Brasserie d’Orval
Abbey
About this Brewery
Place: Villers-devant-Orval
Brasserie d’Orval stands within the Trappist Abbaye Notre-Dame d’Orval, near the French border in Belgian Luxembourg. The imposing abbey complex occupies a secluded position at the entrance to a wooded valley, separate from the nearby village of Villers-devant-Orval. The modern brewery was created in 1931 to help finance the enormous reconstruction of the abbey after more than a century in ruins. It employed lay workers from the outset rather than being established as work for the monks.
Its first master brewer was the German-born Martin Pappenheimer, but Orval credits the distinctive beer that emerged to a rather more international collaboration. Pappenheimer worked alongside Belgians Honoré Van Zande and John Vanhuele; Vanhuele had spent many years in England and probably brought back techniques including infusion brewing and dry-hopping. The result was an unusually individual beer whose character depends particularly on hops and yeast — and whose recipe, distinctive bottle, label and glass still reflect its early-1930s origins.
Orval produces one principal beer: a dry, complex, top-fermented pale ale, dry-hopped during maturation and deliberately given Brettanomyces yeast, which contributes to its characteristic slightly tart flavour and allows the beer to continue developing in the bottle. It carries the Authentic Trappist Product label: production takes place under the abbey's supervision, with revenues supporting the monastic community, maintenance of the buildings and social and charitable work.
The brewery also produces Orval Vert, a lighter, 4.5% beer served on draught rather than bottled for general sale. Associated with an earlier beer offered to guests staying at the abbey on retreat, it is a relatively little-known part of Orval's brewing tradition. Its very limited availability makes it a particular curiosity for visitors to the abbey.
The trout holding a golden ring recalls the legend of Countess Matilda of Tuscany, whose lost wedding ring was miraculously returned from a spring by a fish. She supposedly declared the place a true “golden valley” — a val d’or — giving Orval both its name and one of Belgian brewing's most distinctive emblems.
The working brewery is normally closed to visitors apart from occasional open days, but the abbey itself offers a substantial visitor experience. Its historic ruins, museum collections and an exhibition exploring Orval's brewing heritage are accessible through the paid visitor route, while the abbey shop can be visited without a ticket. The imposing buildings and wooded setting make Orval a memorable destination even without access to the brewery. Dogs are not permitted within the abbey's ticketed visitor areas.
Address: Brasserie d’Orval S.A., Orval 2, 6823 Villers-devant-Orval
Tel: 061 311261
Glasses in this collection
Curator's Note
The Abbey of Notre-Dame d'Orval stands in a secluded wooded valley, just beyond the nearby village of Villers-devant-Orval.
Although the working brewery and cheese-making facilities are not open to ordinary visitors, the abbey offers plenty to explore. The paid visitor route includes the extensive ruins of the medieval Cistercian abbey, museum collections, gardens and an exhibition devoted to Orval's brewing history and production methods. Allow around two hours to explore the site rather than treating Orval simply as somewhere to buy a beer.
Despite its historic setting, the visitor facilities are modern, clean and well organised, with clear signposting throughout. The abbey complex is impressive in its own right, and the surrounding woodland adds considerably to the atmosphere. The abbey shop can be visited without purchasing an admission ticket and is surprisingly extensive, selling Orval beer, branded glasses and gift packs alongside cheese, books, religious items and other monastery products. Some visitors come specifically to stock up on beer.
À l'Ange Gardien, a short distance from the abbey, is the traditional place to sample Orval beer and cheese. Recently refurbished, it is a busy, informal establishment with a practical, canteen-like atmosphere rather than the character of a traditional restaurant. Food ranges from cheese and charcuterie plates to burgers, croquettes and fries, with indoor seating and outdoor terraces. Its particular attraction for beer enthusiasts is Orval Vert, the brewery's lighter 4.5% beer, served on draught and rarely encountered elsewhere. Bottled Orval beer, branded glasses and other merchandise are also available to purchase. Brasserie d'Orval, further along the approach road towards the main junction, provides another option for refreshments.
Visitors travelling with dogs should be aware that they are not permitted within the abbey's ticketed visitor areas, although they can accompany their owners around the publicly accessible exterior areas. À l'Ange Gardien, by contrast, welcomes dogs both indoors and outside.
Orval may not offer a conventional brewery tour, but its combination of monastic history, brewing heritage and impressive surroundings makes it a rewarding destination in its own right.