Chartreuse d'Oujon

Chartreuse d'Oujon is the ruined site of a medieval Carthusian monastery in the forest above Arzier-Le Muids, in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. It stands at the foot of the Jura mountains, more than 1,000 metres above sea level, and today draws walkers looking for a quiet forest outing with a deep historical story.

What was the Chartreuse d'Oujon?

Notre-Dame d'Oujon was founded between 1146 and 1149 and was the first house of the Carthusian order in what is now Switzerland. It belonged to the diocese of Geneva. A tradition recorded in the 13th century names Louis de Mont as its founder. Donations of land built the community into a local lord of estates, and some of its former benefactors later clashed with it, among them the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Claude.

In 1304 the monks granted the people of Arzier land and tax exemption to attract settlers. The parish of Arzier followed in 1306.

Why did the monastery disappear?

The Reformation ended it. The region was under Bernese rule, and a fire struck the monastery in 1536. Three monks refused to accept the new faith and left Oujon on 4 January 1537. The empty buildings decayed and vanished over time.

What can you see today?

Do not expect standing walls or a restored church. After the excavations, attempts to preserve the walls rising above ground failed, so they were reburied and their outlines marked on the surface. Earth mounds now show the layout of the old complex. Hikers still report seeing the cellar walls of several buildings in places, which helps convey the scale of the monastery.

An archaeological trail with 12 information panels runs past the remains, and the site is protected as a monument of national importance. The visit is short, and the old forest setting suits the quiet that the Carthusians sought.

How do you get to the Chartreuse d'Oujon?

The ruins can only be reached on foot. The simplest route is the NStCM railway to the Arzier stop, then about 40 minutes of walking. You can also drive to Arzier-Le Muids and continue along forest tracks. Wear sturdy shoes, since forest paths can stay wet after rain.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring to autumn offers dry paths and easy reading of the panels. At over 1,000 metres, snow can lie in the woods in winter, so the walk needs different preparation then.

Frequently asked questions

Are there information panels on site? Yes, the archaeological trail along the ruins has 12 panels covering the old buildings and the monastery's history.

How long is the walk from Arzier? Around 40 minutes on foot from the NStCM stop at Arzier.

Do any monastery walls survive? The above-ground walls were buried to protect them. Their lines show as earth mounds, and some cellar wall sections are still visible.

When did the monks leave? After the 1536 fire, three monks who rejected the Reformation left Oujon on 4 January 1537.