Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque in France

The Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque is a picturesque Cistercian Abbey tucked away in a deep valley in the South of France. Hidden in the countryside, it is one of the most iconic views of Provence, nestled below the village of Gordes. The Sénanque abbey was founded in 1148 by Bishop Cavaillon and Ramon Berenguer II, the Count of Barcelona and Provence.

The Cistercian Tradition

The Romanesque abbey is known for its enchanting lavender fields, making it a popular destination to photograph in the summer months when the lavender is in its peak season of growth. Each year thousands drive by for a visit. 

The monastery was designed and laid out following the lines of Citeaux Abbey, in imitation of the mother house of the Cistercians. Therefore, the architecture is simple, embellished only by simple rounded windows and a lovely rose window. 

As a spiritual and supernatural religion, Christianity typically does not employ the horizontal movement of the human mind that finds expression in secular knowledge and architecture. Monastic architecture, on the other hand, embodies a vertical movement upward to God and the highest reaches of the soul.

This movement found classical utterance in Augustine's dictum that he wished to know God and the soul, and if he knew them would gain nothing by knowing anything besides. 

Cictercian architecture and design is therefore an austere portent that reminds both monk and visitor alike to "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God...and all these things shall be added unto you." The Gospel aim was to set up a kingdom of redeemed souls to share in the supernatural life of God on earth by grace and hereafter in glory. 

A Fascinating History 

In past centuries life at the abbey was austere for the monks. For many years the only heated room in the monastery was the Scriptorium, where the monks created the precious books that partially financed the abbey.

By the 14th century abbey had four mills, seven granges and possessed great estates in Provence. From this time, though, the abbey went into decline and in the late 1500’s it was ransacked by the Huguenots during the Wars of Religion. 

By the time of the French Revolution in 1789, abbey only had one monk left. Similar to many abbeys in France during those dark years of persecution, it was closed and its lands were nationalized.

In the year 1854 the abbey was repurchased by Cistercian monks who saved it and brought the property back to life. In order to support themselves, they started to grow lavender and tend bees to make honey in their own monastic apiary. 

Growth for the monastery has been difficult for many years in a de-Catholicized France with the discountenancing of morals that comes with that. Nevertheless, monasteries are part of the general European civilization which was the creation of the Catholic Church and they continue their presence with purpose. 

The Abbey Today

Catholic historian Hilaire Belloc had a famous quip that went something like this: "For it is an invariable rule in the history of our race that the spiritual direction of the Gauls should be an index of general movements outside of their boundaries."

This is certainly true in the area of monasticism. French monastic communities lead the way and inspire the same in other countries. The abbey remains a beacon of light, asserting itself in an unbelieving world, reinforced by its enrapturing beauty and eternal messaging. 

With its evocative lavender fields, it continues to draw attention as one of the most picturesque and photographed monastery chapels in the world. Indeed, many visit during the summer months and approach not only to admire the blooming fields of lavender that grow right up to the abbey chapel, but also to enter and pray. 

The monks support themselves and make a living by producing products made of lavender. This includes lavender honey, perfume, cologne, essential oils, candles, and more. The monastic gift shop is also worth a visit. 

Although this community is dying out, there is great hope it will one day be repopulated with a fresh order of young monks who will be able to revive it with the strong appeal of the immemorial ancient liturgy sung with Gregorian Chant, the soundtrack of Western civilization. The chapel has perfect acoustics and has been well maintained for the future. 

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