Do I need to reserve in advance?

No reservation is needed for the ruins or the tavern; for brewery visits and group tours it is best to book in advance via the abbey website.

When is it busy and when is it quiet?

Busiest on sunny summer Sundays and public holidays around midday on the terrace; weekdays out of season are noticeably quieter.

What should wheelchair users be aware of?

Inside the ruins themselves you will find loose stones, grass and steps between the old halls; stay on the main path if you are rolling without assistance.

What visit tip do you recommend?

Combine a circuit along the accessible outdoor paths with a tasting of abbey beer on the terrace overlooking the Sambre.

Aulne Abbey

♿ Wheelchair accessible heritage site

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Aulne Abbey

Last updated: 2026-05-04 Report an issue

♿ Wheelchair accessible

Aulne Abbey is a former Cistercian abbey situated on the banks of the Sambre in Gozée, a section of the municipality of Thuin in the province of Hainaut. Originally founded as a Benedictine monastery in 656, it was taken over by Cistercian monks in 1147. The imposing ruins, dating from the 18th century, bear witness to the former grandeur of this monastic complex. Today the site is a popular tourist destination with its own brewery producing Val-Dieu abbey beer.

Accessibility at the abbey is partial. The reception building and brewery are wheelchair accessible, with an access ramp and adapted toilets. Parking spaces are reserved for persons with reduced mobility. The main paths around the abbey ruins are largely navigable, though some sections may be uneven due to the historic character of the terrain. The interior spaces of the ruins themselves are not fully accessible due to steps and uneven ground.

Aulne Abbey lies 11 kilometres south-west of Charleroi and is easily reached via the N559. The site offers a tavern where you can sample abbey beer and regional dishes, with a large terrace overlooking the abbey ruins and the Sambre. A visit can be combined with a cycle ride along the Sambre towpath or a visit to nearby Thuin with its famous hanging gardens.

Good to know

Reservation: No reservation is needed for the ruins or the tavern; for brewery visits and group tours it is best to book in advance via the abbey website.
Busy and quiet times: Busiest on sunny summer Sundays and public holidays around midday on the terrace; weekdays out of season are noticeably quieter.
Things to note: Inside the ruins themselves you will find loose stones, grass and steps between the old halls; stay on the main path if you are rolling without assistance.
Visit tip: Combine a circuit along the accessible outdoor paths with a tasting of abbey beer on the terrace overlooking the Sambre.

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