Can you even guess why beer was brewed a few centuries ago in Belgium and who did it??? No, it wasn't a pleasure drink like today! Well, anyone who could brew beer brewed it that even included monks and nuns! Why??? That was the only sure shot way of killing all germs in the water, because water was contaminated with germs of even the dreaded plague!!! One of the most popular brand of beer Leffe had its humble beginnings in a monastery here in Dinant!
To begin with - its a bit confusing! There are 2 different places - Maison Leffe and Abbaye Notre-Dame de Leffe. The 2 are located in the opposite directions of the railway station with 1.8km between them. The Abbaye Notre-Dame de Leffe is where originally Leffe Beer was brewed. However it is now still a functioning monastery where setting up a beer museum or beer tasting and serving tourists, would be a hindrance to the people there. Also the monastery does not produce beer anymore, but has been taken over by AB InBev. So, within the site of La Marveilleuse Resort, which is a convent converted to a hotel, a portion has now been converted to Maison Leffe - a museum that talks about the history of Leffe beer plus a bar for beer tasting as well!
To Get There:
To Dinant: Refer to my earlier post
On Google Maps: Maison Leffe, Abbaye Notre-Dame de Leffe, Grotte la Merveilleuse
All sites are walkable from Dinant Railway Station, city centre and each other.
On Google Maps: Maison Leffe, Abbaye Notre-Dame de Leffe, Grotte la Merveilleuse
All sites are walkable from Dinant Railway Station, city centre and each other.
To Stay:
Hotels and B&Bs at all price points are available in nearest city Namur.
There are a few hotels in Dinant. Here’s my review of La Mervelliuse Resort where I stayed.
There are a few hotels in Dinant. Here’s my review of La Mervelliuse Resort where I stayed.
Entry Tickets & Timings:
Maison Leffe: €7; 11:00AM to 06:00PM; Oct-May: Fri-Sun only; June-Sept: Tues-Sun
Grotte la Merveilleuse: €9; Tues-Sun: Guided tours once every hour from 11:00AM to 3:00/4:00/5:00PM (in winter/autumn/summer respectively)
My complete Dinant travelogue: Dinant Citadel, Notre Dame Collégiale, Maison Leffe, Grotte Merveilleuse, Charles de Gaulle Bridge, La Maison de Monsieur Sax, Mosan - the Medieval Heritage House, Castle of Crevecoeur, Pâtisserie Couques de Dinant V. Collard 1774
Maison Leffe: €7; 11:00AM to 06:00PM; Oct-May: Fri-Sun only; June-Sept: Tues-Sun
Grotte la Merveilleuse: €9; Tues-Sun: Guided tours once every hour from 11:00AM to 3:00/4:00/5:00PM (in winter/autumn/summer respectively)
My complete Dinant travelogue: Dinant Citadel, Notre Dame Collégiale, Maison Leffe, Grotte Merveilleuse, Charles de Gaulle Bridge, La Maison de Monsieur Sax, Mosan - the Medieval Heritage House, Castle of Crevecoeur, Pâtisserie Couques de Dinant V. Collard 1774
P.S: I was invited by Wallonia Tourism to experience the city for review purposes, however the opinions are my own and this post does not to advertise the product/service.
P.S.2: Leffe beer is an alcoholic beverage. You must be of legal drinking age to consume it, as stated by your country. Excessive drinking is injurious to health. Drinking & Driving can be lethal.
P.S.2: Leffe beer is an alcoholic beverage. You must be of legal drinking age to consume it, as stated by your country. Excessive drinking is injurious to health. Drinking & Driving can be lethal.
What an interesting history of beer! I had no idea why it was first brewed but it makes a lot of sense. I love the caves you visited. I love caves and whenever a place I'm visiting has them, it's a must do.
ReplyDeleteThe history of beer and liquor is so interesting! During our travels in France, we learned about Chartreuse which was made by monks. Then we hopped over to England and learned about Buckfast tonic which was made by monks in the UK. Great article :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Belgian beer has such interesting history. Wow, I mean in the monasteries? To cleanse germs? That is something I have never heard of before. Plus the caves look so magical. It reminded me of Vietnam caves I had visited a few years back.
ReplyDeleteThis was quite an enlightening post. I had no idea beers were brewed for such an innovative reason. I agree that it is a little amusing to listen all about beer in a holy place. I mean, who knew this was why beers were brewed for originally!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely not an alcohol-drinker, but it's always fun to learn about the history of various drinks. Like so many others, I had no idea the humble beginnings of beer - in a monastery! But for sure, I can understand why. I'm sure it was super surreal to be surrounded by church items and listening to the history of beer!
ReplyDeleteIt's fun learning the history of food and drinks and seeing how it is part of the culture. Sounds like the monks were on to something. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love learning so much about our history with these beautiful travel blogs. I had no idea the history of beer, but I must say, it totally makes sense. And a beer that is 9% alcohol and sounds delicious, too. I would love to try that one.
ReplyDeleteWow great post, I love reading about history especially when its related to beer. I am excited to show off some of my newly learned Belgium beer facts tonight at the bar.
ReplyDeleteWe are alcohol intolerant, so we'd probably order something non-alcohol. Sweet non-alcoholic wine perhaps. Hahaha! But I think most of our time would be spent inside Merveilleuse Caves. It looks like a crystal kingdom, similar to Central Cave in our very own Samar, Philippines.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea for an article! I knew some of these historical facts about beer and I also visited The Abbaye Notre-Dame de Leffe a couple of years ago. The caves look absolutely marvelous too. Thanks for sharing this, it brought back so many nice memories :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a kind of beer tour that I've been searching for. Not just to know how to craft the bear but also know its history. You are awesome and your blog!
ReplyDeleteI love the way you present the ancient history of beer! I knew it was common (and not delicious) in olden days but I didn't know that it was necessary to kill the bacteria. That is also fascinating that Belgian beer culture is an intangible cultural aspect designated by UNESCO, I don't know that I've heard of that before!
ReplyDeleteI always love a good beer museum! I had never heard that people used to drink beer to avoid getting contaminated by water, really interesting to know!
ReplyDeleteBelgian beer is some of the best! Would love the chance to brew my own. Which is your favorite style?
ReplyDeleteWow! What an interesting article and stories of beer! The caves you visited looks gorgeous. I hope I will visit this place one day, looks spectacular.
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