Fancy a cultural and brewing getaway just a few hours from the hustle and bustle of Brussels?Orval Abbey is a must-see for lovers of peace and quiet and old buildings in southern Belgium. This Cistercian monastery, nestled in a peaceful valley in the municipality of Florenville, surprises visitors with its wealth of tourist attractions.
Visitors can explore an ancient medicinal herb garden and fascinating temporary exhibitions. The estate also has a monastic hotel that welcomes guests for periods of reflection or rest. And, of course, there is the famous Orval brewery, located within the Abbey grounds, which has become a benchmark among Trappist beers. Shall we go?
A historical journey to the heart of the ruins of Orval Abbey
This getaway is for history buffs. The exploration of the site begins with the discovery of medieval ruins, witnesses to the past power of the Cistercian order. As you stroll through the medicinal plant garden, you will also discover the fascinating architecture of the old building, destroyed during the French Revolution.
However, the estate underwent a spectacular renaissance in the 20th century thanks to a bold reconstruction project completed in 1948. Visitors can now admire the elegant modern lines of the new abbey alongside the ancient stones. The museum housed in the converted cellars provides an insight into the evolution of the estate over the centuries. An informative visit not to be missed!
The unique expertise of Trappist beer and brewing
Beyond the stones, it is an exceptional brewing tradition that has made the site internationally renowned. The Orval brewery, located within the monastery grounds, produces one of the few authentic Trappist beers in the world. This amber-colored drink is distinguished by its complex taste of wild hops and its very specific top fermentation.
© Orval Abbey
Although the brewery is only open to visitors on rare open days, the interpretation center allows you to discover its secrets. Today, the monks still supervise production to guarantee the quality and ethics of this local product. Thus, every sip directly contributes to the maintenance of the buildings and the support of social projects. Who said you couldn’t combine business with pleasure?