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 in which Countess Matilda, having miraculously recovered her lost wedding ring from a spring, exclaimed: "Truly, this is a Golden Valley!".
This Cistercian abbey, whose medieval ruins still stand today, has endured through the centuries, preserving its spiritual vocation while gaining worldwide fame through its artisanal Trappist beer production.
Sacred architecture
Built from local limestone, featuring a courtyard and triangular basin
Brewing tradition
Trappist beer production since 1931
Artisanal cheesemaking
Cheese produced using traditional methods
Classified heritage
Historic protected site since 1936
The Treasures of Orval
A place where history, spirituality, and artisanal tradition harmoniously converge
Medieval Ruins
Explore the impressive remains of the medieval abbey destroyed during the French Revolution. These majestic ruins testify to 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 Trappist ale with its unique taste has become a global reference in abbey beer.
Artisanal Cheesemaking
Visit the cheese dairy where the renowned Orval cheese is produced. Made using traditional methods, this semi-hard cheese has a distinctive flavor and expert aging.
Historical Center
Dive into the rich and eventful history of the abbey through the museum, which displays archival documents, liturgical objects, and traces the site’s evolution through the centuries.
Experiences and Discoveries
Orval Abbey offers a variety of activities for all visitors, whether seeking spirituality, history, or gastronomic discovery:
- Medieval ruins tour – Self-guided or guided exploration of the abbey’s remains (duration: 1–2 hours).
- Brewery discovery – Guided tour of the Trappist brewery with tasting (reservation required).
- Medicinal herb garden – Reconstruction of a medieval garden with over 120 plant species.
- Modern church visit – Discovery of the 20th-century abbatial church.
- Interpretation center – Interactive exhibition on the abbey’s history and monastic life.
- Monastic shop – Purchase abbey products (beer, cheese, books, souvenirs).
Visitor Testimonials
Discover authentic impressions from those who have visited this exceptional site
"A place imbued with spirituality and history. The medieval ruins are fascinating, and Orval beer is truly delicious. The brewery tour was very informative. A must-visit if you're in the area!"
"The peaceful atmosphere is perfect for meditation. The medicinal herb garden is a lovely discovery. The only downside: the shop was very crowded, but that’s understandable given the quality of the products."
"I particularly appreciated the contrast between the medieval ruins and the modern abbey. The interpretation center is very well done. A beautiful history and architecture lesson. The cheese is absolutely delicious!"
Orval Secrets & Expert Tips
The Legend of Matilda’s Ring
The abbey’s foundation is tied to a fascinating legend. In the 11th century, Countess Matilda of Tuscany, praying by a spring, dropped her wedding ring into the water. Desperate, she implored the Virgin Mary. Suddenly, a trout emerged from the water, holding the ring in its mouth. Amazed, Matilda exclaimed, “Truly, this is a Golden Valley!” and decided to found an abbey on this miraculous site. This legend is still depicted in the abbey’s coat of arms.
Local Tip: Make the Most of Your Visit
For the best experience at Orval Abbey:
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
- Allow at least 3 hours to explore the entire site
- Attend religious services to experience the spiritual atmosphere
- Taste the beer on-site, respecting the monastic setting
- Visit the shop at the start to avoid queues
The Art of Orval Beer
Orval beer has unique characteristics:
- Top fermentation with a specific yeast developed by the abbey
- Bottle refermentation process lasting 3 weeks
- Minimum aging of 4 months before sale
- Evolving flavor that improves with age
- The only Trappist beer with this unique aromatic profile
The monks brew approximately 50,000 hectoliters per year, following an unchanged recipe since 1934.
20th-Century Renaissance
After its destruction during the French Revolution, the abbey lay in ruins for over a century. Its revival began in 1926 when Trappist monks resettled the site. Reconstruction, led by architect Henri Vaes, lasted from 1926 to 1948 and skillfully combined:
- Preservation of medieval ruins as historical testimony
- Construction of a new abbey in neo-Romanesque style
- Creation of a modern brewery to fund the project
- Development of a traditional monastic garden
Practical Information
Prepare your visit to Orval Abbey with these essential details:
- Address – Orval Abbey, 6823 Villers-devant-Orval, Belgium
- GPS Coordinates – 49.6375, 5.3475
- Phone – +32 (0)61 34 43 61
- Opening Hours – 9:30 AM–6:00 PM (Mon–Sat), 12:00–6:00 PM (Sun)
- Admission – Adult: €7, Student: €5, Child (<12): free
- Brewery Tour – €10 (reservation required)
- Accessibility – Partially wheelchair accessible
- Facilities – Shop, lounge area, free parking
Good to know
Please observe silence in monastic areas
Photography
Allowed except in the church and restricted areas