The abbey's brewery produces the famous Chimay Trappist ales, which are among the few beers worldwide permitted to display the 'Authentic Trappist Product' label.
Monks at Scourmont have produced cheese since 1876, originally using excess milk from their cattle herds.
The brewery's revenue is primarily dedicated to the abbey's charitable works and community development in the Chimay region.
The water used for the brewing process is drawn from a well located within the abbey's private grounds.
The original monastery buildings were established on a remote, previously uncultivated plateau known as 'Scourmont'.
The abbey maintains a strict tradition of silence in designated monastic areas, though the church and visitor facilities remain open to the public.
Abbaye Notre Dame de Scourmont is a Trappist monastery founded in 1850 by monks from Westvleteren. It is globally recognized as the production site of Chimay beer and various Trappist cheeses. The monastery follows the Rule of St. Benedict, emphasizing manual labor and prayer within a contemplative environment. The abbey church, rebuilt after a fire in the 20th century, features a blend of traditional and modernist architectural elements. The onsite brewery, located within the abbey grounds, utilizes water sourced from the monastery’s own deep wells. Visitors can access the church, the surrounding gardens, and the dedicated visitor center, Espace Chimay. The abbey grounds are situated on a plateau in the Hainaut province near the French border. The monks continue to engage in agricultural work and social outreach projects within the local Chimay community.
The view of the abbey's exterior architecture from the edge of the surrounding gardens.
Visit the Espace Chimay visitor center before entering the abbey grounds to gain context on the production history.
Pair your visit with a tasting of the 'Chimay Dorée', a beer traditionally brewed for the monks' private consumption.
Respect the quiet nature of the grounds; avoid loud conversations near the church entrance or cloister garden.
Do not attempt to access the private monastic cloisters or workshops, as these areas are strictly off-limits to visitors.
Maintain a low voice at all times; modest dress is expected inside the church.
