Abbaye de Belval, Historical abbey in Belval-Bois-des-Dames, France

The Abbaye de Belval au Bois-des-Dames is a former Premonstratensian monastery between Belval-Bois-des-Dames and Vaux-en-Dieulet in the northeastern Ardennes. The complex sits in a forest clearing and includes several preserved monastic buildings from different periods, including residential and service structures.

Canons of Saint Augustine founded the monastery in the 1120s before it joined the Premonstratensian order in 1133. The community continued on lands belonging to the Bishop of Verdun until the French Revolution.

The name Belval, "beautiful valley", refers to the spring-fed hollow where the abbey was built. The abbey's library catalogue of 1741 listed 2,487 works, 54% theology and 25% history, arranged under headings such as Cronologia and Martyrologia. The nécrologe records the complaint of the monks against commendatory abbots: "épuisement du trésor".

Guided tours help visitors explore the monastic complex while a shop offers regional products. The Les Pierres Blanches guesthouse allows groups to stay overnight during most of the year.

In 1388 King Charles VI granted the canons fishing rights on the Meuse, and a few years later they obtained the free use of salt. In the 16th century the abbey also ran the forge of Belval, powered by the stream that left the site.