The serene Abbaye Saint Hilaire, may not be as well-known as others but the remarkable architecture, setting and story behind it make this Carmelite abbey make it one of Vaucluse's best-kept secrets.

The Carmelites originally lived in caves on Mount Carmel in Palestine. Fleeing unrest in the Holy Land in the 13th century, some of these hermits ended up in Provence, which it is said reminded them of their homeland. They lived in caves at first then, when it was built, the abbey itself.

Built in a mix of Romansque and Gothic styles, the abbeys beauty comes from the harmonious proportions and purity of light. A stone in the cloister marks the date of its construction: 1254.

A privately owned property and listed historic building. The Abbaye de Saint Hilaire is open to visitors for self-guided tours most days between Easter holidays until mid- November . (+33) 4 88 17 80 00

A Cisterican Abbey near the village of Gordes, founded in 1148 The abbey has survived remarkably untouched, and is of a rare beauty and severity. It was at its height during the 13th and 14th centuries but suffered during the Wars of Religion and then was confiscated during the French Revolution.

In the middle of the 19th century a new community of Cistercians repurchased the Abbey but they were later expelled. In 1988 a small community returned. They follow the rule of Saint Benedict and live from by cultivating lavender, an, olive grove, visits to the Abbey, and fascinating monastic shop. +33 (0)4 90 72 02 05/ contact@ndsenanque.net

Two other early Cistercian abbeys in Provence are Silvacane Abbey and Le Thoronet Abbey; with Sénanque, they are sometimes referred to as the "Three Sisters of Provence" ("les trois soeurs provençales").

The Chartreuse de Bonpas, was a fortified convent from the 12th to the 17th century, built by Pope John XXII, on the border between the Comtat Venaissin and Provence, overlooking the Durance river. Located on the riverbanks, at what was a strategic passage point, hence its name ('Bonpas' means 'Safe Passage'). the Chartreuse is screened by umbrella pines and is set in formal gardens with a 12th century chapel that is a listed, historic building.

The Chrtreux are one of the most austere monastic orders: observing an almost absolute silence, frequent fasts and complete abstinence from meat. They are only visited by their families for two days a year. The Chartreux were expulsed during the French Revolution and the buildings were pillaged.

Classed as a Monument historique in 1952,the church as reconsecrated and the property was restored and re-opened to the public in 2003.