Chartreuse mountain passes and panoramas

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Chartreuse liqueur... and variations: Chartreuse liqueur is made in Voiron, not in the Grande Chartreuse monastery, but the liqueur's history is inseparable from the mountains and monks. Made by the Carthusian fathers since the 18th century, the secret recipe includes roughly 130 plants and mountain flowers. Several varieties of liqueurs are now available: yellow, green (sweeter and less alcoholic), a vegetable elixir... It can be used for a range of products, including chocolates. Try the particularly famous Chartreuse chocolates made at Petit, a chocolate-maker in Saint-Laurent-du-Pont. Isabelle and Emmanuel Petit welcome visitors to their laboratory and shop for chocolate and sweets tastings. They explain how chocolate is made, from the cocoa bean to the subtle chocolate-chartreuse mixture.
www.chartreuse.fr
www.chocolatier-petit.com

History, culture and heritage

Gorges du Guiers Vif: this canyon is also known as the Gorges de Frou sous le Pas du Frou. "Frou" means ugly in local dialect. The Pas du Frou overlooks the Guiers Vif, a natural border between Isère and Savoie. The road, hanging on to the cliff face, links Saint-Pierre d'Entremont to Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers.

Château de Montbel ruins: overlooking the Gorges du Frou (variant: 2 km round trip), the ruins of the castle occupy a promontory ideal for a vast view over the Chartreuse ranges. It was the second stronghold for the Lords of Entremonts, then belonged to Carthusian monks who were expelled during the Revolution. Finally, it became state property and was later abandoned.

Cirque de Saint-Même (variant: 8 km round trip variant) is one of the most popular Chartreuse visits. An impressive 500-metre-high amphitheatre of limestone cliffs, it is streaked with four immense roaring waterfalls coming from underground springs in the Guiers Vif. Don't miss the 90-minute hike along the waterfall trail. Good walking shoes required. Another must-see is the Eglise de Saint-Hugues-de-Chartreuse.

Musée d’art sacré contemporain: another must-see in Chartreuse is the Eglise de Saint-Hugues-de-Chartreuse. This church is entirely decorated with superb frescoes in bright colours by painter Arcabas. He worked on the decorations for over 30 years. It is a major work of contemporary sacred art.

Le musée de la Grande Chartreuse: in Saint-Pierre-de- Chartreuse near the monastery, this museum explains all there is to know about the Carthusian order with new scenography including films, audio guides and stories. The visit inspires silence and contemplation.