The Chartreuse d’Aillon is in the Combe de Lourdens.

It has been home to the Bauge Heritage Centre since summer 2008. The themed Centre is devoted to the cultural heritage and rural life of the Massif des Bauges.

Prices: Adult: 2.50 €      Children from 7 to 17 years: 1.50 €

For full information on opening days and times, clic here


This ancient monastery of Chartreux monks was built in 1178 by Humbert III, Count of Maurienne.
In 1582, a fire totally destroyed this first monastery. It was rebuilt and then again demolished in 1793 during the French Revolution.
Only the façade building with its magnificent arches remains today.

The monastery was dedicated to prayer but was also a place for activities which have been passed down the centuries under 108 successive Priors.
The priests and friars worked in fields as varied as agriculture, crafts, stock rearing, art, writing, reading, charcoal production…










A period was marked by the iron industry.
Written records talk of the famous "Route du Fer" (Iron Route) along which the iron ore from the Basse Maurienne was brought on horseback over the Sciaz pass to be worked by the Chartreux monks.
One of the commonest objects to be manufactured in these smelting works and refineries is the forged nail with a flanged head or beaten with a hammer.
According to some reports, this activity was still in evidence as late as 1906.

Since 1990, the Association de Sauvegarde de la Chartreuse d'Aillon (The Chartreuse d’Aillon Preservation Association) has been working to preserve and restore this industrial heritage, with the assistance of European funds, the Community of Communes and the Regional Natural Park of the Massif des Bauges.




The current church dates back to 1870.

Its main entrance is a distinctive feature, since it is formed by the former exterior portal of the Chartreuse.

This part was rebuilt stone by stone by the local residents.
The pediment bears the Latin inscription "UMBERTUS COMES III" – none other than count Humbert III, builder of the Chartreuse

For more information, a booklet published by the Association de Sauvegarde de la Chartreuse (The Chartreuse d’Aillon Preservation Association) is available at the Tourist Office.