Haaa, Maredsous ! Basically there isn't even a village called Maredsous. The place consists of three houses, a parking lot and a monastery. The village itself, a nice walk away if you are so inclined, is called Maredret. Which can also be pretty hard to find unless you know the way. I've been going to Maredsous/Maredret for years now (close to 30 years to be exact) and I still manage to lose my way getting of the highway. Follow the signs saying Anhée and Dinant and you'll find a sign saying Maredsous somewhere along the way though.
So. What's so special about the place to warrant a mention here ?
The monastery.
Am I suffering from a delusion that makes me think those that read this have this inner yearning to become monks ?
No. But in Belgium, when one says abbey, one basically thinks "beer". And some of the best is made here.
But it's more than that. The monks make their own bread, cure their own hams and make their own cheese. And I swear : there's nothing like sitting on the lawn in front of the abbey, with a wooden plate stacked with rough crunchy whole wheat bread loaded with smoked ham and rich cheese, and with a clay mug of the best beer for miles around (okay, maybe that last one is because there is nothing else for miles around). I have seen and known people to go back for seconds, thirds, fourths, fifths.... and not only for the beer.
For that feeling alone Maredsous already merits a visit. But if you feel guilty after such a bacchanal, there's more to do there. Not far (bad people would say "conveniently close") from the abbey is the convent of Maredret. Far less attractive to tourists (no beer, no food...) it attracts those who prefer a convent for what it actually is : a place of contemplation. Further along the road you finally reach the village of Maredret, built in the typical dark grey local stone. A little piece of the world where time stopped somewhere in the 18h century. It always makes me think of a sleepy Swiss mountain village. Once through the village a path next to large farm takes you back up to the abbey. It's a walk of app. an hour. More than enough for me so it will have to suit anyone who accompanies me.
Within driving distance there's the ruins of the castle of Montaigle. Also worth a visit even if you're not overly interested in the applied conservation techniques.
The rest of the day you can spend wondering through the town of Dinant which is a real tourist attraction on both sides of the river Meuse. Food and drink are - of course - up to Belgian standards !
