Located near the village of Gordes in the Vaucluse region, the Senanque Abbey was established in 1148 for Cistercian monks from the Ardèche region of France.
The abbey church, dormitory, cloister, chapter house and the small calefactory are all magnificent examples of Romanesque architecture. A refectory was added in the 17th century, but the abbey is surprisingly untouched to this day.
The abbey is also a witness to a way of life - the monks still live and worship here, plant and cultivate lavender, and welcome people on retreat. The abbey is also open to guided tours, but the visitors should understand that the monks are permitted to speak only in the chapter room. The abbey has a small gift shop.
Address: 84220 Gordes, France