My mom was convinced that we would definitely find lavender fields at the Abbey de Senanque, just outside the village of Gordes. And she was right! We wound down a narrow road, hugging the rocky ridge toward the Abbey on Les Routes de Lavande.
Abbey de Senanque was founded in 1148 by Cistercian monks. They remain there even today practicing the medieval cycle of prayer, silence, study, and work. They work cultivating lavender and honey in order to maintain the upkeep on the gray stone buildings of the monastery.
A sea of lavender pops against the heather-gray stone of the monastery, which seems to blend in with the cliffs surrounding the value. I’d not seen lavender ever before, so I did what any dog would do. I stuck my head right into the lavender to get a big sniff! Apparently I startled a bee because it started buzzing around. My mom chuckled and told me no. She didn’t want me to get stung.
I sniffed up and down the rows of lavender, watching bees pollinate the purple flowers and was thankful the light rain was keeping most of them away. I tried to leap over a row of lavender but got yelled at. You have to be respectful of the lavender. No picking or trampling it!
Know Before You Go
The lavender blooms in late June and is mostly cut around mid-July. To see and smell the lavender in full bloom, it is best to visit in early July.
The Abbey is open for visits by guided tour only and reservations are required ahead of time. €7 per person. Silence is required in respect for the Cistercian order.
Lesley Peterson says
Lovely post and pics! Can almost smell the lavender.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Hi Lesley! Thanks so much! It was very fragrant.
Jeff Titelius says
Stunning photos my friend. I bet you are all having such a wonderful time touring Provence at this most perfect time of the year!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Hi Jeff! It was beautiful…and this was all in pouring down rain. Imagine if the sun had come out to shine!
Natasha von Geldern says
How absolutely stunning, I’ve always wanted to see the lavender fields in Provence!
Laurel says
I agree, the smell of lavender almost jumps off the page. Beautiful photos!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Thanks, Laurel! It is easy to take beautiful photos in such a beautiful location!
Chula Wula D'Augue says
Hi, Emma. Your big smile tells me you're enjoying Provence as much as I did. I love your family portraits amidst the lavender. In fact, you look like such a natural there that I'm wondering if you're dreaming yet in French.
Mary Herman says
I was there when the lavender was just brown twigs. Pooh.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Hi Mary,
It’s a very short period from the beginning to mid July when you can see the lavender in bloom. But definitely worth the trip to see such vibrant, beautiful colors!
Betty Davis says
The pictures are superb and your blog is very interesting? Do you have any info on spain?
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Hi Betty! We have not spent time in mainland Spain. But we do have information about the Spanish Canary Islands. You can use our country menu to select Spain.
Also check our blogs we love page. We recommend several other blogs with a lot of information on Spain.
Ali says
The lavender looks gorgeous! Sounds like a great trip!
Lola says
Just gorgeous!!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
The lavender is beautiful, especially set against the abbey in a valley surrounded by jagged mountains.
Debbra says
I hope to be able to visit at the right time of year to see and photograph the lavender….one of these years! Thanks for sharing…
Jennifer Dombrowski says
It’s such a beautiful sight to see. Hope you make it to Provence at the right time of year one day soon, Debbra!
Simon says
I’m going there the last week of July and I just can’t wait. I’ve never seen the lavender fields and know very little of Provence. I’ll definitely be sure to include the Abbey de Senanque in my itinerary!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Oh how fun, Simon! If you are there on a Sunday, the famous L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue market is a must. Sadly, the lavender will be cut already since it’s all commercial, but you may be able to see it still at the abbey.