Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights & Activities
Monastère de la Verne
MONASTERY
( 04 94 43 45 51;
http://la.verne.free.fr
; near Collobrières; adult/child €6/
3; 11am-5pm Wed-Mon Feb-May & Sep-Dec, 11am-6pm Jun-Aug)
Majestic, 12th- to
13th-century Monastère de la Verne perches unbelievably on the hip of a mountain deep
in the forest, but with a view to the sea. The Carthusian monastery was founded in 1170,
possibly on the site of a temple to the goddess Laverna, protector of the bandits who hid
in the Maures. The Huguenots destroyed most of the original charterhouse in 1577. Since
1982 the solitary complex has been home to 28 nuns, of the Sisters of Bethlehem.
The monastery's restoration has been a labor of love. A 20-minute video details the
work. Highlights include the austere Romanesque church, the prior's cell, complete with a
small formal garden and workshop, the bakery and the olive mill. The shop is full of ex-
cellent artisanal food, soaps, art and crafts made by the nuns. Walking trails lead from the
monastery into its 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
section, which is unpaved.
Musée de la Fabrique
MUSEUM
( 9.30am-12.30pm & 2-5pm)
This small museum, opposite
Confiserie
Azuréenne
( 04 94 48 07 20;
www.confiserieazureenne.com
)
, explains the art of mak-
ing
marrons glacés
(candied chestnuts), after which you can stock up on chestnut ice
cream,
crème de marrons
(chestnut cream), chestnut liqueur, etc in its shop.
Sleeping & Eating
The tourist office lists area
gîtes
(cottages) and B&Bs online.
Hôtel Notre Dame €€
( 04 94 48 07 13;
www.hotel-notre-dame.eu
;
15 ave de la Libération; d from €98;
)
The town's most high-end option has rooms decorated around rich colour schemes.
HOTEL
Hôtel Les Maures €
HOTEL
