Abbaye de la Coudre

Abbaye de la Coudre, also known as Notre-Dame de la Coudre, is an active abbey of Trappist nuns (Cistercians of the Strict Observance) standing just south of the town centre of Laval, in the Mayenne department of western France. The community follows the Rule of Saint Benedict within the Cistercian tradition traced back to Cîteaux, ordering its days around prayer, manual work and study.

Where did the community come from?

The story behind the abbey begins during the French Revolution. In 1790 the National Constituent Assembly banned religious vows, an early sign of the persecution the Church would soon face. Anticipating this, the monk Augustin de Lestrange established communities of refuge in Switzerland. When French forces invaded Switzerland in 1797-1798, the nuns had to flee further still, eventually reaching Russia and Prussia before conditions allowed a return to France. The group that eventually settled in Laval had come from Darfeld, in Westphalia.

Why did the nuns end up building at La Coudre?

On arriving in Laval, ten religious women first took up residence in the former abbey of Sainte-Catherine. Their plans changed when a new railway line, linking Paris-Montparnasse to Brest, was routed straight through the community's land. Rather than stay, the nuns chose to move to a site called La Coudre, south of the city, where a new monastery was built between 1856 and 1859 — the same building that still houses the community today.

How did the abbey grow over the following century?

As the Laval community grew, it repeatedly lent its members to found or strengthen other Cistercian houses. Sisters from La Coudre reinforced the future abbey of Notre-Dame de Clairefontaine in Belgium and, in 1841, founded a daughter house at Ubexy in the Vosges. In 1893 the community again sent nuns to support the newly founded abbey of Belval, and in 1929 sisters from La Coudre helped re-establish the abbey of Notre-Dame d'Igny in the Marne department. Today around forty Trappist nuns live at La Coudre.

What is the abbey best known for beyond monastic life?

Since 1974 the sisters have run a workshop producing powdered mixes for flan, the classic French custard dessert. Made from entirely natural ingredients, free of artificial colouring or preservatives, these preparations now account for roughly half of the community's income. Alongside the flan mixes, the sisters also produce other sweet preparations and craft items, including religious leather goods.

Can visitors stay at the abbey?

The abbey runs a guesthouse for visitors seeking quiet retreat and the chance to share in the sisters' rhythm of prayer, in keeping with the Benedictine tradition of hospitality. An on-site exhibition introduces visitors to the community's origins, spirituality, history and daily life. The guesthouse can be reached by telephone during set reception hours.

Frequently asked questions

Which order do the nuns of La Coudre belong to?

They are Trappist nuns, Cistercians of the Strict Observance, living under the Rule of Saint Benedict.

When was the current abbey building constructed?

The present monastery was built between 1856 and 1859, after the community relocated away from the new Paris-Brest railway line to a site south of Laval.

What is the abbey known for besides prayer?

It is known for producing flan dessert mixes, made since 1974 and now the community's main source of income.

Is it possible to stay overnight at the abbey?

Yes — the abbey welcomes guests in its guesthouse, in the spirit of Benedictine hospitality; visits are arranged by telephone during reception hours.