Gordes and the Monastery

"On Wednesday, we went to Gordes, which was one of the most incredible towns I have ever visited. It is perched on top of a mountain, jutting out perilously into the open air. The town itself is riddled with winding streets and quaint shops tucked in amongst the buildings, and I got the impression that it would take a very long time to truly explore all of it. Our journey took us deeper into the hills, where we came to Abbeye de Senanque, surrounded by fields of lavender. Here we witnessed the monks reciting the vespers, the Gregorian chants that are their evening prayers. With only a handful of voices, they were able to fill the whole space of the church with sound, which echoed around us with haunting beauty. We left the monastery in a reflective silence. Once we returned home, we had a new task in front of us: a giant, blank canvas and a beautiful view to transfer onto it. Using everything from lavender flowers, to sticks, to sponges as paintbrushes, we worked together to bring the painting to life, under the guidance of the lovely Athena. It was a day of adventure, art, and all-around beauty." -Gretchen Kessler, Barat Foundation intern