Echourgnac Abbey: make a cheese out of it!

Let's discover a Périgordine specialty, produced since 1868 in the abbey of the small village of Echourgnac ! Cheese lovers are not mistaken ... The trappe of Echourgnac is a real delight! In the forest of the Double , this monastic place gave birth to the oldest cheese in the department ... It is found natural but also refined with walnut wine ... A real treat! Its soft paste is creamy and silky, it is produced from pasteurized cow's milk ... Its woody flavor will remind you of the beautiful place where it was born.

Photos from the report: Guide to Périgord and Echourgnac Abbey

The village of Echourgnac

It is not very big but pretty! There is only one large main street . The church has retained the charm of the old on the outside, but inside, it had to be renovated. The village is pretty and flowery . Echourgnac is located not far from Saint-Aulaye. The inhabitants do not lack anything thanks to the small supermarket and they can have fun with the large pond of Jemaye. It is a peaceful corner in the countryside. Echourgnac can be a good stopping point if you are passing through this part of the Périgord!

The abbey of echourgnac

A kilometer from the village, the Notre-Dame de Bonne-Espérance abbey where the nuns live, is open to the public. They make several gourmet products that are on sale in their shop . When you arrive at the abbey, you will discover a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.

Just like the interior of the church of Echourgnac, the abbey has been completely restored and with great taste, judiciously mixing old and new . Go through the wooden door and depending on the time (check their website if you want to join in the prayers) you can attend services. A religious silence resonates in the abbey. Many people stop at the abbey. It has a " hotel " area. It is possible to spend a week with the sisters for a spiritual retreat of peace and tranquility.

Head to the shop which opens from 2:30 pm . The smell of the famous Trappe d'Echourgnac will delight your senses. Look at the shelves. There are sweets with fruit pastes, nut cakes and other delicacies from several abbeys in France. There are liqueurs, syrups, vinegars as well as honey.

La Trappe is in the fresh produce section with classic local products . The sisters also make sheep's cheese . The jams and jellies are catching your eye. The flavors are diverse and varied! It is impressive to see all the products made and offered by the sisters.

There are also religious books, games and notebooks for children in this shop! There are also some key chains and supplies.

Echourgnac, a place for nature walks

If you particularly enjoyed it, know that La Trappe is a cheese that is exported and that can be found in all good creameries and among connoisseur cheesemakers . You will surely find some at home (maybe not at the same price ;) ).

Echourgnac is a small village surrounded by nature and hiking trails are available in the Double forest . For example, try the Boucle d'Echourgnac ! Crosses can be found on the trails, the abbey is a kind of pilgrimage site! This pilgrimage is also delicious thanks to the whole range of products made by the sisters.

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