Distillerie Herboristerie de Maredsous
Anhée
0.02 Km 00:00
Maredsous Abbey and Le Saint-Joseph
A perfect place for those who want to take a break, combine nature, heritage and local flavours, and enjoy an experience that is peaceful, welcoming and deeply restorative, with family, friends or solo.
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Information
Abbey of Maredsous and Le Saint-Joseph, a place to slow down, share and reconnect
The Abbey of Maredsous and Le Saint-Joseph fully embody their motto: A place of welcome for all. Nestled in an exceptional natural setting, in the heart of the Molignée Valley, this vast estate combines spirituality, relaxation, nature and gourmet pleasures in remarkably natural harmony. From the very first steps, visitors feel this unique atmosphere of serenity, openness and conviviality, where everyone naturally finds their place.
A living heritage, inhabited and deeply human
Maredsous is not a static setting. It is a Benedictine abbey still inhabited, animated by a community that continues a long tradition of hospitality and living spirituality. Entering the basilica means accepting to slow down, to be enveloped by the calm, the light and the quiet presence that fills the space. Looking up at the two towers and discovering their impressive height remains, for many visitors, a powerful and almost solemn moment that marks the visit.
As the day unfolds, the stone reveals its subtle shades. At sunset, the abbey façade takes on a golden glow, almost unreal. It is a suspended moment, often photographed, that sparks genuine wonder and highlights the simple yet powerful beauty of the site.
Le Saint-Joseph, the convivial and family heart of the estate
Just a few steps from the basilica, the atmosphere changes without breaking the harmony. The Saint-Joseph Visitor Centre welcomes guests in a warm and lively environment. Here visitors will find guided tours, a free playground for children, free walking maps, a restaurant area, a souvenir bookshop and many local products.
Families naturally gather here: while children laugh and play, adults enjoy a relaxing moment on the terrace. This closeness between contemplation and family life is an essential part of Maredsous’ identity and contributes to the rare feeling of a place that is deeply human, welcoming and soothing.
Monastic flavours and authentic craftsmanship
It is impossible to evoke Maredsous without mentioning its iconic gastronomy. Cheeses, beers and breads inspired by monastic tradition can be enjoyed on site, in a green setting that invites sharing. The experience continues with the microbrewery, its hop garden, its production and tasting space for exclusive beers, as well as the cheese dairy, the distillery–herbal workshop and other traditional crafts that can be discovered during guided tours.
These culinary experiences perfectly complement the spiritual dimension of the place: here, the senses are invited to take part fully in the visit, in an atmosphere of conviviality and authenticity.
An estate to explore, experience and pass on
Nature walks, markets, treasure hunts and seasonal events Maredsous is a place that visitors discover and rediscover over time. Many say they have been coming here since childhood, returning generation after generation. Free access and parking further reinforce this feeling of openness, faithful to the Benedictine spirit.
The Abbey of Maredsous and Le Saint-Joseph thus offers a complete interlude between inner calm and shared pleasures, only a few minutes from the main routes of Wallonia.
Opening times
All year round (except on January 1st) • Monday to Friday from 11.00 to 18.00. Weekends from 10.00 to 19.00
Price
Free entry: Abbey church, Le Saint-Joseph (visitor centre) and film
Guided tour
Guided tour of the abbey (FR/NL): 1.5 hrs - Adult price: €9 • Tasting guided tour: cheese dairy and microbrewery, with tasting (FR/NL): 1.5 hrs - Adult price: €19.90 (tasting included) • Guided tour of the herbal distillery, with tasting (FR/EN): 1.15 hrs - Adult price: €12.50 (tasting included) Regular visits every Saturday, Sunday, public holiday, and Belgian school holiday. • Online booking strongly recommended.
Tour length
abbey tour: 1.5 hrs • microbrewery and cheese dairy tour: 1.5 hrs (tasting included)
Group
Guided tour Private tours (EN, FR, NL) for min 25 people (smaller groups welcome at price for 25 people) subject to prior booking • Combined packages available, go to www.tourisme.maredsous.be
More information • Combined tours.
Weather in Denée
Events
Maredsous Abbey offers you its traditional Christmas market, every weekend, from 26 November to 25 December 2016.
An artisan market awaits, with numerous exhibitors, original artisans, concerts and various entertainment. All the usual seasonal products will be present: regional produce, cured meats, artisan craftwork, gift ideas, etc.
The added bonus is clearly the venue, Maredsous Abbey, which lends itself perfectly to the spirit of the Christmas holidays.
Christmas like it used to be.
