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Chartreuse de Champmol: A Glimpse into Burgundian History

Discover the artistic legacy of the Chartreuse de Champmol in Dijon, a former monastery and burial site of the Dukes of Burgundy.

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The Chartreuse de Champmol, once a Carthusian monastery founded in 1383 by Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, served as a dynastic burial site and a center for artistic innovation. Although largely dismantled during the French Revolution, the site retains significant sculptures, including the famed Well of Moses and the church portal, showcasing the artistic brilliance of the Burgundian-Flemish style. Today, the grounds house a psychiatric hospital, offering a unique blend of historical and contemporary functions.

A brief summary to Chartreuse de Champmol

Local tips

  • Visit the Well of Moses and the church portal to see the best-preserved examples of Burgundian-Flemish sculpture.
  • Access the Chartreuse de Champmol via Boulevard Chanoine Kir to reach the main gate.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through the botanical gardens to access the Champmol complex from smaller roads.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Dijon city center, take bus line 3 towards Fontaine d'Ouche and stop at CH La Chartreuse. The bus stop is directly in front of the Chartreuse de Champmol. A single fare costs around €1.50.

  • Walking

    From Dijon city center, it is approximately a 1-hour walk to Chartreuse de Champmol. Head west along Avenue Albert 1er, then turn onto Boulevard Chanoine Kir. The entrance to Chartreuse de Champmol will be on your right. Note that the entrance closest to the chapel from Avenue Albert 1re may be closed.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    A taxi or ride-share from Dijon city center to Chartreuse de Champmol takes approximately 10 minutes. Expect to pay between €10-€15 for the ride.

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Discover more about Chartreuse de Champmol

Founded in the late 14th century by Philip the Bold, the Chartreuse de Champmol was intended to be a grand necropolis for the Valois Dukes of Burgundy, rivaling the French kings' burial site at Saint-Denis. The monastery quickly evolved into a hub of artistic excellence, attracting talented artists who contributed to its lavish decoration with paintings, sculptures, and tapestries. Construction began in 1383, with the first stone laid by Duchess Margaret, and the church was consecrated in 1388. The monastery comprised individual hermitages for monks, surrounding the main cloister. Philip the Bold's vision was brought to life by architect Drouet de Dammartin and later enhanced by the renowned sculptor Claus Sluter. During the French Revolution, the monastery was largely dismantled, with the church and many buildings destroyed. However, some significant works survived, including the church portal with sculptures of Philip the Bold and his wife, Margaret of Flanders, as well as the Well of Moses. The Well of Moses, originally located in the grand cloister, features impressive statues of Moses and other Old Testament prophets. In 1833, the estate was repurposed as a psychiatric hospital, a function it continues to serve today. Visitors can still explore the grounds and admire the surviving sculptures, offering a glimpse into the artistic and historical significance of this once-grand monastery. The site stands as a testament to the artistic achievements of the Burgundian era, blending history, art, and modern-day function.

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