In the 17th century Cistercian life underwent a thorough reformation at the Norman abbey of La Trappe. As the abbey strictly adheres to the Rule of St Benedict and adopts the monastic way of life followed by the Cistercians, they are correctly called Cistercians of the Strict Observance. However, they are much better known as ‘Trappists’, a name derived from their French abbey, Notre Dame de la Grande Trappe.