Religious site
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque
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Nestled in a secluded valley near Gordes, Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque is a serene Cistercian monastery founded in 1148. The abbey remains home to a small community of monks who follow the Rule of Saint Benedict, balancing prayer, work, and hospitality. Visitors can explore the austere Romanesque church, the graceful cloister with its slender columns, and the chapter house, all built in the characteristic Cistercian style that emphasizes simplicity and light. The abbey is also famous for its lavender fields, which bloom in summer and create a striking purple foreground against the stone buildings. The experience is one of quiet contemplation, with the monks' chants occasionally echoing through the halls. A small shop sells lavender products and books. Note that the abbey is a living monastery, so some areas may be off-limits during prayer times.
Don't miss
- Romanesque church with a barrel-vaulted nave and stark beauty
- Cloister with graceful twin columns and a tranquil garden
- Lavender fields in full bloom (late June to mid-July)
- Chapter house with medieval frescoes
- Monastic shop with lavender honey and soaps
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inNotre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie Walking Tour5★ · 19 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$5 per personSee dates →
Most bookedParis Notre-Dame Interior or Exterior Walking Tour4.9★ · 2,293 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$35 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleNotre Dame Outdoor and City Center of Paris with Local Guide4.6★ · 39 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$29 per personSee dates →More attractions in Gordes