The Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque is one of the most iconic sights in Provence, set in a quiet valley near Gordes and surrounded by lavender fields.

Founded in 1148, this Cistercian abbey is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, known for its simplicity, harmony, and austere beauty. Unlike more ornate religious sites, Sénanque reflects the Cistercian ideal of a life focused on work, prayer, and silence.

The abbey complex includes a barrel-vaulted church, cloister, chapter house, and monastic buildings, all built from pale stone that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding landscape. The setting is just as important as the architecture, especially in summer when the lavender fields are in bloom.

Despite a turbulent history marked by war, plague, and decline, the abbey is still active today, with a small community of monks living and working on site.

👉 Local Tip: Approach from the road coming from Gordes. The view as you descend into the valley is the most spectacular and is where many of the best photos are taken.