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Abbey · Avignon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque
12th-century Cistercian abbey still inhabited by monks, in an isolated valley near Gordes. In front of it, a lavender field usually blooms from mid-June to mid-July.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque
The Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque was founded in 1148 by Cistercian monks in a narrow valley watered by the Sénancole stream, 4 km from Gordes. Together with the abbeys of Silvacane and du Thoronet it forms the so-called three Provençal sisters, examples of Cistercian Romanesque architecture in Provence.
The building follows the order's rules: bare stone, without sculptures or colored stained glass, simple lines. The visit shows the church, the cloister, the monks' dormitory, the chapter house and the calefactory, the only heated room in the monastery. The abbey is still inhabited by a small community of monks, who cultivate lavender and maintain a life of prayer.
The lavender field in front of the church is one of the best-known images of Provence. Blooming usually runs from mid-June to mid-July and varies year to year. Outside that period the field is green or gray, but the valley and the abbey remain beautiful.
As a place of worship, the visit requires silence and appropriate clothing. There are guided visits in French and self-guided visits with a tablet in several languages.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour for the visit, plus time to see the lavender field and the shop.
Best time
During the lavender bloom, which usually runs from mid-June to mid-July, arrive early because parking fills up. The abbey is closed on Sunday mornings and on some religious holidays. Check opening times before you go.
How to get there
By car, 4 km from Gordes via a narrow, winding road, and about 45 km from Avignon. There is no regular public transport; organized Luberon tours often include the abbey.
Tip
For the classic lavender photo, stop at the viewpoint on the road that descends from Gordes. Respect the field fences: the lavender is cultivated by the monks. Shoulders and knees should be covered during the visit.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque
When is the lavender at Sénanque in bloom?
Lavender usually blooms from mid-June to mid-July, with variation depending on the year's weather. After that comes the harvest, and the field loses its color.
Does the abbey still have monks?
Yes. A small community of Cistercian monks lives there, prays and cultivates lavender. For that reason, some areas are closed and visits require silence.
Do you need a ticket?
To enter the abbey, yes: either a self-guided visit with a tablet or a guided tour. Seeing the lavender field and the façade from the outside does not require a ticket. Check the times before you go.