Situated 4km northwest of Gordes off the D177, this supremely peaceful spot provides one of the classic postcard images of this part of Provence: a graceful Cistercian abbey surrounded by swathes of purple lavender. The best displays are usually in July and August, but you certainly won't be on your own when you visit.
Founded in 1148, the abbey is still home to a small monastic community, so it's only possible to visit the cloistered interior by guided tour. Reservations are essential, as are conservative dress and reverential silence.
It's a 1½-hour walk from Gordes on the GR6 trail. The track up to the abbey gets rough and muddy during heavy rain.
