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Abbaye de Senanque

4 km (2 mi) N of Gordes (via D177), 84220 Gordes, France
04-90-72-05-72
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Ranked #2 of 11 attractions in Gordes
Type: Religious Sites
Description: Founded in the 12th century, Notre-Dame-de-Sénanque is a unique example of a Cistercian abbey and still an active monastery.
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176 reviews from our community

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Huntington Beach, California
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013

I've often spent time in Provence and I've been at least half a dozen times at this beautiful monument of peace. Despite the huge amount of visitors, despite the limited time you get to stay it's definitely worth it, to experience this building nestled into a deep valley, surrounded by lavender, trees and rocks. The variety of light inside the... More

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Montana Rose
Top Contributor
265 reviews 265 reviews
98 attraction reviews
Reviews in 62 cities Reviews in 62 cities
134 helpful votes 134 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013

We went in early May. It's a bit of a drive to get to, but the canyon setting and the building are so picturesque. We didn't tour inside, just went walking around, took some pictures and went in the chapel for a few minutes. Very relaxing and peaceful. Not too crowded that time of year either.

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Croton on Hudson, New York
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5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013

We took a tour, quite interesting on the inside, but particularly appreciated the view outside, with a striking setting against the mountains

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Boston
Top Contributor
64 reviews 64 reviews
30 attraction reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

Just outside Gordes, itself a worthwhile attraction, the abbey sits quietly in a pastoral valley, surrounded by lavandar fields. The approach from above is lovely, and the whole scene is very evocative of Medieval monastic life. We came late in the day and were unable to get in but just from the outside it's well worth a visit.

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West Chester, PA
Top Contributor
88 reviews 88 reviews
36 attraction reviews
Reviews in 36 cities Reviews in 36 cities
36 helpful votes 36 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 March 2013

Set in a beatiful valley north of Gordes, the Abbaye is hemmed in by steep slopes. La Chemin de l'Abbaye from Gordes descends into this valley on a road that is one lane plus but not two lanes til you get to the valley floor. Be prepared to pull over or yield or both. We originally planned to hike a... More

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Merced, California
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
30 helpful votes 30 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 January 2013

You will smell the wonderful scent of lavender flowers growing on the abby property before you get a glimpse of the structure itself. The fields of lavender, grown and tended by the sisters and brothers residing at the abby, are a sight to behold. This monastic community is austere and simplistic with accentuates its serene surroundings. Don't miss visiting and... More

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Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 December 2012

It is worth to drive over there. The monastery is beautiful and surrounded by Lavender fields. Great pictures, peaceful place.

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Billericay, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 December 2012

Lovely setting, and the drive to the abbey is also delightful. We would like to return when the lavender fields are in full bloom.

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Austin, Texas, United States
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 December 2012

Worth the drive there. Isolated and memorable. The description in them Michelin guide is very good. Etc etc etc

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Vancouver, Canada
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 November 2012

It is not well known, but most monasteries, and especially those in the Benedictine tradition, offer hospitality. I stayed at the monastery on a personal retreat in July. The lavender was in bloom, the location is breathtaking, and the possibility of attending the chanting of the hours with the monks is ethereal and breathtaking. One does not need to belong... More

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