Soleilmont Abbey
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Orval Abbey is a Belgian Trappist abbey located in Lorraine, just steps from the French border. And they don't just make beer there...
Within its walls, the monks of Orval pray, work, and welcome you to experience a time of rest and renewal. The monastic tradition is structured around the divine offices, times of silence, and exchanges in which you can freely participate.
It was founded in 1132, according to the wishes of Countess Mathilde who, having miraculously recovered her lost ring at this location, is said to have exclaimed in gratitude "this is a valley of gold!" By derivation, the name became "Orval." This is what the famous legend of Orval tells us, among other things.
Retreats organized by the community
Today, the community of Trappist Brothers living at the abbey follows the Rule of Saint Benedict: "ora et labora" (in Latin in the text). 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 than that): they notably produce honey candies, and on site, the monks make cheese and especially... their famous Trappist beer, Orval (a true hopped masterpiece)!
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Brief history of the Cistercian order of the monks of Orval
The Cistercian Order is a reformed branch of the Benedictines whose origin goes back to the founding of Cîteaux Abbey by Robert of Molesme in 1098.
The Cistercian order plays a leading role in the religious history of the 12th century. It is among the oldest monastic orders and has 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 Cistercian of the 12th century. While he is 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 exercised a leading influence in intellectual and economic domains as well as in the fields of arts and spirituality.
What to expect during your stay
Experience a spiritual retreat at Orval Abbey
This hospitality is open to groups as well as individuals, men and women, for a stay 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 exchange and deepen a life question.
- Groups come with their own facilitator.
Ideal conditions for a time of quiet at Orval Abbey
Each year during summer, renewal times are facilitated by a Brother from the community.
To foster contemplation and renewal, meals are taken in silence with soft background music. Guests are invited to adopt an attitude of discretion and meditation inside the buildings and in the retreatants' courtyard. Conference rooms are available for gatherings, and for letting any more enthusiastic exchanges flow freely...
On a practical note, the abbey guest house:
- Has single or double rooms, some equipped with private bathrooms.
- Provides bed linens on 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 8-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 on the Franco-Belgian border
The monastery does not live isolated or closed in on itself. 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 seek 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 welcoming place to spend a few days in an atmosphere of silence and beauty.
- The guest house welcomes young people and adults, men and women, groups and individuals for a stay of retreat and contemplation.
- 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, or the natural setting of the Orval forest
Practical information
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