Yes, the abbey of La Coudre in Mayenne specializes in the preparation of custards. As it happens, it is the most important source of income for the community, ahead of their cellar-aged cheeses. Founded in 1859, Notre-Dame de la Coudre Abbey has had a chequered history, but it has held up well and remains dynamic: the Trappistines still live there according to the Rule of Saint Benedict "ora et labora", prayer and work. This place conceals some unusual anecdotes that we will tell you in 3 minutes top chrono... Follow the guide!
From the foundation of the abbey, an unfailing determination!
It was after the hard times of the French Revolution, in 1816, that the adventure of the Trappistines of La Coudre began. By the way, a little anecdote: the abbey takes its name directly from the place called "La Coudre", so called because of the many coudriers (synonymous with hazelnut tree in the 12th century) which populated the park! In short, let's get back to our sheep... They followed the path traced by their monks of Port-du-Salut, who had recently settled near Laval, in Entrammes. The sisters also founded a school for poor girls in Laval in 1822!
But the sisters were not at the end of their surprises... In 1855, in the middle of their domain, a railway line was built. What an upheaval for the community! But the nuns did not let this stop them from buying two pieces of land south of Laval. They were named the Grande and Petite Coudre. In 1856, they began major construction work! The following year, the new abbey was already finished and housed the entire community.
The 19th and 20th centuries in a few words: cheese, mutual aid and influence!
Very quickly, in 1858, the school had to be closed and the sisters had to reorient themselves towards another activity. Without waiting, the monks of the Port-du-Salut Abbey came to their aid... with cheese, no less! You probably know the famous "Port-Salut"? Well, this type of cheese came from the Port-du-Salut Abbey in the first place! It was the first version of this "Trappist type cheese" that we enjoy today. Fortunately, the sisters were able to benefit from all the advice and support that the monks were able to give them! The construction of the artisanal cheese factory of the abbey of La Coudre thus took place in 1868.
Even if they had to close their school, the sisters did not give up their will to devote themselves to the weakest! And history will give them many opportunities to do so... Thus, the nuns of La Coudre will be of great help throughout the wars of the 19th and 20th centuries:
- During the 1870 war, the monastery almost became a hospice: several hundred wounded stayed there!
- Then, during the First World War, it was the same thing again! They became nurses once again, welcoming wounded soldiers from the front into their large buildings.
- And finally, in 1940, they flew to the aid of the seminarians of Laval! Their seminary having been requisitioned by the Germans, they were very happy to benefit from the support of the sisters who lent them half of their monastery!
But the story does not end there: the abbey of La Coudre then spread throughout France... and the world. So much influence! And yes, the Trappistines founded :
- in 1841 the abbey of Ubexy
- in 1845 the abbey of Clairefontaine
- in 1893 the Abbey of Belval
- in 1929 the abbey of Igny
- in 1953 the abbey of Campénéac
- and in 1981 the abbey of Jassonneix
... not to mention their foundations in Japan and Cameroon. Amazing, isn't it?
Entremets, cheeses and leather goods: today's super versatile sisters!
The 45 Trappistine nuns of the Abbey of Notre-Dame de la Coudre still live according to the rule of Saint Benedict, a life of prayer and work. They attend 7 services a day (the first one at 4am!) and live from their monastic products. In addition to their small household chores, they refine cheese (in the cellars of the abbey), work on leather and produce preparations for desserts, to be finished at home!
And yes, how can we talk about the abbey without mentioning these famous preparations made in 1974? It is in fact their sale that constitutes their main livelihood. It is a powder, prepared with various natural ingredients, without coloring agents or preservatives. The sisters offer a wide range of flavors, enough to delight the gourmands: cocoa, coffee, praline, lemon, raspberry, caramel and pistachio, and vanilla. In short, the great classics! By clicking on the following link, you will be able to buy online the products of the Abbey of La Coudre.
By the way, if you are more of a bibliovore than a gourmet, you can also buy the comic book retracing the history of the community. It is to celebrate the 200 years of the community that the sisters of La Coudre published this comic book in 2015. Read it to become an expert on the history of the abbey! For this, you can visit the abbey's website or some religious bookstores.
Notre-Dame de la Coudre Abbey
53000 Laval
Tel : 02 43 02 85 85
https://www.abbaye-coudre.fr/
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