Jardin des Chartreux - Clos St Benoit

Welcome to the Jardin des Shar-tru, a hidden gem perched on the western slopes of the Kwar-Roose hill. As an observer of urban landscapes, I find this garden to be one of the most evocative spaces in Lyon. …

To understand this garden, we must first understand the men who built it. The Carthusian order, founded by Saint Bruno in the eleventh century, is known for its extreme austerity and commitment to silence. …

The primary reason many visitors seek out the Jardin des Shar-tru is for its exceptional panoramic views. From the main terrace, the city of Lyon unfolds like an architectural map. …

The 'Clos St Benoit' section of the garden is a specific nod to the agricultural heritage of the Kwar-Roose. Before the hill was covered in the high-ceilinged apartments of the silk weavers, it was a landscape of 'clos'—walled…

In a fascinating twist of cultural evolution, the Jardin des Shar-tru has become a key venue for the 'Extras' of Nuits Sonores, one of Europe’s premier electronic music festivals. For several days each year, the silence of the…

As we walk through the various levels of the garden, it is worth paying attention to the remarkable botanical collection. The Jardin des Shar-tru acts as one of the 'green lungs' for the densely populated first arrondissement. …

Just adjacent to the garden stands the Church of Saint-Bruno-les-Shar-tru, the only true Baroque church in Lyon and one of the finest in France. Although we are in a garden, the presence of the church is felt in every corner of…

As we finish our stroll through the Jardin des Shar-tru, I hope you have felt the layers of history that make this site so special. We have moved from the austere silence of the Carthusian monks to the vibrant energy of modern…