Visit the ruins of this 12th-century abbey and get lost in its stunning gardens. End your visit at the on-site microbrewery and vineyard.
The small municipality of Villers-la-Ville, in the Belgian province of Walloon Brabant, is proudly home to a very well-kept piece of history: the ruins of the Villers Abbey, founded by monks of the Cistercian order (a Catholic religious order) all the way back in 1146. These days, the abbey is home to tons of gardens, a microbrewery, and more.
A visit at this well-maintained former abbey is like a journey through time: get a glimpse of what life here was like many centuries ago. An example? The chimney of the only room that was kept warm back then is still standing!
Gardens Galore
Throughout the years, several different-themed green spaces were also created at the abbey for visitors to enjoy. From the Medicinal Herb Garden, which looks like a medieval monastic medicinal garden, to the French-garden style Abbot’s Garden with 60 edible aromatic and ornamental plants. And there’s even a rose garden and two fruit gardens!
- On the decline: After being founded by Monks in the 12th century, it thrived until the 16th century but then was completely abandoned in the wake of the French Revolution, in 1796.
- A new beginning: In the 1800s, after realizing that tourists were coming from all parts of Belgium to look at its ruins, the State began a thorough restoration work: so much so that the area was classified as a historic site in 1972 and as part of Wallonia’s exceptional heritage in 1992.
- All sorts of fun: While the abbey is indeed the main attraction, there’s a lot more going on in the area: open-air concerts, exhibitions, walks, plays and a myriad of activities take place year round in the gardens of the abbey. Check out this page to see what’s on.
- Wine and beer: To top it all off, the abbey is also home to a vineyard and a microbrewery. Unfortunately, the wine and beer produced here are only available for purchase in the gift shop, but you may be fortunate enough to be visiting during one of the many tasting days!
Tips and Tricks
- Information panels available in French, Dutch, German and English
- Family-friendly: after a walk through the abbey and the gardens, head to the (few) picnic tables and enjoy a meal in nature with the family.
- Add some magic to your visit: rent a tablet (5€) to have access to exclusive videos, photos and explanations. Thanks to augmented reality, a funny 3D character will follow you along your journey. Curious to know more? Check out this video.
- Make it a hike: check out this 7-km hike trail that allows you to discover the cultural landscape of Walloon Brabant around the abbey while getting those legs moving.
- Explore the surroundings: when parking at the farther lot, you'll see several hiking paths, choose the one closest to gated wall and you'll stumble upon a little chapel and old castle grounds where markets are sometimes held.
- Mindfulness extra! A special path was created in the Garden des Senteurs for those who want to use this quiet space to meditate and practice mindfulness. The path begins at the foot of the church and climbs up to the Saint-Bernard chapel. More info here (only in French).
Getting there
- By Car: free on-site parking available
- By Train: 2 km away from Villers-la-Ville train station; non-stop trains from Charleroi South and Charleroi West (Line 140, Ottignies-Charleroi)
Route details
Starting point: Rue de l'Abbaye 55, 1495 Villers-la-Ville
- Signage: follow the yellow bar signs
- GPX file and map available here
Nov - Mar, open everyday, 10:00 to 17:00; Apr - Oct, open everyday, 10:00 to 18:00
All Seasons
Adult 9€, Children (6-12) 4€, Students and Seniors 7€, Kids (under 6) free. Special discount rates available for groups.
Open; national Covid rules apply. Tablet and audio guide currently not available. Brewery and vineyard currently inaccessible. Electronic payment compulsory.