bruyère, 24 kms away, is an excellent choice. A complete change of scenery awaits you on our site.
A brief history of the village
Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse has been around since ancient times. The first inhabitants took refuge in the Eugles cave on the edge of the massif. In the Middle Ages, the village was called " Calma Trossa ". This name changed over time. It became " Charme Trousse " and then " Chartrousse ".
The history of this commune is closely linked to that of the Carthusian Order. At the instigation of Bishop Hugues de Grenoble, Saint Bruno and his six friends settled in the area in 1084. They named the village Cartusia, a Latin term meaning "Charterhouse", which is the origin of the commune's name.
During the French Revolution, the monks were expelled from the monastery. They returned in July 1816. On October 16, 1845, a fire destroyed the village and the church was in flames. The monastery made a major contribution to its reconstruction.
Today, Saint-Pierre is one of Isère's largest and most beautiful rural communes. With a population of 950, it comprises a central village and numerous hamlets. It's a famous tourist destination, a true paradise for nature lovers.
Monuments and places to visit in Saint Pierre de Chartreuse
A stay in Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse is above all a time for discovery. There are many places you should visit during your stay.
1 - Architectural and historical monuments
Remarkably beautiful architectural monuments have been erected in the village. First and foremost is the Monastère de la Grande Chartreuse with its unique architecture. Situated in an area of silence known as the "Chartreuse Desert", it has been a listed monument since 1912. Please note! Stroll around the site in silence.
You should also take the time to visit the Valley of a Hundred Castles, in the Grésivaudan region. It features castles and houses dating back to the 18th century. The Maison du Guet is well worth a visit. This listed forester's house is located on the Route du Désert. Its construction dates back to the 16th century. A walk over the Pont de la Tannerie and the Pont du Grand Logis should also be on the agenda.
2 - The village museums
Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse is home to two museums that welcome thousands of visitors a year. The first is located in the monastery 's "lower house" or former Correrie. This is the Grande Chartreuse museum. During your visit here, you'll discover the 900-year history of the Carthusian order and the region.
The second museum is in the Eglise de Saint-Hugues-de-Chartreuse, a religious building constructed in 1860. It is a museum of contemporary art. It exhibits 111 works by Arcabas, a French painter and sculptor. These include magnificent paintings, stained-glass windows, sculptures and engravings.
3 - Natural sites
Numerous natural sites attract the curiosity of visitors, such as the Dent de Crolles, with its karstic underground network.
The largest forest area in the French Alps is located in the village of Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse. This is the Grande Chartreuse state forest. This natural park is well worth a visit. It may surprise you with its particularly rich flora and fauna.
Outdoor sports and leisure activities in Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse
A stay in Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse is synonymous with a wide range of outdoor activities. With its high level of sunshine, it offers a wide range of sports and leisure activities.
Mountain biking
In summer, mountain biking is one of the region's top activities. Experienced cyclists will particularly enjoy the rides over the Col du Cucheron, the Col de Porte, the route des PréAlpes and the P'tites Routes du Soleil.
The Diat leisure center, on the other hand, is a recommended address if you want to enjoy mountain biking with the whole family. The site boasts a bike park with trails specially designed for beginners. Rollerblades and scooters are also available. There are also playgrounds, tennis courts and a mini-golf course nearby.
Climbing
For thrill-seekers, Saint-Pierre boasts a number of high peaks ideal for rock climbing.
The Rocher du Mollard is an address to remember. Located in the heart of the village, it's the ideal place to try out climbing with the whole family. The rocky bar on this site has routes for beginners.
For more experienced climbers, more challenging routes are available. These include the Grand Som and its vertiginous ridges. And let's not forget Chamechaude at 2082 meters. On reaching the summit, you can admire the panoramic view of Mont Blanc and the Vercors.
Walking tours
If you like hiking, Saint-Pierre has several trails for all levels. The various trails in the Chartreuse massif offer hikers exceptional panoramic views. Some trails are also ideal for trail runners.
Paragliding
A paragliding school is open in the village. It offers introductory and advanced courses. During your vacation in Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse, you'll have the chance to take your first flight. Of course, you'll be accompanied by an instructor.
On-line fishing
For licensed fishing enthusiasts, there's no shortage of opportunities to call in good trout. The village and surrounding area are home to streams and rivers. These have already delighted many anglers. What's more, you'll find fishing tackle rental services in the village.
Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse ski resorts
In winter, Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse becomes a village resort, a perfect place for skiing. This makes it an exceptional destination for the Christmas vacations. Alpine skiing enthusiasts have a date with the Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse-Le Planolet resort. It is located on La Scia. Immersed in the heart of the natural park, the resort boasts 35 km of pistes and 14 lifts, including a gondola, three chairlifts and 10 drag lifts.
Thrill-seekers and experienced skiers can get away from the resort for a while. Just take the Creux de la Neige ski lift to find areas with good snow conditions. You'll also enjoy breathtaking views of the Grand Som and the Lances de Malissard.
Looking for a family ski vacation? The family-friendly resort of Saint-Hugues-de-Chartreuse is a good choice. This ski area is located in the hamlet of Les Égaux. It's the perfect address for beginners. There are 6 marked snowshoe itineraries and 62 kilometers of cross-country ski trails. You'll easily find a chalet near these resorts.
Camping La Bruyère: your ideal base for exploring the region
Located north of the Chartreuse Massif in Savoie, Camping La Bruyère opens its doors to holidaymakers. It promises a unique stay in a verdant setting. It's the perfect place to recharge your batteries or relax for a weekend. But it's also possible to spend the next school vacations here.
This campsite offers 57 pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, plusa chalet and 2 tent lodges. They offer a unique view of the surrounding woods and mountains. A large building houses completely renovated sanitary facilities and a common room. The common room becomes a play area for residents in bad weather. Everyone can play or read together.
At Camping La Bruyère, your stay will be one of relaxation and conviviality. The site focuses on slow tourism. What's more, it's committed to respecting the environment and adopting a responsible approach. To top it all off, it's the ideal starting point for exploring the Chartreuse and visiting the village of Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse.
In a nutshell...
Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse promises immersion in the heart of nature. History buffs? Sports enthusiasts looking for outdoor adventure? Looking for a peaceful haven to recharge your batteries? It's the perfect destination for your next vacation. And to make the most of this experience, Camping La Bruyère welcomes you to an exceptional setting. A change of scenery and moments of relaxation are guaranteed. Book your pitch on our vacation site and share an incredible stay with your loved ones!
