Historic site and monument

The Charterhouse of Saint-Hugon

free
Arvillard

About us

The former Charterhouse of Saint-Hugon burned down in a fire at the end of 2017. The reconstruction will take a long time. The Karma Ling Institute, which resides there, has however reopened its doors and continues its activities.

Located in the hamlet of Saint-Hugon, the Chartreuse de Saint-Hugon was run by the Carthusian Fathers until 1792. Main support for the sale and manufacture of iron and steel, this former monastery is now the headquarters from the Karma Ling Institute.

The history of this site begins in 1173, on the banks of the Bens river.
This charterhouse was especially famous for its forges and its blast furnaces. Iron ore was particularly abundant in the region. Ovens made it possible to roast the ore before it was deposited, for several years, in a spacious esplanade called "regraine". Cast, iron ore was transformed into iron or steel. Swifts made large band irons, circles and hardware (stoves, pots, shovels...). Until the French Revolution, the monks maintained this iron and steel industry which was a real source of profit for the monastery. In 1792, the monks were driven out, the Chartreuse was pillaged and abandoned. Their property was sold as national property.
Since 1979, the Karma Ling Institute, one of the great European Buddhist centres, has occupied the former Charterhouse of Saint-Hugon.

  • Working Languages French

Pratical information

  • Services
    • Shop
    • Guided tours
  • Equipments
    • Parking nearby

Opening

From: 01 / 01 / 24 To: 31 / 12 / 24

  • Monday : Open
  • Tuesday : Open
  • Wednesday : Open
  • Thursday : Open
  • Friday : Open
  • On Saturday: Open
  • Sunday: Open

Contact & Access