Roussillon, Gordes, et Sénanque

Our second outing with Wellesley brought us to three small Provencal villages, each with their own claim to fame and beauty.  The first was Roussillon, known for the sunset colored ochre quarries where we were let to wander for the rest of the morning.  Of Gordes we didn't see much of the town, just the stunning view of the valley below our restaurant.  However, since it was the Michelin rated Bastide de Gordes, and wine was provided with our three course meal, I wasn't complaining.  

Several helpings of Foie Gras (I had to help out those with a limited palette), a lovely piece of fish with foam, fig and philo dessert, and a coffee later we meandered back onto the bus, bound for Sénanque.

L'Abbaye de Sénanque, nestled in a valley and surrounded by fields of lavender, has been home of Cistercian monks for over 850 years.  Though only October, our breath curled out from our mouths in visible wisps as we toured the stone passages, chapel, halls, and cloister, only one room of which had a fireplace.  Despite their thick wool robes, the monks must have led a pretty cold life.