Le Reposoir: holiday apartments and holiday homes

The former Chartreuse du Reposoir, now a Carmelite convent, is classified as a historic monument and houses the large and small cloisters in the flamboyant Gothic architectural style. At the foot of this complex lies Lac du Carmel, offering views of Pointe Percée.

Those planning a stay in Le Reposoir may wish to rent a holiday apartment.

Culture and history

The Chartreuse du Reposoir was founded by Carthusian monks in 1151. The Chapelle du Bienheureux Jean d’Espagne was built in 1891 on the foundations of the church of the first monastery, dating from the 12th century. Every year on 25 June, the parishioners of Le Reposoir make a pilgrimage to this chapel.

Porte d'Age is the restored ruin of a former farm that served as the entrance to the Carthusian domain. Les Jeudis du Patrimoine offers guided tours with a Guide du Patrimoine Savoie Mont-Blanc. By reservation, educational tours are available for children and young people on five topics: coats of arms and heraldic symbols, medieval architecture, the organisation of a monastery, sundials, and the history and architecture of a fortified house.

Nature and trails

The Tour du Carmel par le Châble hike is easily accessible, passes a lake and goes through woodland, offering mountain panoramas around Le Reposoir; one section has a steep ascent. Les Balcons du Reposoir is a circular hike that runs mainly through woodland, with views of the monastery roofs and the surrounding peaks. Le Secret du Reposoir is an outdoor adventure game combining an orienteering course with an outdoor escape game.

The route to the Grotte de Montarquis leads from the Col de la Colombière through a wild karst depression with a rich variety of wildlife. Exploration inside the Grotte de Montarquis is reserved for cavers.

Getting there

From the A40 motorway, take exit 18 near Scionzier, then follow the road for 9 km towards Le Reposoir and Col de la Colombière. The cycling stage of the Route des Grandes Alpes runs from Cluses via Le Reposoir to this pass. The Col de la Colombière is a pass leading to the Aravis massif and its winter sports resorts, offering panoramic views of the Aravis massif and the Bargy range.

Local area

La Ferme d'en Haut sold farmhouse cheese made from goat's and cow's milk; it was also possible to see the animals and the cheese-making process. The farm was temporarily closed.

More destinations: La Forclaz, La Clusaz, Morzine, Sales, Nâves-Parmelan, Combloux, Saint-Eustache, Doussard

To the main travel overview: Haute-Savoie.