Sénanque Abbey, Cistercian monastery in Gordes, France.
Description
Sénanque is a Cistercian monastery in a secluded Provençal valley, composed of a Romanesque church, residential buildings, and a bell tower. The stone structures sit naturally within the rolling landscape, with lavender fields defining the surroundings.
History
The monastery was founded in the 12th century and became one of the earliest Cistercian settlements in the region. Over the centuries, it weathered conflicts and periods of decline before eventually returning to active use.
Culture
The abbey's name comes from a nearby stream, reflecting how closely the place connects to its natural surroundings. The community lives by monastic rules that shape daily life through silence and craft work.
Practical
Visitors should prepare for paths that are best explored on foot and lead through the surrounding countryside. The best time to visit is on quieter days when you can fully enjoy the calm of the place.
Did you know?
The church displays the stark architectural simplicity of Cistercian design without ornament or embellishment. This austere approach allows visitors to experience the religious principles of the order's founders directly.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Gordes).
European religious architecture spans over a thousand years, from the Middle Ages to the present day. This collection includes monasteries and buildings constructed in a variety of styles, from Romanesque to Gothic, Baroque to Rococo, and innovative modern designs still under development. Some are...
The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region combines medieval villages, historical fortifications, and natural areas between the Mediterranean coast and the Alps. The landscape ranges from the lavender-covered plateaus of Valensole to the steep limestone cliffs of the Calanques and alpine passes above...
Luberon sits between soft hills and stone villages in the heart of Provence. The region shows what makes Provence special: lavender fields, ochre-colored cliffs, and honey-colored houses that cling to hillsides. In villages like Gordes and Roussillon, the buildings catch the light in striking ways....
Fontaine de Vaucluse
4.5 km
Mur de la peste
5.3 km
Musée didactique de Gordes
2.2 km
Château de Murs
5.2 km
Château de Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
4.7 km
Église de Saint-Pantaléon
5.6 km
Caves du Palais Saint Firmin
2.2 km
Château de Cabrières-d'Avignon
5.1 km
Musée Pétrarque
4.8 km
Nestor le Castor
5.9 km
Église de Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
4.9 km
Église Saint-Loup de Murs
5.1 km
Fontaine du Dieu Guérisseur de Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
4.9 km
Abbatiale de l'abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque
24 m
Eglise Saint-Firmin
2.2 km
Église de Joucas
5.2 km
Chapelle des pénitents blancs de Gordes
2.1 km
Église Saint-François-d'Assise des Imberts
4.9 km
Saint Gens
5.7 km
Commanderie de Joucas
5.2 km
Musée du Verre et du Vitrail
5.6 km
Musée du moulin des bouillons
5.1 km
Écomusée des Santons
4.8 km
Église Saint-Vincent de Cabrières-d'Avignon
5.1 km
Maison Lhote
2.2 km
Hôtel Saint-Firmin
2.3 km
Musée du Monde Souterrain de Norbert Casteret
4.7 km
Chapelle Notre Dame du Salut
4.9 kmReal people, real opinions — but not verified.
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
An absolutely amazing visit 😻 I recommend the guided tour and come in early July when the lavenders are in bloom!
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes