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Visiting Sénanque Abbey means discovering a still-inhabited Cistercian monastery, nestled in a preserved valley near Gordes. The visit takes place in respect of monastic life, under conditions that vary depending on the time of year and the community’s moments of prayer and contemplation.
The abbey church, cloister, chapter house and the natural setting of the valley together form a sober and contemplative route, highly appreciated for its authenticity and its harmony with the landscapes of the Luberon. Very popular in summer, especially during the lavender blooming season, the abbey reveals a much more peaceful atmosphere out of season, ideal for a calmer and more reflective visit.
Before your visit, it is recommended to familiarise yourself with the essential guidelines and visiting rules in order to fully enjoy this emblematic discovery of the Luberon and to respect its living character.
Essential guidelines and visiting rules to preserve the silence and the living character of the monastery.
Extend your discovery with the village of Gordes and its major nearby sites.
Discover GordesNestled at the bottom of a preserved valley, Sénanque Abbey offers one of the most accomplished examples of Romanesque Cistercian architecture in Provence. Set away from villages and major roads, it reveals itself within a landscape shaped by silence, stone and light.
Founded in the 12th century and still inhabited today by a community of Cistercian monks, Sénanque Abbey is not a monument frozen in time. It remains a living place, inhabited in the deepest sense of the word, where an almost thousand-year-old monastic tradition continues.
For nearly nine centuries, daily life has followed an unchanging rhythm of prayer, work and silence. This exceptional continuity gives Sénanque a singular atmosphere, where history is not only contemplated but truly lived. The buildings, designed to support spiritual life, are not mere architectural remains: they form the setting of a community life that is still very much active.
At Sénanque, architecture, spirituality and history form an inseparable whole.
Sénanque, long forgotten in its solitude, miraculously preserved, is a relic of the Middle Ages.
M. Montrond, 1858
The monastic community follows the Rule of Saint Benedict. Visits take place at specific times, while the monks withdraw into cloister.
The choice of the Sénanque site fully reflects the Cistercian ideal. Like the earliest foundations of the order, the monks sought a secluded place (the “desert life”), conducive to contemplation and to a community life focused on what is essential.
The Sénancole valley provides the water, limestone and wood necessary for the abbey’s self-sufficiency, as well as an isolation favourable to prayer.
Here, nature is not merely a backdrop. It fully contributes to the experience of the place.
From its Cistercian origins to the return of the monks, discover the major stages that have shaped the abbey over the centuries.
During the 13th and 14th centuries, the abbey experienced a period of prosperity and influence. Thanks to donations from major seigneurial families, Sénanque expanded its domain and strengthened its spiritual, agricultural and economic influence.
From the 15th century onwards, the abbey entered a period of decline. Political crises, religious conflicts, epidemics and economic difficulties permanently weakened the community.
In the 19th century, the abbey escaped destruction. A monastic community resettled there in 1854, before the monks’ definitive return in 1988.
One of the main distinguishing features of Sénanque Abbey lies in its still-living vocation. A community of monks continues to lead a life there today, shaped by prayer, work and silence, in accordance with an almost thousand-year-old tradition.
Faithful to the Rule of Saint Benedict, the monks have chosen a simple, fraternal way of life centred on the search for God. This living presence gives the abbey a very special atmosphere, perceptible from the moment visitors enter the site.
The architecture of Sénanque Abbey reflects the Cistercian ideal in its most accomplished form. Stripped of all superfluous ornamentation, it favours purity of lines, balance of volumes and a masterful use of light.
Each space is designed to serve spiritual life. Light, never spectacular, accompanies prayer and highlights the sobriety of the forms. Silence, ever-present, is not an absence of sound but an inner disposition, encouraged by the architecture itself.
Today, Sénanque Abbey continues its mission of prayer, work and welcome. The monks maintain the site and carry out various agricultural activities, in keeping with their vocation and with respect for the environment.
The products of their work, as well as visitor access, help to preserve, restore and pass on this exceptional heritage in the heart of the Luberon.
To explore the Maquis de Gordes trail
Below Sénanque Abbey, the Maquis de Gordes trail offers an immersive hike through the Sénancole valley. The route winds through wild gorges, limestone cliffs and shaded woodland, revealing remarkable viewpoints over the abbey and its Cistercian setting.
Steeped in history, the trail also follows former paths linked to the French Resistance during the Second World War. A walk that is both scenic and commemorative, in a preserved and silent natural environment.
Photo gallery
Practical information on Abbey of Notre Dame de Sénanque
Opening times and periods
From 01/01 to 31/12/2026 daily.
Closed exceptionally on 12/01, 13/01, 30/01, 03/04, January 1st and December 25th.
Variable opening hours. Visit www.senanque.fr
Exceptional closing days:
1 January, 12 and 13 January, 30 January, 3 April
and 25 December.
Closed every Sunday morning and on the mornings of 14 May, 15 August and 1 November.
Price(s)
Adult : 8 €
Reduced price : 4 € (job seeker, disabled person)
Child (6-17 years) : 4 €
Student : 6 € (From 18 to 25 years old, upon presentation of a student card.).
Free entry for children under 6.
Free for priests, religious men and women, tour guides and residents of Gordes.
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Frequently asked questions
How can I reach Sénanque Abbey ?
By car: From Coustellet, drive towards Gordes via the D900, then take the D177 in the direction of Venasque. The abbey is located 9 km away. On the return journey, the D177 is one-way from 15 March to 30 September for cars, and all year round for coaches, camper vans and trucks. During this period, the return route goes via the Col des Trois Termes, then the D244 towards Gordes. On foot: Allow around 1 hour’s walk from the village of Gordes.
Is Sénanque Abbey open all year round ?
Sénanque Abbey is open all year round. It can be visited independently or with a guided tour every day (opening hours vary depending on the season). During the summer period, online booking via the abbey’s website is recommended.
How long does the visit last ?
The guided tour lasts approximately 1 hour (please arrive about ten minutes before the scheduled time). For a self-guided visit with the HistoPad, the duration depends on your pace, but it is advisable to allow between 1 and 1.5 hours on site.
How many monks live at Sénanque Abbey ?
The abbey is home to a small community of seven Cistercian monks. Their number may vary over time, but the community remains intentionally small, following the Rule of Saint Benedict and centred on prayer, work and silence.
Can Sénanque Abbey be visited with children ?
Yes, the abbey is open to families. However, due to the historic nature of the site (steps and uneven floors), pushchairs are not suitable.
Are the shop and bookshop open during the visit ?
The shop and bookshop are open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Sundays from 1:45 pm to 5:00 pm. Opening hours may vary depending on the season; please check www.senanque.fr before your visit.
When can lavender be seen in bloom at Sénanque Abbey ?
Lavender usually blooms from mid-June to mid-July, offering spectacular views around the abbey. Please note that access to the lavandin fields is strictly prohibited, in order to protect the monks’ agricultural work.
