Near the beautiful village of Gordes in the Luberon, the Abbey of Our Lady in Sénanque is a must-see monument in Provence. Nestling amid lavender fields in a green valley, it was founded in 1148 by Cistercian monks from Mazan in Ardèche. Monks are still there today, living in the purest monastic tradition following the Rule of St. Benedict. Their days are spent in prayer and at work, growing lavender and producing honey.
A true gem of the Provençal Romanesque style, Sénanque Abbey is also one of the finest examples of primitive Cistercian architecture. Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, the abbey church, cloister, former dormitory, chapter house and calefactory are open to visitors. But be careful, to avoid disturbing the peace, all visits must take place in total silence…
Discover the abbey in the time of its first monks with the Histopad, a digital tablet that will take you right back to the 12th century.
