Aulne Abbey, ruins beside the Sambre
A former Cistercian abbey whose ruins have become part of the landscape and its memory, best combined with a walk along the towpath from Landelies.
From an early foundation to Aulne-la-Riche
On the banks of the Sambre, Aulne Abbey brings together religious history and a striking landscape. Its origins are traced back to the 7th century; it became Cistercian in 1147 and subsequently experienced periods of both prosperity and hardship. The nickname Aulne-la-Riche recalls its importance. In 1794, destruction by French revolutionary troops brought this chapter of its monumental history to an abrupt end. Enough of the buildings survive to convey the scale of the site, while the sky and vegetation now become part of the way we read its architecture.
Landelin: a story to hear as a tradition
The site's official history recounts the story of Landelin, described as a former brigand who converted and founded a community. This tale of a changed life belongs to hagiographic tradition and should be distinguished from the abbey's documented development. Keeping that distinction in mind does not diminish the pleasure of the story. Instead, it helps explain how a place can bring together facts, legends and images passed down through generations. Aulne invites us to look not only at its stones, but also at the stories that successive generations have chosen to associate with them.
Planning your visit and the walk from the station
Check the official Aulne Abbey website for opening seasons and days. The ruins are accessible only when the site is open. The entrance is at rue Émile Vandervelde 277, on the side indicated by the abbey; follow its directions rather than relying on a map pin alone. Landelies SNCB station is the nearby railway station. Official car-free tourism itineraries suggest reaching the abbey along the Sambre towpath: allow time for a proper walk on this final stretch, with suitable footwear and clothing for the weather. Check the condition of the path and your return trains. A pre-booked taxi may be an option if the walk is not suitable for everyone in your group.
Photos and credits
Photo 1 — Aulne Abbey, photographed in August 2025. FrDr · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source.
Photo 2 — Remains of Aulne Abbey in August 2025. FrDr · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source.
Photo 3 — Another view of the ruins of Aulne Abbey, August 2025. FrDr · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source.
