The Good Life France Magazine Summer 2018 | Page 41

At its peak in the 13th and 14th centuries, Sénanque abbey owned extensive properties all over Provence, including four water mills, seven granges, and four or five hospices, in addition to fields, forests and pastures. Troubled times followed when the abbey was partly destroyed during the War of Religions in the 16th century, and later was sold off as state property after the Revolution.

In 1854, it was purchased and restored by a community of monks, who were later expelled. The current community dates back to 1988.

Today, the monks still follow the precepts of Cistercian monastic life: liturgical prayer sung in church; silent reading, meditation and prayer; and manual and intellectual work. The brothers work in agriculture (lavender, honey, and forestry) and tourism (guided tours, bookshop, and building restoration.)

The shop is very much worth a visit, offering the monks’ honey and lavender products, a wide selection of religious and historical books, and many other gifts.

Far left: For the monks, the cloister is a symbol of “Paradise regained.” It stands at the heart of the monastery. Here monks find a natural spot for silent prayer and meditation. Above: The play of light and the simplicity of architectural structure create serene beauty.

The Abbey of Senanque today