Sénanque Abbey
Gordes, France
A 12th-century Cistercian abbey in a narrow valley, with rows of lavender in front that flower in July. Monks still live here, so dress modestly and keep your voice down.
Sénanque Abbey lies in a narrow valley near Gordes. Cistercian monks founded it in 1148, and the church was consecrated in 1178. It is counted among the “three sisters of Provence”, alongside Silvacane and Le Thoronet. Because the valley is so narrow, the choir of the church points north. Since 1988 a small community of monks has lived here again; they grow lavender and keep bees.
You can visit the abbey on a guided tour (in French, at set times) or on your own. Allow roughly one to two hours (an estimate). The lavender in front of the abbey flowers in summer, usually from late June into July. As it is a working monastery, modest dress and quiet are expected. Please check opening times and access with the abbey in advance (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Gordes, France
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 43.9280, 5.1878
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Fontaine de Vaucluse - Parking Camping CarMotorhome stopover5 km from Sénanque Abbey · 21 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping les Royères du PrieuréaltCampsite11 km from Sénanque AbbeyTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Les Chênes BlancsCampsite12 km from Sénanque AbbeyTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping municipalCampsite15 km from Sénanque AbbeyTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Mororiron Lac des SalettesMotorhome stopover16 km from Sénanque Abbey · 20 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping le LuberonCampsite19 km from Sénanque AbbeyTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Sénanque Abbey?
Sénanque Abbey is in Gordes, France, at GPS 43.9280, 5.1878. It is about 5 km from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.
Can you camp near Sénanque Abbey?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping des Sources, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 70 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Sénanque Abbey?
Sénanque Abbey is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Luberon perched villages.
What is there to see near Sénanque Abbey?
Places worth a stop nearby: Gordes (2 km), Ochre Trail (9 km), Colorado Provençal (23 km) and Mont Ventoux (28 km).
When is the best time to visit Sénanque Abbey?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)