The tradition of Leffe beer dates back more than 700 years to the Abbey Notre Dame de Leffe, founded in 1152. The monks of St. Norbert began brewing this beer in 1240 for the community and for passing travelers. After the French Revolution, the abbey was abolishished and Leffe was no longer available to be transported through the Belgian countryside. The monks eventually formed an agreement with the brewer Albert Lootvoot to re-launch Leffe.