La Chartreuse de Villeneuve lez Avignon is one of the largest Carthusian monasteries in France. Labelled as a CCR (heritage site for culture) in 1975, it is also home to the National Playwriting Centre, earning it a national and international reputation in the field of dramatic writing.
THE HERITAGE SITE
The history of the Carthusian monastery of Villeneuve-lez-Avignon began under prestigious and unique auspices for a monastery of this order, since it was founded on the initiative of Pope Innocent VI at that particular time when Avignon was a papal enclave. It thus benefited from a great spiritual, artistic and economic influence. The frescoes commissioned by the pope from Matteo Giovannetti and the pope's own tomb, who wished to be buried in the charterhouse, still bear witness to the grandeur of this past. Over the centuries, the Charterhouse continued to grow and embellish, becoming the richest in France in the mid-17th century. During the French Revolution, the Carthusian monks were expelled and the monastery became a rather marginal part of Villeneuve for almost two centuries. It was at the instigation of Prosper Mérimée that the State undertook a long policy of acquiring the whole complex, covering more than 17,000 m2, while at the same time taking charge of the renovations and restorations that continue today. Another chapter began in 1973, when several visionary pioneers decided to turn this outstanding medieval monument into a permanent cultural venue, to rival the world theatre festival in Avignon.
THE CULTURAL PROJECT
Conceived as a French-style Villa Médicis, the CIRCA project - International Centre for Research, Creation and Animation, a non-profit organisation created in 1973, is responsible for managing the cultural and artistic activity of the Chartreuse, under an agreement with the State. Since 1991, the activities have been refocused on hosting authors and theatre companies in residence, under the name of Centre national des écritures du spectacle (CNES). La Chartreuse is a place for meeting, working and promoting performing artists on the national territory, while developing an important international component. In 2022, it will become one of the three centres of reference for Francophone writing.
At the same time, the Chartreuse, which is open to the public all year round, seeks to transform the visitor experience into a living dialogue between heritage and creativity. It promotes sensitive and responsible tourism, which incorporates reflection on today's societal and environmental issues of heritage preservation.
The Chartreuse is a place that, in terms of both heritage and art, places the value of hospitality at the centre, fostering experimentation, encounters and the freedom to be inventive.
ACTIVITIES AND ACTIONS
The Chartreuse is one of the largest residential centres in France and in the world dedicated to French and foreign playwrights, creation and research in the field of live performance. It welcomes more than 300 authors and theatre companies every year.
Throughout the year, it offers a rich cultural programme punctuated by festivals: Architecture en Fête, Festival du Polar, Journées de l'Édition Théâtrale, Nuits de Juin and Rencontres d'Été. Numerous events invite the public and our partners to discover the richness of the cultural centre and to share unique experiences that combine interests in heritage and creativity: shows, resident laboratories, original visits, exhibitions, or proposals to make the monument accessible to all. In addition, training seminars, study days and professional meetings are all opportunities to discover the Chartreuse's commitment to supporting creativity.