Le Reposoir 2.57

Le Reposoir is a commune in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.GeographySituated at the foot of the Col de la Colombière and is known as one of the most picturesque regions of the Savoyard Pre-Alps. The Foron River runs through the valley and is a tributary of the Arve River.HistoryThe history of the village is often confused with the foundation of the Chartreuse monastery, founded in 1151 at the behest of Aymon I de Faucigny. The monks cleared and valued the land for farming and established the pastoral and agricultural life, which in turn brought inhabitants seeking a life of work and prayer.Le Reposoir means 'The Resting Place'.MonumentsThe Chartreuse monastery is situated in a wooded cirque within, though aside, from Le Reposoir village. Overlooking a picturesque lake, the tranquillity of the monastery is a popular attraction of Le Reposoir.Founded in 1151 by Jean d'Espagne at the behest of Aymon I de Faucigny, the monastery survived many trials and tribulations, including the French Revolution, various levels of destruction and pillaging over the ages and finally expulsion of the monks in 1901, after which it was transformed into a hotel. The Chartreuse was bought by Alessandra di Rudinì, daughter of former Italian Prime Minister Antonio Starabba, Marchese di Rudinì, in 1922. She then converted to Catholicism and entered the Carmelite order. In 1932 the restored Chartreuse became Carmelite.