Notre-Dame de Senanque is a Cistercian abbey near the village of Gordes in the department of the Vaucluse in Provence. The Senanque Abbey was founded in 1148 under the patronage of Alfant, bishop of Cavaillon, and Raymond Berenger II, Count of Provence, by Cistercian monks who came from Mazan Abbey in the Ardeche.
During the Wars of Religion the quarters for the lay brothers were destroyed and the Senanque Abbey was ransacked by Huguenots. The community was expelled 1903–1926 and departed to the Order's headquarters, Lerins Abbey on the island of St. Honorat, near Cannes. A small community returned in 1988.
Useful Information
Leaving Gordes, take the D177 which offers beautiful views of the abbey below. In summer, the lavender fields give the abbey its own particular cachet.
The 12th century edifice is open for tours: the abbey church, cloisters, the monks' cells, the chapter house, the calefactory...
Guided visits (individual and group) in the monastery on reservation.
Learn more about the Cistercian Abbeys of Provence.
