Very good, cheap and very friendly welcome. Thank you, because for my first time kayaking, I love it. I recommend it. See you next time 👍🙂
A Cistercian Jewel of the Ardennes
Founded in 1132 in the Belgian Ardennes, near the French border, Orval Abbey is an exceptional witness to European monastic history. Its name comes from a legend according to which Countess Matilda, having potentially lost her wedding ring in a spring, exclaimed: "This is truly a Valley of Gold (Val d'Or)!" after finding it.
This Cistercian abbey, whose medieval ruins still stand today, has crossed centuries preserving its spiritual vocation while developing worldwide renown thanks to its artisanal Trappist beer production. Take advantage of your visit to discover other activities in Ardennes like kayaking on the Semois.
Sacred Architecture
Built in local limestone, with a main courtyard and a triangular basin
Brewing Tradition
Trappist beer production since 1931
Artisanal Cheese Factory
Cheese production using traditional methods
Listed Heritage
Historic site protected since 1936
Treasures of Orval
A place where history, spirituality and craft tradition combine harmoniously
Medieval Ruins
Explore the impressive remains of the medieval abbey destroyed during the French Revolution. These majestic ruins testify to the Cistercian architectural grandeur and offer a journey through time.
Trappist Brewery
Discover the secrets of the famous Orval beer, brewed by monks since 1931. This pale ale Trappist with a unique taste has become a world reference in the field of abbey beer.
Artisanal Cheese Factory
Visit the cheese factory where the famous Orval cheese is produced. Made according to traditional methods, this semi-hard cheese has a characteristic flavor and controlled refining.
Historical Center
Immerse yourself in the rich and turbulent history of the abbey thanks to the museum which presents archive documents, liturgical objects and traces the evolution of the site over centuries.
Experiences and Discoveries
Orval Abbey offers a variety of activities for all visitors, whether seeking spirituality, history or gastronomic discovery. After your exploration, discover why to extend your stay in the Ardennes with a kayak trip :
- Visit of medieval ruins - Free or guided tour through the remains of the old abbey (duration: 1h to 2h).
- Brewery discovery - Commented tour of the Trappist brewery and tasting (on reservation).
- Medicinal plants garden - Reconstitution of a medieval garden with more than 120 plant species.
- Visit of the modern church - Discovery of the abbey church rebuilt in the 20th century.
- Interpretation center - Interactive exhibition on the history of the abbey and monastic life.
- Monastic shop - Purchase of abbey products (beer, cheese, books, souvenirs).
Visitor Testimonials
Discover authentic impressions from those who visited this exceptional place
Marie L.
June 15, 2024
"A place imbued with spirituality and history. The medieval ruins are fascinating and Orval beer is a real delight. The brewery tour was very informative. Not to be missed if you are in the region !"
Thomas D.
May 22, 2024
"The peaceful atmosphere of the place is conducive to meditation. The medicinal plant garden is a beautiful discovery. The only downside: the shop was very busy, but this is explained by the quality of the products."
Sophie M.
April 10, 2024
"I particularly appreciated the contrast between the medieval ruins and the modern abbey. The interpretation center is very well done. A beautiful lesson in history and architecture. The cheese is absolutely delicious !"
Secrets of Orval & Expert Advice
Legend of Matilda's Ring
The foundation of the abbey is linked to a fascinating legend. In the 11th century, Countess Matilda of Tuscany, praying near a spring, dropped her wedding ring into the water. Desperate, she implored the Virgin Mary. Suddenly, a trout emerged from the water, carrying the ring in its mouth. Amazed, Matilda exclaimed "Truly, this is a Valley of Gold (Val d'Or)!" and decided to found an abbey on this miraculous site. This legend is still represented in the abbey's coat of arms.
Local Tip : Making the Most of Your Visit
For an optimal experience at Orval Abbey :
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
- Allow at least 3 hours to explore the complete site
- Attend religious services to experience the spiritual atmosphere
- Taste the beer on site respecting the monastic setting
- Visit the shop at the beginning of the tour to avoid queuing
The Art of Orval Beer
Orval beer has unique characteristics :
- Top fermentation with a specific yeast developed by the abbey
- 3-week bottle refermentation process
- Minimum aging of 4 months before marketing
- Evolving taste that improves with time
- Only Trappist beer with this unique aromatic profile
The monks brew about 50,000 hectoliters per year, following a recipe unchanged since 1934.
The 20th Century Renaissance
After its destruction during the French Revolution, the abbey remained in ruins for more than a century. Its renaissance began in 1926 when Trappist monks settled again on the site. The reconstruction, led by architect Henri Vaes, lasted from 1926 to 1948 and skillfully blended :
- Restoration of medieval ruins as historical testimony
- Construction of a new abbey in Neo-Romanesque style
- Creation of a modern brewery to finance the project
- Layout of a traditional monastic garden
Practical Information
Prepare your visit to Orval Abbey with this essential information :
- Address - Orval Abbey, 6823 Villers-devant-Orval, Belgium
- GPS Coordinates - 49.6375, 5.3475
- Phone - +32 (0)61 34 43 61
- Hours - 9:30am-6pm (Mon-Sat), 12pm-6pm (Sun)
- Rates - Adult: 7€, Student: 5€, Child (-12): free
- Brewery tour - 10€ (reservation only)
- Accessibility - Partially accessible to PRM
- Services - Shop, relaxation area, free parking
Good to know
Respect silence in monastic zones
Photography
Allowed except in the church and reserved zones