An escape to the Chartreuse massif from Megève

Between heaven and earth, the Chartreuse Massif unveils its mysterious charms less than two hours' drive from Megève. This pre-Alpine sanctuary, guardian of a thousand-year-old monastic tradition and a showcase for unspoilt nature, offers guests at Chalet Ararat a unique interlude.

Far from the hustle and bustle of the Alpine resorts, this getaway is an invitation to discover an area where spirituality, gastronomy and grandiose landscapes come together in harmony.

A protected sanctuary between the Alps and the Pre-Alps

Point of history

In 1084, Bruno of Cologne and six companions, guided by Bishop Hugh of Grenoble, settled in this mountain "desert." This quest for solitude and contemplation gave birth to the Carthusian Order, whose spiritual influence has endured for centuries. The Grande Chartreuse Monastery, the order's mother house, remains a place of prayer today, where some thirty monks perpetuate this centuries-old tradition in the greatest silence.

The monastery's troubled history – avalanches, fires, revolutions – has never weakened the monks' determination. Rebuilt several times, the current Grande Chartreuse is impressive in its dimensions:

• 35 cells,
• 4 hectares of roofs,
• 8 bell towers dominating a listed site where even overflight is forbidden to preserve the tranquillity of the area.

Chartreuse liqueur, born of a mysterious 1605 manuscript detailing 130 medicinal plants, is the other side of this heritage. Today, only two monks hold the secret to this recipe, perpetuating a unique know-how that funds the life of the community.

An exceptional natural setting

Established as a Regional Nature Park in 1995, the Chartreuse massif forms an area of striking beauty. Chamechaude, the highest point at 2,082 metres, dominates a series of deep valleys and limestone ridges that form a landscape unique in the Pre-Alps. This particular geology has created a maze of gorges, caves and vertiginous cliffs where remarkable biodiversity flourishes.

The deep forests are home to an unspoilt fauna - lynx, chamois, deer - while the mountain pastures are home to an exceptionally rich alpine flora. This natural heritage, shaped by centuries of respectful monastic presence, today offers privileged visitors panoramas of rare purity, far removed from traditional tourist routes.

Accessibility from Megève

The journey from your Chalet Ararat to the Massif de la Chartreuse is an experience in itself. In less than 90 minutes via Annecy and Chambéry, the route gradually reveals the transition between the high Alpine peaks and the gentle curves of the Pre-Alps.

During this itinerary, photographic stops are essential at the most beautiful viewpoints, particularly at the Col du Granier, where the view takes in the whole massif.

Exclusive experiences in the massif

Hiking and relaxing

Far from the overcrowded trails of the Alps, the Chartreuse offers an ideal playground for hiking enthusiasts. The ascent to Chamechaude via the Col de Porte remains an accessible classic, rewarding walkers with a 360° panorama embracing Mont-Blanc, Vercors and Belledonne. The more confidential Charmant Som unveils its flower-filled mountain pastures and encounters with flocks of sheep.

For a calmer approach, the paths around the monastery invite meditation. The zone of silence surrounding the Grande Chartreuse creates a unique atmosphere where only the sounds of nature disturb the peacefulness of the place. The guides, who know the area inside out, will adapt the routes to suit you and your physical condition.

Heritage and spirituality

The new museum tour of the Caves de la Chartreuse in Voiron offers a fascinating immersion into the world of the legendary liqueur. Over 2,500 m² of completely renovated space, more than 1,200 heritage pieces retrace the epic tale of the distilling monks. This exceptional visit, limited to 8 people, offers a privileged moment with a tasting of rare vintages.

The Grande Chartreuse Museum, housed in the former Correrie, provides an insight into the Carthusian monks' eremitical life through reconstructions of monastic cells. This complementary visit sheds new light on Carthusian spirituality and its influence on the region.

Spiritual retreats can be organised in a number of locations close to the monastery for those in search of renewal. A moment of silence and meditation in an exceptional setting.

Exceptional activities

As well as more 'traditional' activities, the massif lends itself to exclusive outdoor activities:

• Canyoning,
• Caving,
• Ski touring and snowshoeing in winter,
• Des via ferrata

The Chartreuse Massif, an art of living

Gastronomy

The culinary tradition of the Chartreuse region has its roots in monastic simplicity enhanced by local produce. La Table du Moulin des Chartreux, nestling on the banks of the Guiers vif, embodies this philosophy with its refined seasonal cuisine in an exceptional historic setting. Local chefs reinterpret traditional recipes with a contemporary twist.

Pairing food and Chartreuse liqueurs is a unique taste experience. Green Chartreuse, more herbaceous and powerful, sublimates local cheeses and desserts with aromatic herbs. Yellow Chartreuse, which is sweeter and honeyed, goes wonderfully with lake fish and poultry.

At Chalet Ararat, we provide a private chef. But we can also book the best tables in the Chartreuse massif for you.

Crafts and know-how

The massif perpetuates centuries-old artisanal traditions. Artisanal distilleries offer private tours to discover the creation of eaux-de-vie and liqueurs inspired by the Carthusian tradition. Woodworking workshops, a legacy of monastic carpentry, open their doors for exclusive demonstrations.

The mountain pasture cheese dairies welcome privileged visitors for guided tastings. Saint-Marcellin, Estival de Chartreuse and other local specialities reveal authentic flavours, the fruit of know-how handed down from generation to generation.

Tailor-made experiences from the Ararat chalet

A getaway to Chartreuse can be tailored to suit all tastes. A day of discovery allows you to explore the riches of the mountain range: a visit to the cellars, a gourmet lunch, and a digestive stroll around the monastery. For a deeper immersion, a two- or three-night stay in a private Chartreuse offers time for contemplation.

Families will appreciate the fun activities: treasure hunts in the caves, introduction to climbing on the school cliffs, discovering the fauna with a naturalist guide. Workshops on making herbal teas from local plants are a big hit with young and old alike.

Returning to Chalet Ararat at the end of the day promises a moment of absolute relaxation. The indoor pool and cinema room round off this Carthusian interlude in style. For dinner, our chef can create a menu evoking the flavors discovered during the excursion, thus extending the journey of the senses.

The Chartreuse Massif reveals a little-known facet of the Alps, where thousand-year-old spirituality converses with unspoilt nature. This getaway from Megève offers a genuine experience of rejuvenation, far from the beaten track. Between monastic contemplation, culinary discoveries and natural wonders, each Chalet Ararat guest finds in this interlude an echo of their deepest aspirations. A journey through time and space that adds a unique spiritual and cultural dimension to any Alpine holiday.