Rochefort: the silence of the Trappists, the witching hour
In Wallonia, there lies a small town whose name is spoken almost in a whisper, as if it were a secret: Rochefort. People come here for a beer that has become legendary; they stay for the forests, the limestone, the ruins, and that unique kind of silence—a silence best understood by those who have taken a vow to listen to it.
In mid-October, as mist lingers over the meadows of the Condroz region near Namur and leaves fall without a sound, Rochefort invites a two-part getaway: first, the contemplative stillness of a monastery—which remains closed to the public—followed, a few days later, by the playful, mischievous experience of a walk with a witch through the ruins of a medieval castle.
Two distinct atmospheres, one single town—located less than an hour’s drive from the Bungalows du Bonsoy.
The Abbey of Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy: eight centuries of silence
It all began around 1230, with the founding of a community of Cistercian nuns. In the 15th century, monks took over; the French Revolution brought an end to monastic life at the close of the 18th century, and the abbey was sold and subsequently dismantled. It was not until 1887 that Trappists from the Abbey of Achel restored the site.
To this day, the Trappist community lives in enclosure on the premises: the monastic buildings are not open to visitors, and there are no tours of the brewery.
An important point for travelers to note: the abbey is not a tourist destination. It is a house of prayer that welcomes retreatants into its monastic guesthouse. Along the Rue de l’Abbaye, one can admire the portico and the former agricultural buildings from the outside—offering a rare sense of a place that has no need to put itself on display in order to exist.
A beer born of prayer
Rochefort is also renowned for its brew. The monks have been brewing beer since the end of the 16th century; the brewery was brought back into operation following a revival in 1887, and later modernized in 1952. The classic range—Rochefort 6, 8, and 10—was established in the 1950s, and a golden ale, Triple Extra, joined the family in 2020.
Brewed on-site by the monks, these beers carry the Authentic Trappist Product label. Enjoy them in the cozy warmth of a local tavern—responsibly, and with the respect due to their heritage.
The Count’s Castle: When the Witch Speaks
The contrast is delightful. While the abbey whispers, the Count’s Castle tells tales. During the autumn break, Rochefort offers “Strolls with a Witch”—a theatrical walk through the fortress ruins, designed to give you a thrill without leaving you trembling with fear.
- Dates: Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25, 2026, starting at 2:00 PM.
- Location: Château Comtal (Count’s Castle), Rue Jacquet 86, 5580 Rochefort; the event begins at the castle gate.
- Participation fee: €5 per person.
- Reservations: Required — the event only takes place if a reservation has been made.
Dates and details are subject to change; please verify them with the organizer before making your trip.
Halloween in the surrounding area: a weekend of thrills
Rochefort isn’t the only place joining in the fun: the province of Namur is hosting around fifteen Halloween events between October 23rd and November 1st. Among them—all within easy reach of Le Bonsoy—are:
- The “Fantastique Halloween” at the Château de Lavaux, in Rochefort, from October 28th to 31st (reservation required).
- Halloween at the Château de Montaigle, in Onhaye, on October 31st and November 1st—a site we previously featured in our article on the Molignée Valley.
- “Hanlloween” at the Domaine des Grottes de Han, from October 29th to November 1st—check out our piece on this journey to the center of the earth.
- An escape game at the Dinant Cultural Center on October 30th.
Please note that prices and schedules for some of these events were not yet confirmed at the time of writing; please check directly with the organizers for the latest details.
Extending your stay: forests, dining, and villages
Before or after visiting Rochefort, the region offers wonderful opportunities to extend your getaway:
- The forest in Houyet—home to the red deer rut—echoes with the final whispers of autumn.
- For a taste of local cuisine, let yourself be guided by our gourmet excursion around Le Bonsoy, or discover the traditional Chimay *escavèche*.
- Those who love historic stone architecture and legends will enjoy Crupet, a village where the devil keeps watch over the streams.
A One-Day Itinerary
- Morning — Depart from Le Bonsoy for Rochefort. Enjoy an outdoor stroll around the abbey (Rue de l’Abbaye) in the quiet of the morning; please respect the enclosure.
- Midday — A seasonal lunch in the town center—perhaps accompanied by a local Trappist beer.
- Afternoon — A walk with a witch at the Comtal Castle (Saturday, October 24th, or Sunday, October 25th; starting from 2:00 PM—reservations required).
- Evening — Return to Le Bonsoy; a steaming cup of tea, a cozy blanket, and the crackle of a fire in your chalet.
A tip from the publisher: book your spot for the witch’s walk today. Witches—much like good holiday cottages—need to be reserved in advance.
Practical Information
- Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy Abbey: Rue de l’Abbaye, 5580 Rochefort — abbaye-rochefort.be — tel. +32 (0)84 22 01 40 — no tourist visits
- The Witch’s Walks: Château Comtal, Rue Jacquet 86, 5580 Rochefort — October 24 and 25, 2026, from 2:00 PM — €5 — reservation required
- From the Bonsoy Bungalows: just under an hour by car (please check based on your specific route)
Spend a peaceful night
After so much silence, Serenity is the natural place to extend that sense of tranquility, surrounded by nature. And for a broader seasonal getaway, take a look at our autumn walks in Massembre.
Looking for an October filled with both silence and thrills? Book your stay at Bungalows du Bonsoy.
