Notre-Dame de Leffe Abbey
At the entrance to Dinant, in the province of Namur, Belgium, Notre-Dame de Leffe Abbey welcomes those wishing to experience a spiritual retreat or Christian retreat in a peaceful monastic setting between city and nature.
This historic place offers an environment conducive to silence, prayer, and inner renewal, following the rhythm of Premonstratensian life.
Retreats organized by the community
History of Notre-Dame de Leffe Abbey
The history of Notre-Dame de Leffe Abbey begins in the mid-12th century, in 1152, when a community of Premonstratensians, coming from Floreffe Abbey near Namur, settled in Leffe under the authority of a prior and the Abbot of Floreffe.
In the 12th century, the Premonstratensian Order experienced rapid expansion throughout Europe. However, the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century and then the French Revolution at the end of the 18th century severely weakened Premonstratensian houses.
On September 1, 1796, Leffe Abbey was suppressed by the revolutionary government and declared national property.
Religious life resumed in the 20th century. In 1929, following a fire at Tongerlo Abbey, novices and priests were welcomed at Leffe. In 1931, the abbey regained its status as an autonomous house, allowing the community to resettle there permanently. Thanks to this revival, Leffe Abbey today houses a living and committed community of Premonstratensians.
The Premonstratensian community and its spirituality
Since the 2000s, the Leffe Abbey community has engaged in deep reflection on its future and on how to faithfully live the Premonstratensian ideal in the contemporary world. This approach is expressed through a renewal of pastoral care, attention to hospitality and transmission, as well as the renovation of heritage to better serve the people of God.
The Premonstratensians, canons regular living according to the Rule of Saint Augustine, are inspired by the charism of Saint Norbert.
Their life centers around liturgical prayer, fraternal life, and pastoral service. From the choir and altar, the community serves the Church and the world in a spirit of simplicity, hospitality, reconciliation, and peace, with particular attention to the poorest and those in spiritual search.
Leffe Abbey and monastic brewing tradition
As early as 1240, a brewing tradition existed at Leffe Abbey. This activity ceased in 1796 when the abbey was suppressed.
In 1952, facing economic difficulties, Father Abbot Cyrille Nys revived this tradition by collaborating with a brewer from the Overijse region. A Leffe Brown was once again brewed, quickly achieving great success.
Today, Leffe abbey beer is produced in collaboration with AB InBev brewery. The royalties received support the community's life, the abbey's maintenance, and solidarity initiatives, both locally and internationally.
What to expect during your stay
Spiritual retreat and hospitality at Leffe Abbey
The monastic guest house welcomes anyone wishing to experience a Christian spiritual retreat, a few days of calm, or a time of inner pause. Guests can participate in the community's prayer and live their stay at the rhythm of monastic life, in an atmosphere of silence and peace.
Personalized spiritual guidance by a community member can be offered upon prior request.
The Saint Norbert House, located in the abbey gardens, also welcomes groups of up to 30 people for retreats, formation programs, or reflection days.
Monastic guest house at Leffe Abbey: hospitality and accommodation
The abbey has 10 rooms, including:
- 7 single rooms
- 3 double rooms
Guests stay in the abbey buildings. Meals are taken in the guest reception area, in a spirit of simplicity and fellowship. The reception remains accessible during the day.
Groups accommodated at the Saint Norbert House take their meals on-site. The abbey garden is freely accessible throughout the stay and provides a privileged place for rest, reading, and prayer.
Geography and activities
Geographic location and natural environment
Leffe Abbey is located at the entrance to Dinant, in the province of Namur, Belgium. It benefits from a remarkable natural setting at the heart of the Meuse, Leffe, and Lesse valleys. This setting encourages contemplation and harmoniously complements a spiritual retreat.
Many opportunities for walking and cycling are accessible around the abbey, allowing guests to fully enjoy the surrounding nature.
Points of interest near the abbey
A few minutes from the abbey is the historic center of Dinant, with notably the collegiate church Notre-Dame de Dinant, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint Perpète, patron saint of the city. This place offers a prayer space accessible in the heart of the city, complementing the stay at the abbey.
Practical information
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