Villers Abbey at the intersection of friendship and the secrets of the stars
As in previous summers, Villers-en-Brabant Abbey is hosting a range of activities, including a breath-taking sound and light show inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's masterpiece "Le Petit Prince" (The Little Prince).
This Cistercian abbey, located in Villers-la-Ville, about ten kilometres east of Nivelles in the heart of Walloon Brabant, was founded by Bernard of Clairvaux in the Thyle valley in 1146. Its grandiose ruins, in the Romanesque, Gothic and classical styles (for the 18th century work) are remarkably preserved and make this an enchanting site as well as a new cultural centre hosting events and attracting some 110,000 visitors a year.
Its summer show has become a highlight of the Belgian theatre scene. This year, the venerable ancient vaults will host a great show adapted from "Le Petit Prince" by the poet and aviator, a philosophical tale and a hymn to brotherhood and love transcended by the magic of the venue.
The abbey also offers activities throughout the summer (see Agenda | Abbaye de Villers), including courses to suit all tastes: balladeers and minstrels, art and nature, Harry Potter, legends and puppets, time explorers, etc. There is also the medieval village, where visitors can see blacksmiths, basket makers and cooks at work, its archery and combat demonstration and its craft market. Not forgetting "The Secret Valley", from 21 August to 26 September, an evocation of the Abbey's golden age during a nocturnal walk interspersed with monumental digital images.