Quick answer
The Chartreuse de Valbonne is in Saint-Paulet-de-Caisson, about 39 to 47 km from Uzès: 51 minutes to 1h01 by car depending on the route (a route planner). We found no public transport figure, so a car is the practical way. Opening is seasonal and the listings differ, so check before you drive.
Good for: a calm half day among old stones and trees, or a quiet stop before the Ardèche.
Not for: a spontaneous winter visit; the 2026 listings run only from spring to autumn.
The Chartreuse is a Carthusian monastery in the forest north-east of Uzès, a different mood from the villages and the Roman sites. It pairs with Aven d'Orgnac or the Gorges de l'Ardèche on the way north, or with Orange on the Rhône.
| What | What to know | Check before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Drive from Uzès | To Saint-Paulet-de-Caisson, about 39 km and 51 minutes, or 47 km and 1h01 by another route (a route planner). La Valette is five minutes from Uzès. | A live map on the day; we found no public transport figure. |
| The monastery | Founded in the 13th century by the Carthusian order. It was looted and burned in the Wars of Religion, rebuilt from the 17th century, and the monks were forced out after the law of 1790. It has been a Monument historique since 1959. | Nothing; the dates differ a little between sources, so we give the century. |
| Visiting | The interior can be visited on your own or with a guide on request. An interpretive trail runs through the state forest around it. | Days and hours: two 2026 listings give different seasons, one from April to 11 October and one from 13 July to 30 September. We state no hours and no price. |
| Guided visits | A guide can be booked on request, and the local tourist office has run guided heritage visits with a tasting at the end on set summer dates. | Dates and booking with the local tourist office. |
Before you go
Check the season first
The listings we found cover only spring to autumn in 2026 and disagree on the dates. Ask the local tourist office whether the monastery is open on your day before you drive an hour.
On site
The cloister, then the forest
Allow time for the buildings, then walk the interpretive trail in the surrounding forest. Wear walking shoes and bring water; we found no information about food on site.
Frequently asked
Visiting the Chartreuse
About 39 km and 51 minutes to Saint-Paulet-de-Caisson, or 47 km and 1h01 by another route (a route planner). We found no public transport figure.
We could not confirm it. Two 2026 listings give different seasons (April to 11 October, and 13 July to 30 September), so ask the local tourist office for your date. We state no hours and no price.
A Carthusian monastery founded in the 13th century. It was destroyed in the Wars of Religion, rebuilt from the 17th century, and the monks were forced out after the law of 1790. It has been a listed Monument historique since 1959.
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