Senanque Abbey, jewel of Romanesque art in Provence

A few kilometers from Gordes, the Senanque Abbey is secluded, nestled in the narrow valley of the Sénancole. It is dominated by the steep and rocky hills covered in scrub. The contrast is even more striking with the harmonious design of the Abbey, an architectural jewel of Romanesque art, surrounded by lavender fields carefully lined up.

Founded in 1148 by Cistercian monks, Senanque Abbey grew and prospered in the Middle Ages. In the years preceding the 16th-century Wars of Religion, the rich abbey was burned and looted by a group of Waldensians. It suffered a long decline and was eventually sold as national property during the French Revolution. The building was preserved and maintained by successive owners. Monks returned in 1854 and occupied the abbey intermittently thereafter. The abbey regained its religious vocation in 1988.

The beauty of the site and the architectural purity of the Romanesque building have made it a photographic icon and a symbol of Provence. Sénanque Abbey radiates a spiritual strength that remains palpable despite the influx of visitors.

Accommodation near Senanque Abbey and information

Selection of B&B near Gordes and Senanque on the portal of Provence B&B

website of Senanque Abbey: www.senanque.fr

Coming to Senanque abbey

GPS coordinates : N 43°55’42’’ - E 5°11’13’’

Location of Senanque Abbey: altitude 375 metres, 5km from Gordes, 9 km from Murs, 12 km from Venasque, 15 km from Roussillon, 22 km from Isle sur la Sorgue, 42 km from Avignon

Explore further with my articles in the Getaways section of the Guest Houses in Provence Portal: Lavender at Sénanque Abbey, near Gordes.