The nuns produce a unique cheese called 'Trappe Échourgnac,' which was first created in 1869.
The recipe for the walnut-liqueur-washed cheese was developed in collaboration with a local walnut oil producer.
The monastery was originally established by monks who were forced to adapt to the challenging, swampy terrain of the Double forest.
The current community belongs to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, also known as Trappists.
The abbey operates its own cheese dairy, or 'fromagerie,' which processes milk from local regional farmers.
Abbaye d'Echourgnac is a Cistercian monastery located in the Double forest region of the Dordogne department. Founded in 1868 by monks from the Abbey of Port-du-Salut, the site transitioned to a community of Cistercian nuns in 1923. The monastery is primarily recognized for the production of Trappist cheese, specifically the Trappe Échourgnac, which is washed in walnut liqueur or aged in chestnut leaves. Visitors can access a dedicated boutique that sells artisanal products including jams, chocolates, and the monastery's signature cheeses. The abbey grounds feature a chapel and a quiet environment consistent with the Cistercian order's commitment to contemplative prayer and manual labor. The surrounding architecture reflects traditional monastic layout design within a rural, forested setting. It remains a functioning religious community where daily life continues to follow the Rule of Saint Benedict.
The exterior view of the abbey chapel and the surrounding forested parkland.
Purchase a variety of the monastery-produced cheese from the boutique, as some specific aged versions are rarely found in outside supermarkets.
Plan your visit to coincide with the boutique's operating schedule, as it is the primary point of access for visitors.
Respect the silence of the grounds, as the abbey remains an active site for religious retreat.
Do not attempt to enter private monastic areas marked for residents only.
The boutique is generally closed on Sundays and public holidays; check for seasonal variations in winter months.
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor; dress modestly as this is an active religious site.
