If we were you, we would go there! Built in the heart of the Aravis mountains, the Carmel of Reposoir calls for contemplation. The magnificence of the place overwhelms us with emotions and soothes us. Far from the tumult of the valley, a Carmelite community here made a vow of poverty and silence. Discover this sacred place, rocked by suspended time.

History of the Chartreuse du Reposoir

Chatreuse du Reposoir vu du ciel, Carmel, carmélites, Bargy, Haute-Savoie
Cluses Digital Images Credits

The monk John of Spain, accompanied by six other monks settled in the valley of Béol in 1151.

By discovering this valley, the monks finding the place so well suited to the requirements of the Carthusian order, changed its old name from Béol to that of Reposoir.

It is therefore a question of conquering a nourishing land on the forest of the valley of Béol to make it a Rest of God.
John of Spain presents himself there as an authentic son of Saint Bruno (founder of the Order of
Chartreux): he wanted to found for his brothers a real Chartreuse facing the Aravis range.

Then came the French Revolution and the departure of the Carthusians. They did not return until fifty years later to be definitively expelled in 1901. The Chartreuse du Reposoir was then
put on sale around 1920.

Thirty years after the departure of the Carthusians, on October 15, 1932, about twenty Carmelites began their life in closing, taking over from the Carthusian monks by their life of prayer in
solution.

Life in Carmel today

Cloître du Carmel au Reposoir, Chatreuse, carmélites
Credits Charles Savouret

The monastery is home to about fifteen Carmelites who have left everything to live a deep intimacy with God in solitude and silence. They took vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.

Their life is devoted to prayer, liturgy, meditation and the various tasks of the day.

They meditate on the Word of God and intercede for the Church and the world.

Vierge à l'enfant Jésus, Carmel du Reposoir, Chartreuse, carmélites
Credits Charles Savouret

The commitment of a lifetime

1. Today, I choose this place as my eternal home.
I take my final vows. This is my choice.
Between these walls I will spend my life. (…)

I wanted to escape the world, to be a better part of it.
I am both in his heart and far from him.
5. You who pass through this world,
Continue your songs and your rounds.
I am there, in the silence and the shadows
,


2. I feel more useful here than in the bustling suburbs around me.
In this cloister where time has stopped its course,
I close my eyes and pray.
6. And I pray, that in the midst of the crash and noise,
If by any chance you should fall,
A hand reaches out, soft and powerful,
3. I pray for those who need it,
Those whom life has wounded, damaged,
Left by the wayside.

7. A friendly hand,
That grabs you and pulls you up
And sends you away without judging you,

4. I pray for those who are cold, who are hungry,
Who lost hope, who lost envy.
I pray for those who have nothing left.




8. In the great whirlwind of life,
Where you will continue to dance.


Poem by an Anonymous Sister

A heritage treasure

The Chartreuse du Reposoir is a jewel of the cultural heritage. historic, nestled in the heart of the Alps. In order to highlight this exceptional site, the inter-municipal tourist office, in agreement with the Carmelite community, called on the Monnaie de Paris. These limited edition minted coins are on sale at the Carmel boutique for 2 euros.

Monnaie de Paris, Carmel, Chartreuse du Reposoir

Visit the Charterhouse

Anne-France Binder, Savoie Mont-Blanc Heritage Guide, organizes tours of the Charterhouse all year round. Information from the tourist office.

04 50 98 18 > Reposoir tourist office

Visits can also be organized on request, directly from Anne-France Binder.

04 50 89 86 68 ou 06 81 70 17 44 > Anne France Binder

Chartreuse opening hours

Every day from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 14:30 p.m. to 18:30 p.m. (17:30 p.m. in winter).

Masses

  • Monday to Saturday at 8:30 a.m.
  • Every Sunday at 9 p.m.
  • Christmas and Easter at 9:30 a.m.
  • Non-working solemnities at 9 a.m. (January 1, Ascension Thursday, July 16, August 15 and November 1).