The only ones in France to really brew their own beers!
Abbey beers seem to be widespread in France... But do you know the "real" ones? Or rather, do you "know" them?
Because yes, in France, there is only one real abbey beer, really brewed by monks! And it is the one from the abbey of Saint-Wandrille, in Normandy.
A former minister of King Dagobert! And the rest...
The abbey of Saint-Wandrille was founded by a former minister of King Dagobert, who, you can guess, is Saint-Wandrille. He settled there in 649 and named it "Fontenelle Abbey".
In 862, the peaceful life of the community took a new turn as the monks were expelled! After having avoided the Viking invasion three times by paying ransoms, on the fourth time, the community succumbed and decided to flee, leaving the abbey to the invaders who looted and burned the buildings! But in 960, the monks returned and the abbey took the name "Abbey of Saint-Wandrille".
Once again, the community spread its influence and in 966 founded the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel (you know the one).
Thereafter, the next five centuries were generally stable and serene: various constructions, economic enrichment and manual work at the mill, the bakery and even the brewery!
However, at the time of the Revolution, the monks were expelled a second time. In the wake of this, in 1793, the refectory was transformed into a pin factory! In the meantime, the abbey experienced prosperous years (after all!), especially in the 17th century, thanks to the integration of the monks into the congregation of Saint-Maur, which gave a new impetus to the rebuilding and vocations of Saint-Wandrille Abbey.
And in 1901, it was the same thing again! This time, the monks went into exile in Belgium, before returning permanently in 1931. This year marked the beginning of a new, more peaceful era. In spite of the Second World War, the 20th century was generally peaceful for the monks. They lived from their wax workshop, then from their microcopy workshop, then from their painting restoration workshop.
Between prayers, work and... beer!
Today, there are 35 Benedictine monks who follow the rule of Saint Benedict. They seek God in prayer and work:
The first alarm clock is at 5:00 am, yes... you heard right! The day belongs to those who get up early, and the monks devote their first moments to God. The first service is sung like the other 7 in the church where the reliquary containing the head of Saint-Wandrille is located.
The monks also do manual work: restoration of paintings for some, maintenance of the house for others, and especially ... brewing of the beer of Saint-Wandrille!
Indeed, the Abbey of Saint-Wandrille started producing beer in June 2016. This is the only beer, in France, brewed by the monks themselves within their abbey. Hats off to them! It took the community more than a year and a half to perfect the recipe and arrive at the current result! The beers of the Saint-Wandrille abbey are thus composed of 100% French hops and barley. But in fact, for the record, the abbey already had a brewery in the Middle Ages, which lasted until 1860! Today they brew four beers which are little jewels:
the Saint-Wandrille beer (amber)
the Sicera Humolone (white)
the Hortus Deliciarum (blonde)
Scottici Generis (black)
The little visual detail at the abbey
A funny little detail! Buy a beer (taste it!) Keep the bottle and have a look at the label. You will notice that the main motif is the one of the "Porte de Jarente" which is right at the entrance of the abbey. This is the one that overhangs the large wooden gate that marks the border between the monastic enclosure and the rest of the world. Curious visitors will not be able to miss it when they enter the abbey! Don't hesitate to spend a few days there to meet the community and see for yourself the only monks in France who really brew their own beer!
Saint Wandrille Abbey
2, Rue Saint-Jacques,
76490 Rives-en-Seine
Tel : 02 35 96 23 11
https://www.youtube.com/embed/GSBUKNF8BpE
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