The lavender field at Sénanque Abbey

What it is

Sénanque Abbey was founded in 1148 in a wooded valley a short drive north of Gordes. It is still a working monastery, home to a small community of Cistercian monks who grow lavender and keep bees to support themselves. The field in front of the church is small compared with the plateaus further east, but the plain grey Romanesque walls behind it have made it one of the best known views in Provence. The lavender flowers from mid June and is cut in July. Parts of the abbey can be visited, and the shop sells the monks' own lavender oil and honey.

Before you go

• This is a place of prayer. Keep your voice low and dress modestly if you go inside.
• Arrive early. The valley road is narrow and the car park fills by late morning.
• Do not walk into the lavender rows. View them from the path.

The flowers you will see

Also part of it, and being written: Lavandula, Lavandula angustifolia.

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