The ancient Senanque Abbey is just four kilometers from the village of Gordes (after descending, turn right on the D177 and go until you see the signpost).

The abbey belongs to the currently uncommon Order of Cistercians: there are 77 monasteries worldwide, where two thousand monks live. Most of the monasteries are in Europe, three of them are in Provence. The Cistercians have a separate culture, which is carefully preserved by six monks in Senanque. They live modestly and solitarily, but they readily accept tourists. Moreover, they even started deriving benefit by opening a shop and offering tourists the goods produced right in the abbey.

The Cistercians are also called "White Monks" due to the color of the robe, which is worn together with a black belt and a cape. The monks maintain an orchard, an apiary, and lavender fields. Actually, tourists are mostly attracted by the latter. The most beautiful lavender field is right in front of the abbey, but it is fenced on all sides and greets visitors with a warning sign of snakes and scorpions. But don`t worry: the abbey has a lavender field open specifically for tourists. It is the best place that you can find for taking photos. The entrance to the territory of the abbey is free. But keep in mind that lavender does not bloom all year round. The period of the brightest purple color and dizzying aroma is in July and August.

The abbey was founded in 1148. The construction of the church and other buildings was going on around the same time. The monks were not poor: despite their asceticism, they owned large land plots, several mills, and a granary. So they did have to spare money for construction. The abbey was so well-built that some buildings of Romanesque architecture (from the 12th-14th centuries) have remained to this day almost intact. However, the interior of the church is nude: there are no frescoes, sculptures, or stained glass windows as they go against the Cistercian code.

The abbey can only be reached by car. Take care of water and hats: the parking is quite far away, the temperature in the summer months can be much more than 30℃.