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Senanque Abbey in Gordes: discover all its secrets

Steeped in history and spirituality, the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, located in Gordes in the Vaucluse, offers a unique experience. Founded in 1148 by Cistercian monks, this Romanesque abbey is an architectural marvel. As well as visiting the monastery, you can admire the Sénanque valley, famous for its lavender fields. Get ready to discover all the secrets of this remarkable place.

L'Abbaye de Sénanque.

Presentation of the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Sénanque

Notre-Dame de Sénanque Abbey is nestled in a Provençal valley, and has been braving the Mistral winds for almost 900 years. It was founded by Cistercian monks from Mazan Abbey in the Ardèche, and is the fourth Cistercian abbey to be founded in Provence. This active Cistercian abbey offers an architectural spectacle in the Roman style, with soft, harmonious lines. Its lauze roofs and semi-circular bays, characteristic of Romanesque art, contribute to its charm.

The abbey is also home to a community of Cistercian monks. Their daily lives are punctuated by prayer, silence and contemplation, perpetuating a monastic way of life established almost nine centuries ago. The choice of site, the organisation of the estate and the architecture of the abbey buildings offer a sense of serenity and unity, essential to the monks' spiritual life.

What's more, the abbey is surrounded by farmland, including lavender fields, which contribute to its peaceful, picturesque character.

Production abbaye sénanque.

The Cistercian architecture of the abbey: an inside look

The Cistercian architecture of Sénanque Abbey is a faithful reflection of the principles of the Order: simplicity, sobriety and harmony. The abbey church, facing north-east, stands out for the purity of its lines and its semi-circular windows. The Romanesque cloister, with its leafy capitals and geometric corbels, gives the monks a sheltered passage between the different living areas. The former dormitory and chapter house bear witness to the monks' daily life, between prayer and manual labour. The lay brothers' building illustrates the essential role they played in the abbey's economic autonomy. Finally, the architecture integrates the abbey perfectly with its environment, using local stone for its construction.

Cloître Abbaye de Senanque.

Monastic life at Sénanque: how many monks?

The Abbey of Notre-Dame de Sénanque is home to a small community of monks. At present, six Cistercian brothers live in the monastery, following the principles of the Rule of Saint Benedict.

Their life is divided between prayer, meditation and work, respecting the monastic rhythm established centuries ago. In 1925, when the abbey was sold, the new owner authorised the installation of a dozen monks. Today, although their numbers are smaller, their presence continues to make it a lively place of spirituality.

The monks maintain the site, cultivating lavender and olive trees and keeping bees.

moines à Senanque.

The lavender fields: the best time to visit

If you want to enjoy the lavender fields of the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque at their best, you should plan your visit between the end of June and the first half of July. This is when the flowers are in full bloom, offering an exceptional visual and olfactory spectacle.

However, it is advisable to visit during low-traffic periods to avoid the crowds. The peak of flowering in July attracts large numbers of visitors, which can make the experience less enjoyable.

Finally, it should be noted that the lavender harvest generally takes place between the last week of July and the first week of August, which can also be an interesting opportunity to discover local traditions.

Lavandes à l'Abbaye de Sénanque.

Visiting the abbey: opening times and prices

There are several options for visiting the abbey. Unguided tours are available from Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 11:30am, then from 1pm to 5pm, and on Sundays from 1:45pm to 5pm. Guided tours last one hour and take place at specific times: Monday to Saturday at 10.30am, 2.15pm and 3.30pm, and on Sundays at 2.15pm and 3.30pm.

Prices are as follows:

  • Guided tour: €8

  • Self-guided tour with Histopad: €8.50

  • Children: €4

  • Free for the 3rd child or more

Please note that the abbey is closed on certain days in 2024: 8, 9, 22, 23 and 24 January; 8 and 22 February; 29 March; 9 May in the morning, 15 and 16 May; 15 August in the morning; 1 November in the morning and 25 December.

It is advisable to consult the official website to check the closing times and dates, which may vary.

Sénanque Gordes.

Staying at the abbey: accommodation and spiritual retreat

The Abbey of Notre-Dame de Sénanque offers a unique opportunity for an introspective experience through its guesthouse and spiritual retreat services. Visitors can stay in the abbey grounds, helping with domestic chores such as making the bed or helping with the washing-up. It's a chance to disconnect from modern life and recharge your batteries in this green setting.

Spiritual retreats, which are becoming increasingly popular, offer a space for silence, reflection and prayer. They are generally scheduled on specific dates throughout the year.

It is important to note that the brother or sister who runs the hotel is responsible for relations with guests. It is therefore advisable to contact them to organise your stay as well as possible.

Retraite abbaye de senanque.

Who owns Sénanque Abbey?

Sénanque Abbey belongs to the Cistercian monks. They finance its upkeep through visits, retreats at the monastery, the shop and the sale of local produce (lavender, honey, olive oil). The major work on the Abbey remains difficult to finance, and private donations are often requested. Fortunately, there is no shortage of people who love Senanque Abbey!

Location and access: where is the abbey in Gordes, Vaucluse?

Notre-Dame de Sénanque Abbey is near the village of Gordes, in the Vaucluse département, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The historic site is located in the Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon, which offers an exceptional natural setting in which to appreciate the architectural wealth of the site. To reach the abbey, take the D900 towards Gordes from Coustellet. Then take the D177 on your left, towards Venasque. The abbey is around 5 kilometres away. The GPS coordinates for getting there are: 43.931533, 5.189041.

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