About Magasin de l'Abbaye Val Notre-Dame
The Magasin de l'Abbaye Val Notre-Dame is the shop of a Trappist monastery on the slopes of Montagne Coupée. The community traces back to La Trappe d'Oka, founded in 1881; the monks decided to move to Lanaudière in 2002 and have lived at Val Notre-Dame since March 2009. The shop carries chocolates, caramels, butters and cakes, jams, jellies, honey and syrups, and marinades and condiments, alongside local specialties in a style inspired by monastic tradition.
The shop is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Around it, the abbey forest has more than 15 km of hiking paths, free to use from April 15 until the first snow, ranging from paved paths to mountain and country trails. The Sentier de la Montagne climbs to a summit with a wide view over the region. There is also a cross-country mountain bike network with paid passes, and in winter snowshoe and ski trails run by the local ski center.
The abbey also offers retreat stays for individuals, couples and groups, and a separate center on the grounds holds orchard visits, mushroom workshops and cooking classes on posted dates. It's a quiet place, so plan on a calm walk and a browse rather than a busy outing.
Les Jardins de Lavande Arômes et Saveurs in Sainte-Mélanie is about 15 minutes south, which makes an abbey walk and the lavender gardens a natural half-day pairing in summer.
What to do
- Browse monastery-style chocolates, caramels and preserves
- Hike the abbey forest trails, mid-April to first snow
- Climb the Sentier de la Montagne to the summit lookout
- Ride the cross-country bike network (pass required)
- Snowshoe the winter trails
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Shop open year-round; hiking trails free from April 15 to the first snow
- Hours
- Shop: daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (regular schedule posted 2026)
- Admission
- Free shop; hiking trails free; bike passes sold separately
Good to know
- Dogs
- Leashed on the trails in summer
Tips for your visit
- Pick up a trail map before heading out; the summit trail is the steepest.
- Keep dogs leashed on the forest trails.
- The shop also sells online if you want to reorder later.
Pair it with a lavender farm
Les Jardins de Lavande Arômes et Saveurs · about 15 minutes away
Walk the abbey trails in the morning, then drive about 15 minutes to the lavender gardens in Sainte-Mélanie.
Getting there
Questions
Are the abbey trails free?
Yes, the hiking trails are free from April 15 until the first snow.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a leash during the summer season.
When is the shop open?
Every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of Sainte-Mélanie & Joliette, Quebec
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
