Paris | From Monks to Modern Mixology: The Fascinating Story of Chartreuse
Chartreuse Paris-Vauvert
When it comes to travel, are you the type of person who plans every detail of a trip down to the minute, or do you prefer to improvise and see where the road may take you? Over the last few years, I’ve learned that travel can be such a personal experience, and how we approach it often says a lot about our personalities. Whether you’re into color-coded itineraries or you thrive on last-minute adventures, there’s no right or wrong way to explore. During my last few adventures, I’ve made a loose itinerary- securing those restaurant reservations or tickets to a must-see museum exhibition, but if it’s a town I’m becoming acquainted with, I like to leave ample time to explore and wander off the beaten path. After all, you never know who you will meet or what you may stumble upon.
One afternoon, I was making my way back to my hotel in Saint Germain des Preś. I had made the walk at least ten times as it was often the quickest route. Most of the time, I was blasting my favorite music and my hands were filled with shopping bags. I was doing the absolute most to get back to the hotel, drop them in my room, and then hit the streets of Paris again as soon as possible. This time was different. I was leisurely strolling back from lunch when I happened to notice these miniature bottles of Chartreuse in a storefront window. I thought to myself, I’ve never seen some of these before and looked up thinking I was in front of a wine and spirits store, but I had magically stumbled upon Chartreuse Paris-Vauvert.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Chartreuse, it’s not just this odd green or yellow liqueur that’s perched on the top shelf of your local watering hole. Chartreuse is a living piece of history. Crafted by Carthusian monks in France since the 18th century, Chartreuse is made from a secret recipe of 130 herbs, plants, and flowers, giving it a complex, herbal flavor unlike anything else. It comes in two primary varieties: the bold, vibrant Green Chartreuse and the softer, sweeter Yellow Chartreuse. Both are entirely natural, with their striking colors derived from the botanicals used in production. Known for its versatility, Chartreuse is a favorite in cocktails, as a digestif, or even sipped neat by those who appreciate its depth and history.
I was first introduced to Chartreuse on one of my many road trips to Bardstown, Kentucky, visiting the Bar at Willett with my mom. We were spoiled as the first Chartreuse we sampled was a vintage bottle from the 1960’s. To say it aged well is an understatement. If you are located in the United States, Chartreuse can often be challenging to find as it’s produced in relatively small quantities. The monks have intentionally kept production limited to maintain the quality and artisanal nature of the liquor. You can imagine how hard it is to get your hands on a bottle when you are competing with some of the world’s best bars and restaurants.
Imagine my face when I walk through the doors and shelves filled with an assortment of Chartreuse, some of which I had never seen before.
Chartreuse Paris-Vauvert Inventory
Chartreuse Paris-Vauvert Inventory
If your curiosity is piqued like mine was, here are a few things to know before your visit.
For those who want to learn all the things….
Tours are available. Visitors will have the opportunity to retrace five centuries of the existence of the Carthusian monks in Paris Vauvert while learning about the secret recipe of 130 plants that was given by the Duc D’Estrees. The tour is approximately two hours in duration, and reservations are required.
Tariff | 19€
Chartreuse Paris-Vauvert | Last Word Cocktail
For the cocktail connoisseur…
You’re in luck! Chartreuse Paris Vauvert offers a cocktail workshop on Thursdays. In it, you will learn how to create two different cocktails using Chartreuse. The workshop is approximately two hours in duration, and reservations are required. If cocktails aren’t necessarily your thing and you want to sample the purest expression of the various Chartreuse liquors, tasting workshops are also offered for the same fee.
Tariff | 45€
Chartreuse Paris-Vauvert | Liqueur Of The 9th Centenary - Special Cuvée
Playing by your own rules….
If you’re curious about Chartreuse but your schedule doesn’t align with the offerings above, swing by and see if you can grab a seat at their bar. The bar is rather intimate, so it’s worth calling ahead to snag a seat. I happened in on a Saturday afternoon, and the bar was full, but they were more than willing to take my name for the following day.
Upon my arrival, I had the opportunity to sample a few cocktails on the menu, as well as traditional liquours and special cuvées.
A treat indeed.
Chartreuse Paris-Vauvert | Chartreuse MOF Liqueur- Special Cuvée
If you happen to stop by, I highly recommend trying the Chartreuse V.E.P. It’s incredibly rare to find in the wild and the flavors are absolutely exquisite.
Chartreuse Paris-Vauvert | Chartreuse V.E.P.
If you’re visiting Paris and looking for a unique and memorable experience, a trip to Chartreuse Paris-Vauvert is an absolute must. Whether you’re a seasoned Chartreuse enthusiast or just curious about this historic liqueur, it’s a chance to dive into centuries of tradition and craftsmanship. From learning about the Carthusian monks’ secret recipe to seeing rare bottles you won’t find anywhere else, it’s an adventure that blends history, culture, and a little bit of magic. Plus, it’s those unexpected discoveries—like stumbling upon this gem during a casual strollthat truly make Paris unforgettable. So, add Chartreuse to your list and savor the experience!
Until Next Time!