If you’re planning a beer-focused holiday in Belgium, you’ve probably already added Orval Abbey to your itinerary: this ancient monastery, whose origins date back to the 12th century, produces one of the most beloved Trappist beers among enthusiasts.
But even if your trip to Belgium isn’t beer-themed, consider spending a day in the small village of Villers-devant-Orval, about 10 km from the slightly larger Florenville, where the abbey stands.
Orval Abbey is a magical place, rich in charm and atmosphere, where you can admire ancient ruins, visit interesting museums, walk through verdant grounds and taste the specialities produced by the monks: beer, of course, but also cheese.
You can extend your visit with an excursion into the nature reserve surrounding the monastery or, if you prefer a gastronomic holiday, with dinner at L’Ange Gardien restaurant, just 200 metres from the monastery, which offers menus based on beers and Orval cheeses.
Orval beer is an authentic Trappist beer, one of the very few in the world (there are approximately a dozen, and the majority are of Belgian origin). Complex, with a bitter taste and a slightly fruity note, it is one of the most famous Belgian beers worldwide.
To bear the Trappist label, a beer must meet three criteria: production must take place within the physical boundaries of a Cistercian Trappist monastery; the monks must be involved in production activities (though external, including lay, personnel may participate); the proceeds from sales must be used to finance the monastery and socially beneficial activities.
In accordance with Trappist protocol, Orval beer production takes place in a building located within the monastery’s grounds.
The brewery was founded in 1931 to finance the expensive reconstruction work of the new monastery. The first master brewer, inventor of the recipe that made Orval beer famous worldwide, was of Bavarian origin.
Currently, Orval brewery produces approximately 22 million bottles annually, of which 85% is sold in the Belgian market.
Being able to see with your own eyes where one of the most famous and appreciated Trappist beers is produced is the dream of many enthusiasts.
Unfortunately, visiting Orval brewery is not straightforward as it opens only on the occasion of the annual Open Door Day: on the two opening days it’s possible to participate in guided tours lasting approximately one hour. These are always very crowded and typically cannot be booked in advance, so if you want to be sure of getting in, try to arrive early.
The dates of public opening days are announced year by year, so you can start planning your holiday for next year! Check the abbey’s official website for these dates.
Unlike the brewery, the monastery shop is open year-round, during the opening hours of the monastery ruins and museum. It’s not exactly a beer shop: you’ll find beer for sale, including the special Vieil Or edition not available elsewhere, as well as delicious cheeses produced by the monks, religious items, books, postcards and souvenirs.
Beer is sold exclusively in boxes of 10 bottles with a glass. Each person can purchase a maximum of 4 boxes.
Don’t be discouraged if you can’t access the brewery halls, as you’ll still have the opportunity to visit the monastery. Wandering amongst the ancient ruins, gardens and museum, you’ll breathe in the atmosphere of bygone times that you’ll taste in every sip of Orval beer.
With a single entrance ticket you’ll have access to the ruins of the medieval abbey, the Monastic Museum, the Pharmaceutical Museum, Les Communs Abraham and an audiovisual presentation of approximately 20 minutes that tells the story of the monastery and how monastic life is lived today.
The church that represents the original core of the monastery was built in 1132, whilst the abbey we see today dates from 1926 and was built on the foundations of the monastery destroyed during the French Revolution.
Little remains of the original church, but the ruins, nestled in greenery, represent an exceptional photographic subject.
Equally evocative is Orval’s Monastic Museum, housed within the neoclassical cellars of the current abbey: these were constructed in the 18th century to a design by architect Laurent-Benoît Dewez and later served as the foundation for the building we see today.
The museum is divided into three sections:
Orval Abbey’s Pharmaceutical Museum is a faithful reconstruction of an 18th-century monastic pharmacy laboratory.
You can admire stills, mortars, scales and other instruments used in ancient pharmacology, as well as a collection of ceramic jars for storing herbs and medicines, but the most interesting part of the visit will undoubtedly be a stroll through the fragrant medicinal plant garden.
Les Communs Abraham is the only building still entirely preserved from the old abbey. Carefully restored, it now houses an exhibition revealing the secrets of beer production by Orval’s monks, a scale model of the monastery and an interactive exhibition for children.
If you’d like to experience staying in a monastery, you can book one of the guest rooms available at Orval Abbey. It’s a fascinating experience, but you need to be willing to adapt to a monastery’s way of life. In particular, silence is mandatory, even during mealtimes.
Those not ready for a spiritual retreat can look for a bed and breakfast in Florenville or in nearby villages. The choice is limited, so it’s best to book in advance; expect to need to travel ten kilometres or more.
Hotels around Orval are mostly mid-range to upmarket, three stars and above. For something budget-friendly, go for guesthouses.
Reaching Orval Abbey by public transport is not straightforward. The nearest railway station is Florenville, from where you can take a bus that will get you there in approximately 15 minutes.
Florenville station is served by direct trains to Libramont: these aren’t very frequent (approximately 3-5 per day), so plan your visit carefully.
From Brussels you’ll need to change transport multiple times and the journey becomes considerably longer, so we wouldn’t recommend it. If you’re arriving from the capital, it’s better to use a rental car: in this case you can reach Orval Abbey in two hours.
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