The Trappist Order

The Trappists belong to the order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance. The order was founded in the 12th century in the monastery of Cîteaux in Burgundy. These monks adhere to the Rule of St Benedict, which dates from the 6th century. They have historical ties with the Abbey of the Grande Trappe in Normandy, hence the name Trappists. The origin of the Trappist brewers dates back to a reform which made it possible for monks to consume the regional beverage if the water happened to be undrinkable. In our regions, the monks therefore had the choice between skimmed milk, buttermilk or beer, and of course they made the right choice!

Brewing is a relatively recent activity for the Belgian Trappists. At the start of the 20th century, Trappist beers were so successful that there were many imitations around, but since 1962 they have been protected by law. In fact, they must meet various conditions. In particular, they must be brewed in a Cistercian abbey under the supervision of monks belonging to the Trappist Order.
In Belgium, there are 12 Trappist abbeys, 6 for monks and 6 for nuns. Five have their own brewery: 2 in Flanders (Westmalle and Westvleteren) and 3 in Wallonia: Chimay, Orval and Rochefort. There is only one outside Belgium: in the Netherlands, the Abbey of Our Lady of Koningshoeven, with its brewery "De Schaapskooi".

CHIMAY - the Abbey of Our Lady of Scourmont (Hainaut)

The Abbey of Chimay was founded in 1850 by Trappists who had come from Saint Sixtus in Westvleteren. It was built on a plateau over a very pure water table. The abbey started to brew beer in 1862 to provide for the needs of the monks and to provide employment for the region. Their beer is now known as the "Burgundy of beers" and, like Burgundy wine, has its own "vintage". The monks of this abbey were the first to market their beer outside the walls of the monastery. The brewery was modernised in 1990. The abbey is not open to the public. In fact, visitors can see only the bottling phase.

ROCHEFORT - the Abbey of Our Lady of Saint Remy (Namur)

This abbey was founded by Gilles de Walcourt, the Earl of Rochefort (1220-1247). The first Cistercian nuns settled there in 1230. However, as the environment was too harsh for the nuns, in 1464 they were replaced by monks. In the middle of the 17th century, the abbey was pillaged several times. During the French Revolution, the monastery was dissolved and the abbey's property was seized. Half of the buildings were destroyed. However, the abbey re-emerged in 1887, when a group of Trappists settled there. There has been a brewery in this abbey since 1595 for the personal use of the monks. The existing brewery dates back to 1899, while the facilities date from 1960, the year in which the monks began to market their products. The abbey cannot be toured.

ORVAL, the Abbey of Our Lady of Orval (Luxembourg)

This site has been occupied by religious communities since the year 1070. In 1132, the buildings were brought into harmony with the requirements of the Cistercian order. The 18th century was the high point in the history of the abbey. It was subsequently destroyed during the French Revolution, and it was not until 1926 that a new monastery emerged, and the construction work was not completed until 1948. The abbey started making beer again in 1931. It now produces only one type of beer that involves the use of German and English techniques, including "dry hopping" (raw hopping). The abbey is now one of the most important tourist sites in the Province of Luxembourg. Although it is not possible to tour the abbey itself, the ruins of the old buildings can be visited.The Mathilde Fountain owes its name to the legend of Mathilde of Tuscany, who lost her gold ring in the water. A trout returned it to her after she implored the help of Our Lady. She then exclaimed: "This is a Val d'Or" (Golden Valley); hence the name Orval.