A Monastery of Prayer, Work & Welcome
The Communauté Cistercienne Abbaye Notre-Dame de la Coudre is a contemplative community of Cistercian-Trappistine nuns located on the southern outskirts of Laval, in the Mayenne department of northwestern France. The community has been rooted in Laval since 1816, when nuns returning from exile after the French Revolution re-established monastic life in the region. The current monastery, a handsome 19th-century structure, was constructed when the community settled at its present site in 1859.
As members of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (OCSO) — commonly known as Trappists — the sisters follow the Rule of Saint Benedict, structuring each day around the ancient rhythm of communal prayer (Opus Dei) and manual labor. The Trappist tradition itself traces its origins to La Trappe Abbey and emphasizes silence, simplicity, and self-sufficiency. Today, approximately 45 nuns form the community, dedicating their lives to contemplation while sustaining the monastery through artisanal food production and craftsmanship.
The abbey warmly welcomes visitors, spiritual retreatants, and anyone seeking a place of silence and reflection. Guests are invited to attend the seven daily offices celebrated in the abbey church, access the library and park, and walk the surrounding forest paths. Spiritual accompaniment is available through the sister hospitaller or the community’s chaplain.
Centuries of Monastic Heritage
The Monastic Horarium
The sisters gather seven times daily for communal prayer, following the Liturgy of the Hours as prescribed by the Rule of Saint Benedict:
Listen, my son, to the master’s instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart. This is advice from a father who loves you; welcome it and faithfully put it into practice.
— Rule of Saint Benedict, PrologueThe Community & Sacred Hospitality
The Sisters
Approximately 45 Cistercian-Trappistine nuns form the living heart of the abbey. Drawn from diverse backgrounds and united by their vocation, the sisters have committed their lives to a radical balance of prayer, manual labor, and sacred reading (lectio divina). New members undergo years of formation before making solemn vows of stability, obedience, and conversion of life.
Welcome & Hospitality
In the Benedictine tradition, every guest is received as Christ. The abbey’s guesthouse offers individual and group retreats for those seeking spiritual renewal, silence, and prayer. A sister hospitaller and the community’s chaplain provide spiritual accompaniment. Visitors may attend all liturgical offices, use the library, and walk the abbey’s park and nearby forest.
Monastic Products & Activities
Trappe Cheese
The abbey’s signature product — rich, creamy cheese carefully matured in the monastery’s own cellars following traditional methods.
Desserts & Entremets
The celebrated “Véritable Trappe” flan and cream preparations, made entirely without colorants or preservatives.
Leather & Crafts
Handcrafted leather book covers, chaplet holders, and personalized religious articles made by the sisters in the abbey workshop.
The Abbey Shop & Bookstore
Located within the abbey grounds, the monastic shop features products made by the sisters of La Coudre alongside carefully curated goods from other monastic communities across France and Europe. The adjoining bookshop offers an extensive and thoughtful selection of spiritual, theological, and literary titles for readers of all ages. Additionally, the Monastic Gallery hosts a permanent exhibition detailing the community’s origins, spirituality, history, and the Cistercian tradition.
Gallery
Images courtesy of Unsplash. For official abbey photos, visit abbaye-coudre.fr