This is the abbey where the famous Chimay Trappist beer is brewed. Trappist beers must be brewed in the abbey without exception. Only a few parking places exist, but usually one finds a spot. The area is very green and quiet, ideal for contemplation, combining tamed nature with plain nature. Walkers will find a few paths around the abbey, but the abbey too is publicly accessible. You'll find a huge entrance gate, with clean public bathrooms. Through this gate, one can enter the inside gardens, the church entrance is on your left. On your right, you can walk to the cemetary of the abbey. Visiting the area takes 30-45min. Like many abbeys unfortunately, the inhabitants do not focus on tourism or any initiative to better welcome, inform or guide anyone around. I would be prepared to pay for a visit, guidance and tasting, if any such experience existed. This place must be ideal for hard working and contemplating monks, while for visitors, they are completely left alone figuring out it's rather...
Read moreThis my favourite Belgian Trappist Abbeye. Seemed in tune with the Cistercian strict observance. A spartan church, lovely cemetery and silence. Just some signs to ask to close the door. No cost to enter. Take a walk in the woods across the road to see where to monks go to contemplate God and nature. Then go for lunch at a nearby restaurant (such as the Chimay experience) to taste the...
Read moreBeautiful quite place as everybody says but... Please, respect the silence when you are there, not only into the church but everywhere. There are people who stays for a retreat and when you laught and speak as usual, you don't realize you disturb some that are there for deeper needs. Ask you kids to respect that as well. It is a spiritual place above all. Thank...
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