Gordes, Provence, France
Faith has to do with things that are not seen, and hope with things that are not at hand.
—Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274), Italian Christian theologian and philosopher
After French noblemen donated land in the valley north of the medieval village of Gordes in Provence for a monastery, Cistercian monks took up residence and built a simple sanctuary. Consecrated in 1178, the abbey endured centuries of turmoil, occupancy, abandonment, and reclamation. Today, Cistercian monks again occupy the honey-colored stone monastery nestled amid rolling hills of aromatic lavender bordered by a forest of fragrant pine.
Whether you seek the comfort of a heaven-scented spiritual retreat or the sheltering walls of a humble monastery, visit the Abbey of Sénanque. Visitors may attend services, which are posted at the entrance. Go in June or early July, when the lavender is in full bloom and before farmers begin harvesting. From Gordes, take D177 road approximately 2 miles.
Book a retreat and bring along some spiritual books. As you explore the abbey, tune in to the sounds of monks as they perform a Gregorian chant. Walk to the cloister in the enclosed courtyard, taking in nature’s scents and scenes. Settle into a quiet place and read for a while, and then meditate for deeper understanding of what you’ve read and experienced.
This abbey is one of the medieval Romanesque Cistercian monasteries known as the “Three Sisters of Provence.” The others are Thoronet Abbey and Silvacane Abbey. For a guided tour, the fee is 7.50 euros.