The name of Notre-Dame de Sénanque Abbey, derived from the Latin 'Sana Aqua' (healthy water), is linked to the presence of the providential stream the Sénancole. Fueled by a cooler and rainier climate than today, the Sénancole was largely sufficient to meet the needs of the founding monks of the abbey in the 12th century. Various devices still visible testify to its past vigor and the need to stem its course. The Sénancole valley also offered all the materials (stone, wood) necessary for the construction of the abbey as well as arable land and pastures.