In the distance with its high walls and red tiles, from the road that leads to Collobrières, we see it from the other side of the valley; immovable, massive and dusky on the slope exposed to the sun. Almost hidden by the denseness of the oak, pine and chestnut trees of this trackless forest, Notre Dame de la Verne was built on the site of an abandoned priory. It was founded in 1170. Since 1983, after a rich and tumultuous life, it has accommodated about twenty nuns belonging to the monastic order of Bethlehem and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary who made their vows to live alone, in total silence and reclusion. Part of the premises can however be visited and in the freshness of the stone of the revived monastery it is pleasant to walk on the grounds and imagine the self sufficient lifestyle lead by monks of yesteryear and today by nuns according to the paternity of Saint Bruno.