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Abbaye Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy: A Sanctuary of Spirituality and Brewing Tradition

Discover a serene Trappist monastery in the Ardennes, where monks have brewed world-renowned Rochefort beers since 1230. A spiritual and cultural landmark.

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Nestled in the Ardennes near Rochefort, Belgium, the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy is a Trappist monastery founded in 1230. Home to a community of Cistercian monks, it's renowned for its Rochefort Trappist beers, brewed within the abbey walls. While the monastery and brewery are not open to the public, the church welcomes visitors during services, offering a glimpse into monastic life.

A brief summary to Abbaye Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Check the abbey's website or call ahead for the church service schedule if you wish to attend.
  • Sample Rochefort Trappist beers at local establishments in the town of Rochefort, as the brewery itself is not open to visitors.
  • Explore the peaceful walking trails around the abbey to appreciate the natural beauty of the Ardennes region.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy via public transport, take a train to Rochefort-Jemelle station. From there, you can take a local bus (R'bus lines 11D, 162B, 166A, 166B, 166C) towards Rochefort city center. Get off at the 'Abbaye' stop, which is a short walk from the abbey. Bus schedules may be limited on weekends, so check in advance. A single bus fare is approximately €2-3.

  • Car

    If driving, head towards Rochefort, which is accessible via the E411 highway. Take exit 22 and follow the signs for 'Abbaye Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy'. The abbey is located at Rue de l'Abbaye 8, 5580 Rochefort. Parking is available near the abbey, but it can be limited during peak seasons. Parking is free. Be aware that on-street parking in Rochefort is typically paid from Monday to Saturday, 09:00 - 18:00. Rates are approximately €1.80 for 1 hour or €5.50 for 2 hours.

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Discover more about Abbaye Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy

The Abbaye Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy, or Rochefort Abbey, has been a place of monastic life since its founding in 1230. Initially established as a Cistercian monastery for nuns, it faced challenges and was later taken over by Trappist monks. The abbey's history is marked by periods of upheaval, including secularization during the French Revolution, but it was re-established in 1887. Today, the monks follow the Rule of Saint Benedict, balancing prayer, reading, and manual labor. This includes brewing the famous Rochefort Trappist beers, a tradition that helps support the community. The brewery adheres to strict rules set by the International Trappist Association, ensuring the beer is produced under the monks' supervision and profits are used for the community and charitable work. Visitors can attend church services to experience the abbey's spiritual atmosphere. Although the brewery and monastery are closed to the public, the surrounding area offers scenic landscapes and walking paths for quiet reflection.

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