Presentation
Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez is an unusual place, and a unique case : a Chartreuse (Charterhouse) which became a village ! This is what makes it so unique. After 500 years of monastic presence, whose key words were “Prayer, Solitude, and Silence”, the Site was opened by the will of the people and the force of the Revolution. New inhabitants took over the premises, transforming this retreat reserved for a privileged few into a lively village open to the world. Today, even though the Cartusiens* appreciate the peacefulness of this nugget hidden in the heart of the Pilat massif, they welcome curious visitors, impressed and respectful of this singular Site, with open arms.
* the Cartusiens are the inhabitants of Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez
A remarkable heritage
The particular history of Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez and the omnipresence of the old monastery in the very heart of the village gives it a unique charm and cachet. This quality is widely recognised. It is protected as a notable heritage site, and has been considered one of the Plus beaux villages de France® (most beautiful villages in France) since 1982, making it one of the first villages to have received this prestigious label, and the only one in the department.
Twenty years later, another, more local label was created : Les Villages de Caractère en Loire (The villages of character of the Loire). Here again, Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez has been part of this adventure from the start, thus reaffirming its commitment to heritage conservation and development, welcoming visitors, and always bearing in mind the quality of life of its inhabitants.
SAINT-ÉTIENNE HORS CADRE PARTNER
Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez belongs to the Saint-Étienne Metropolitan Area, a dynamic territory which promotes new tourism trends, based on the specificities and assets of the territory, and above all a creator of experiences. This approach is structured in the ] Saint-Étienne Hors-Cadre [ collective, supported by the Saint-Étienne Métropole Tourist Office. It directly manages The Site of the Charterhouse in Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez, which is therefore fully involved in this process.
The Hors-Cadre approach is to meet the expectations of the public in terms of tourism and culture. The collective brings together stakeholders from the Saint-Étienne Metropolitan Area who are committed to creating and sharing experiences, moments that invite visitors to take an offbeat look at the world around them.
A team at your service
Supported since 2009 by the structure of the Saint-Étienne Métropole Tourist Office, a team of guides is specially dedicated to the Site of the Charterhouse in Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez. They welcome visitors and show them around the Site; besides, they organise events all year long and facilitate workshops for the young public, while constantly improving their knowledge of the Site in order to come up with new ideas. In other words, they strive to welcome you all in the best conditions.
