Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque

The Provençal Abbey is a Cistercian Abbey which is best-known for its lavender production. The abbey is still in use today and seven times a day, the monks who reside there gather to pray together in the church. The monks make their livelihood by selling lavender and tending to honeybees. It was founded in 1148 and the church was consecrated in 1178.

We viewed the Abbey from the outside, as the opening times did not fit with our visit, but Rick Steves advised it was nothing special on the inside. It did have a nice gift shop and we bought some sable cookies made locally.

It was pleasant on the grounds, so we were able to enjoy our picnic lunch on a bench under a shade tree.Read more