Orval Abbey
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Orval Abbey is a Belgian Trappist abbey located in Lorraine, just a stone's throw from the French border. And they don't just make beer there...
Within their walls, the monks of Orval pray, work, and welcome you to experience a time of rest and renewal in silence. Monastic tradition is structured around the divine offices, times of silence, and exchanges, which you may freely attend.
It was founded in 1132, according to the wishes of Countess Mathilde who, having miraculously found her lost wedding ring on the site, reportedly exclaimed in gratitude "this is truly a golden valley!" By derivation, the name became "Orval." This is, among other things, what the famous legend of Orval tells.
Retreats organized by the community
Discovering Orval Abbey in Belgium
Today, the community of Trappist Brothers living at the abbey follows the Rule of Saint Benedict: "ora et labora" (in the original Latin). In other words, their days are structured around two fundamental pillars: times of sung prayer and times of work.
Between their five daily offices, they also work with their hands! And their work is worth seeing (and even more): they notably produce honey candies, and on site, the monks make cheese and especially... their famous Trappist beer, Orval (a true hoppy masterpiece)!
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A brief history of the Cistercian order of the Orval monks
The Cistercian order is a reformed branch of the Benedictines whose origin dates back to the founding of Cîteaux Abbey by Robert of Molesme in 1098. The Cistercian order played a leading role in the religious history of the 12th century. It is among the oldest monastic orders and enjoys recognized spiritual authority, as evidenced by its presence throughout Western countries.
It owes its considerable development to Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), a man of exceptional personality and charisma. His influence and personal prestige made him the most famous of the Cistercians in the 12th century. While he was not its founder, he remains the spiritual master of the order.
Insofar as it restored the Benedictine Rule inspired by the Gregorian reform, the Cistercian order takes great care of the liturgy and makes work a cardinal value, as proven by its technical, artistic, and architectural heritage. Beyond the social role it occupied until the Revolution, the order exerted a leading influence in intellectual and economic domains as well as in the fields of arts and spirituality.
What to expect during your stay
Living a time of spiritual retreat at Orval Abbey
This hospitality is open to groups as well as individuals, men and women, for a duration of 2 to 6 nights.
- Guests are invited to join the community's prayer, for example, at the seven daily offices celebrated by the monks, from Vigils at 5 a.m. to Compline at 8 p.m.
- Those who wish may request to meet with a monk to discuss and explore a life question.
- Groups come with their own facilitator.
Ideal conditions for a time of quiet at Orval Abbey
Each year during the summer, times of renewal are led by a Brother from the community.
To promote contemplation and renewal, meals are taken in silence with light background music. Guests are invited to maintain an attitude of discretion and meditation inside the buildings and in the retreatants' courtyard. Conference rooms are available for gatherings, where any slightly more enthusiastic discussions can flow freely...
On a practical note, the abbey's guest house:
- Has single or double rooms, some equipped with a toilet.
- Provides bed linens upon request for €8 (you are advised to bring your own linens).
- Has a chalet dedicated to hosting groups of young people or families with young children who wish to experience monastic life. It has a 16-bed dormitory, four eight-bed dormitories, several studios and kitchens, a meeting room...
- Is open to all, and no one should hold back for financial reasons. There is always a way to work things out!
Geography and activities
Places and activities around Orval Abbey at the Franco-Belgian border
The monastery does not live isolated or withdrawn. From the beginning, Saint Benedict wanted a community that was open, living with the surrounding society and with the local Church. The monks of Orval welcome without distinction all who come to them at the abbey.
- Some ask for material help, others wish to be supported in their spiritual quest. One way or another, they join in our prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours or in the celebration of the Eucharist, and experience the life of a monastic community.
- They can meet with a monk to talk, to listen to them and answer their questions.
- The abbey is an ideal place of hospitality to spend a few days in a setting of silence and beauty.
- The guest house welcomes young people and adults, men and women, groups and individuals for a retreat and contemplative stay.
- For everyone, the stay at the abbey, even for a brief visit, will be an opportunity to glimpse the beauty of the offices, the calm of the monastery, and the natural setting of the Orval forest
Practical information
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