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Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez
Loire
Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez, a former Carthusian monastery turned village in the heart of the Pilat Regional Nature Park
Lovers of unusual destinations, welcome!
Set amidst the rolling hills of the Pilat Regional Nature Park, discover a former Carthusian monastery that has become a village! In this area, now largely made up of residential properties, delve into the religious history of Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez by visiting a few sites with evocative names: the monks’ courtyard, the Carthusian kitchen, the medieval church, the grand cloister or the hermitage... preserved or restored to bear witness to this monastic life established in the 13th century.
At the south-eastern tip of the Loire, you’ll also love Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez for its rural charm.
Living heritage and nature in the Loire
Around thirty kilometres from Saint-Étienne, Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez embraces its love of nature amidst the lush green landscapes of the Pilat. Throughout the year, a varied programme of unique tours, children’s activities and cultural events brings the Chartreuse to life, making this historic site a vibrant destination!
Saint-Etienne Tourisme Congrès-Magali Stora
Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
Your experiences to live in Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez
©Saint-Étienne Tourism & Conferences
Discover the Chartreuse at night
Are you a fan of unusual tours? Discover the Chartreuse in a whole new light during the night-time storytelling walks organised every Thursday from late July to late August. During this 1 hour 15-minute tour, your storyteller, Olivier Ponsot, will regale you with anecdotes, poetry and humour...
©Saint-Étienne Tourism & Conferences
Attend a concert in the parish church
Enjoy a moment of tranquillity whilst attending a concert in the church of the former monastery. The building’s perfect acoustics and rich wood panelling make it a unique setting for music. Be sure not to miss the programme for the classical music festival “Les Musicales”, held on the last three Sundays in September: an unmissable event in the cultural calendar.
Ideas for everyone, all the time
From Jan. 1, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2026 from 3 p.m.
Mon p'tit marché de producteurs
Vegetables, fruit, veal, pork and poultry. Cheese. Eggs, honey Prepared dishes to take away Seasonal products
Next dates:
- From 01/01/2026 to 12/31/2026
Open every day
Treasure hunt: ‘The Lost Key to the Chartreuse’
Help the aptly named “Jean de la Lune”, a Carthusian monk, find the key that unlocks the hermitages of the Chartreuse! Using the “Baludik” app, this roughly one-hour adventure will take you from clues to puzzles as you explore the Chartreuse, making for a wonderful family outing.
Giant Cluedo
It’s an unmissable event in Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez… And, to some extent, a local alternative to Halloween too! Every last Sunday in October, join the teams tasked with investigating the crime committed in the Chartreuse! A unique setting, a meticulously crafted storyline and a few cleverly scattered clues: the scene is set!
Picnic walk to the Roches de Marlin
Set off to explore the ancient megalithic site of the Roches de Marlin. During this 7.3 km walk (allow around 3 hours), you’ll pass through a succession of meadow landscapes between the Pilat Mountains, the Jarez Hills, the Gier Valley and the Lyonnais Mountains. On arrival, enjoy a romantic picnic in this setting steeped in mystery and serenity.
A musical feast
Music lovers of all genres are in for a treat! Every year in May, this festival of early music and world music fills the walls of the Chartreuse with music and a warm, friendly atmosphere for three days. A craft market and introductory workshops for adults and children are also on the programme.
Walks in the Pilat Regional Nature Park
Make the most of the fine weather and an ideal ‘playground’ for walking: the Pilat Regional Nature Park. There are several routes on offer starting from La Chartreuse, taking you to discover religious or megalithic sites: the Croix du Carem’entrant (4.4 km / 1 hr 30 mins), the Roches de Marlin (7.3 km / 3 hrs), and the Chapelle de Jurieux (5.3 km / 2 hrs).
A Stroll Through the Arts
You don’t have to choose between nature and culture! Every year in October, the Association for the Preservation and Promotion of the Old Chartreuse offers two walking routes – one 7 km and the other 14 km – around the Chartreuse, featuring works by artists displayed in unusual locations or on private estates opened up for the occasion.
Provençal nativity scene and Christmas activities
If you’re a fan of Christmas traditions, head to Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez in December! Every year, Adrien Tidjarian, a carpenter turned santon maker, sets up a giant 60m² nativity scene featuring around a hundred santons in the Church of La Chartreuse. A Christmas market, decoration workshops and other events are also organised during this period.
Map of Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez
Extend the visit to near Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez
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Office de Tourisme de Saint-Etienne
Accessibility
Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez
# Accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite : Village et tour de ronde accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite et aux poussettes
# Parking : Stationnement gratuit toute l'année
# Parking : Emplacements de stationnement pour vélos
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