Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque Lavender Season
Last Updated on January 26, 2026 by Charlotte
In the height of June and early July, the rolling fields embracing the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque burst to life with shades of lavender and the hum of bumble bees. Located just outside of the Provençal village of Gordes, this Cistercian Abbaye was founded in the 12th century and is still home to monks in the present day. While ephemeral, lavender season is perhaps the most beautiful time of the year to visit and explore the grounds and the cloister. In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about planning your visit to Abbaye de Sénanque, and whether it is worth the trip.
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Our Morning at Abbaye de Sénanque
We arrived just after opening on a day in the first week of July, around 10 am, and already, the car park was completely full, and tour buses were unloading huge groups of visitors. One blessing of having to park so far away is that we got to enjoy a leisurely ten-minute walk toward the monastery buildings, catching glimpses of lavender along the way.
At the Abbaye de Sénanque, the majority of the lavender fields are closed to visitors, but you are welcome to view from outside the fence. Closer to the monastery, there are a few patches of tourist fields where you can take your photo among the lavender flowers.
The Abbaye is open year-round, but of course, lavender season from mid to late June through early July is what attracts the most visitors, who all fly to Provence like bees drawn to a flower.
Aside from exploring the gardens on foot, the abbaye offers guided tours of the monastery interior in French (reservations highly recommended), and self-guided tours are offered via HistoPad in English, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Chinese, Japanese, Polish, and Portuguese.
Unfortunately, we visited on a weekend, and the Abbaye was already at full capacity for the tours of the interior. But the outside view was lovely in itself.
Plan Your Visit to Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque is located in the valley just outside Gordes, and the easiest way to visit is by car. The final stretch winds down a narrow country road into the valley, and during lavender season, it can feel a little chaotic with two-way traffic, tour buses, and photographers stopping for “just one quick shot.”
There’s a small parking area near the monestary, but it fills up fast in late June and early July. If the lot is full (which is common by mid-morning), you’ll need to park farther up the road and walk down.
On the bright side, the walk is scenic and only about 10 minutes—plus it gives you those first glimpses of lavender before you even arrive.
Hours & Admission
The Abbaye is open from 10 am – 5:15 pm on Mondays through Saturdays, and 1:45 pm to 5:15 pm on Sundays. Admission to the grounds is free.
Tours
Because there is no cellular service in the valley, it is recommended that you purchase your guided tour ticket or HistoPad tour ticket online in advance from the official website. The tour fees and times are as follows.
Guided Tour (French Only)
From Monday through Saturday at 10:30 am, 2:00 pm, and 3:30 pm. Sundays, 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm.
Ticket Prices:
- Adult: 8,00 €
- Child: 4,00 €
Self-Guided Tour (Multiple Languages)
Available Mondays through Saturdays, 10:00 am to 11:00 am and from 01:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Sundays, from 02:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Ticket Prices:
- Adult: 8,00 €
- Child: 4,00 €
Best Times to Visit for Lavender Season
The best chances for seeing lavender at the Abbaye are in the last two weeks of June and the first week of July. Of course, this may vary a little year to year due to the weather and rainfall.
If you come too early in the season, the lavender may not yet be in full bloom. And if you come too late, all you will see in the fields are greenish clumps of stalk.
Facilities and Accessibility
Because this is an ancient place, it is unfortunately not very wheelchair accessible. However, in terms of facilities, the Abbaye has a small gift shop and toilets (although the toilets were not open during our visit.
Travel tip
Be aware that there is ZERO cellular service in the valley where the Abbaye is located. This was fine on our drive TO the Abbaye, but when we went to leave, we had no idea where we were driving, without access to Google Maps. Luckily, we just followed the other cars and eventually made it back to Gordes.
Was it Worth the Trip?
100% Yes! The lavender fields at the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque were some of the most beautiful fields that we saw on our road trip through Provence. Also, an added benefit of visiting this spot is that it is guaranteed that the monks will replant the lavender every year. If you’re looking for something to do after exploring the Abbaye, be sure to check out the adorable nearby village of Gordes.
