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Museum · Dinant, Namur
Maison Leffe
Leffe beer museum in the chapel of an old convent in Dinant, overlooking the Meuse. The interactive route tells the story of the abbey of Leffe, founded in 1152, and ends with a tasting.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Maison Leffe
The Maison Leffe tells the story of one of the Belgian beers best known outside the country. It is in Dinant, on the left bank of the Meuse, in the chapel of the former convent of Bethléem, with a view over the valley. The abbey that gave the beer its name is about a kilometre away, on the other bank.
The Abbaye Notre-Dame de Leffe was founded in 1152 by Premonstratensian canons from Floreffe, with the support of the count of Namur. The tradition of brewing beer at the abbey dates back to the 13th century. Today the religious no longer produce the drink: a large brewing group produces Leffe under licence and pays royalties to the community, which still lives in the abbey.
The museum route uses touch screens and interactive resources to show the life of the canons, the recipes and the production stages. The visit takes up to an hour and ends with a tasting and a souvenir. There are guided tours in French, Dutch and English.
Those who want to see the abbey itself should go in summer: access is usually in July and August, with guided visits on weekend afternoons. For the rest of the year, the Maison Leffe is the way to learn this history.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour, with the tasting at the end.
Best time
Open daily, from morning until early evening, which makes it easy to fit the visit after the Citadelle or the boat trip. On rainy days it's an indoor option. Check opening times before you go.
How to get there
It is on the Charreau des Capucins, on the left bank of the Meuse, south of Dinant train station, about a ten-minute walk. From the Collégiale, cross the Charles de Gaulle bridge and head south. The Grotte La Merveilleuse is about 500 metres away.
Tip
The tasting contains alcohol: those who will drive can ask to take the souvenir away and leave the beer for later. Minors can take the tour, without the tasting. Book on summer weekends, when groups fill the slots.
Official website
A look at the place
Maison Leffe in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Maison Leffe
Is Leffe beer still brewed at the abbey?
No. Leffe is produced under license by a large brewing group, which pays royalties to the community of Premonstratensian canons living at the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Leffe.
Can you visit the abbey of Leffe?
Access to the abbey is usually in July and August, with guided tours on weekend afternoons. For the rest of the year, the recommended visit is the Maison Leffe. Check the dates before you go.
How long does the visit to the Maison Leffe take?
Up to an hour, including the tasting at the end of the tour.