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  • Dawn in the grounds of Ganagobie Monastery, Alpes de Haute Provence, France, 17 July 2009. A cross has stood on this spot overlooking the Durance valley since the 10th century.
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  • Pere Michel leading prayers during Vigils, Ganagobie Monastery, Alpes de Haute Provence, France, 17 July 2009. Vigils is held at 5 am, the first of seven daily services that monks attend.
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  • Sculptures above the porch of the Romanesque church, Ganagobie Monastery, Alpes de Haute Provence, France. 16 July 2009. A monastery was established on the site in the 10th century. The current Benedictine community who moved to the site in 1992 are in the process of renovating the buildings to their original state.
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  • Monks praying during Vigils, Ganagobie Monastery, Alpes de Haute Provence, France, 17 July 2009. The Benedictine community comprises 12 monks.
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  • Altar of the church, Ganagobie Monastery, Alpes de Haute Provence, France, 17 July 2009.
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  • Pere Michel brings in supplies, Ganagobie Monastery, Alpes de Haute Provence, France. 16 July 2009. Bedrooms, canteen and study rooms are all contained within high walls. Women are not allowed in the inner sanctum of the monastery building.
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  • Pere Michel, Ganagobie Monastery, Alpes de Haute Provence, France, 17 July 2009.
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  • Pere Matthieu in the library, Ganagobie Monastery, Alpes de Haute Provence, France, 17 July 2009. The library, built underground to keep the books cool, houses tens of thousands of books and texts for private study.
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  • Books in the library, Ganagobie Monastery, Alpes de Haute Provence, France, 17 July 2009. Many ancient books and parchments are stored amongst modern publications.
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  • Pere Matthieu washes equipment in the perfume workshop, Ganagobie Monastery, Alpes de Haute Provence, France, 17 July 2009. All monks are assigned daily duties and live their lives to a strict routine.
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  • Pere Matthieu cleans the perfume workshop, Ganagobie Monastery, Alpes de Haute Provence, France, 17 July 2009. The monastery produces eau de toilette for sale in their shop and other European outlets.
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  • Frere Raymond working in the abbery shop, Ganagobie Monastery, Alpes de Haute Provence, France, 17 July 2009. A wide range of books, cards and monastic produce is sold, including perfume, jams and honey that is bottled on site.
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  • Frere Raymond surveys displays of perfume in the abbey shop, Ganagobie Monastery, Alpes de Haute Provence, France, 17 July 2009.
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  • Pere Michel walks to Vespers, Ganagobie Monastery, Alpes de Haute Provence, France. 16 July 2009.
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  • The cemetery, Ganagobie Monastery, Alpes de Haute Provence, France, 17 July 2009. 40 monks founded the Benedictine community in 1992; only 12 community members remain.
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Monastic Life at Abbaye Notre Dame de Ganagobie

Hidden high in the Alpes de Haute Provence in the South of France, the Monastery of Ganagobie is home to 12 Benedictine monks.

In 1992 the community came to this site, the remains of a monastery built in the 10th century. They have overseen its restoration and lead private lives of prayer and work.

August 2009
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All images © 2004-2012, Rebecca Marshall. All rights reserved. Please do not use content without prior written permission.
Editorial and corporate photographer, Nice / Cannes / Monaco, South of France. Currently in .