The Catholic Pilgrim's Guide to Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, France

Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, nestled in the Provence region of southeastern France, holds one of Christianity's most precious treasures: the relics of St. Mary Magdalene, including her venerated skull, making this the "third tomb of Christendom." This sacred destination encompasses two holy sites—the magnificent Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene in the town center, where her remains were discovered in 1279, and the sacred grotte (cave) in the Sainte-Baume mountains where she spent her final 30 years in contemplation and penance.

Located 40 km (25 miles) east of Aix-en-Provence in the Var department, this pilgrimage site sits at the foot of the limestone Sainte-Baume mountains. The name "Baume" derives from the Provençal word for cave, referencing the holy grotto where tradition holds that Mary Magdalene, "Apostle to the Apostles" and first witness to Christ's Resurrection, lived as a hermit after evangelizing Provence.

According to ancient tradition, Mary Magdalene, along with her siblings Martha and Lazarus, and St. Maximin (one of the 72 disciples), were set adrift in a rudderless boat during Christian persecution. Guided by divine providence, they landed at what is now Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in the Camargue. From there, Mary Magdalene and Lazarus traveled to Marseille to preach the Gospel, initiating the spread of Christian faith in Europe. Later choosing the hermit's life, Mary Magdalene retreated to a cave in the Sainte-Baume massif, where she spent three decades in prayer and contemplation before dying in St. Maximin's arms around 63 AD.

✝️ The Pilgrimage Sites

1. Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene (Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume)

Local Name (French): Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine
Colloquial Name: Saint-Maximin Basilica
🏛️ Type: Minor Basilica, Saint Shrine, Reliquary

📖Description / Highlights: This magnificent Gothic basilica, the largest in Provence, stands as a testament to medieval devotion and royal patronage. Construction began in 1295 under Charles II of Anjou, King of Naples, following the miraculous discovery of Mary Magdalene's remains on December 12, 1279. The basilica measures 73 meters long, 37 meters wide, and 29 meters high, making it an architectural marvel of Provençal Gothic style.

The sacred crypt beneath the basilica houses the most precious relic: Mary Magdalene's skull, displayed in a golden reliquary and described as "one of the most precious relics in all Christendom." Four ancient marble sarcophagi from the 4th century are also preserved, bearing witness to early Christian devotion. The basilica contains sixteen chapels, each adorned with centuries of art and devotion.

Remarkably, the basilica was never completed—work ceased in 1532, leaving it without a finished west front, portal, or bell towers. Despite this, its imposing silhouette serves like a lighthouse, signaling the sacred presence from miles away. The interior houses an impressive organ that survived the French Revolution when a monk played "La Marseillaise" during the pillaging, convincing revolutionaries to spare it.

🧭 Directions:
📍Address: Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, 83470 Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, France
🧿 ///What3Words: ///divided.chef.images
🗺️ Google Maps: View Map
📌 GPS Coordinates: 43.4548, 5.8642
🌐 Website: http://www.saintmaximin.fr

Mass and Visiting Hours:
Open daily 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM (except Monday, opening at 9:00 AM). Special crypt Masses are available for groups (maximum 20 people), celebrated in the style of the early "Church of the catacombs."

2. Sainte-Baume Grotte (Mary Magdalene's Cave)

Local Name (French): Grotte de Sainte-Marie-Madeleine
Colloquial Name: The Holy Grotto, La Sainte-Baume
🏛️ Type: Sacred Cave, Hermitage Site, Mountain Sanctuary

📖 Description / Highlights: Located in the Sainte-Baume massif at Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume, this sacred cave sits 946 meters above sea level in a protected limestone cliff face. According to tradition, this is where Mary Magdalene spent the last 30 years of her life in contemplation, penance, and mystical prayer. The cave has been transformed into a chapel with an altar and statue of the saint.

The approach to the grotte is itself a pilgrimage—pilgrims can reach it by car partway up the mountain, then complete the journey on foot via a forest path with 150 final steps carved into the rock. The "Chemin des Rois" (Kings' Path) was walked by French monarchs including St. Louis IX, Francis I, Anne of Austria, and Louis XIV during their pilgrimages.

The surrounding Sainte-Baume forest is labeled "Forêt Exceptionnelle" (Exceptional Forest) and has been protected for centuries, creating a natural cathedral of ancient trees that adds to the site's spiritual atmosphere. Mass is celebrated daily at 11:00 AM in the cave itself.

🧭 Directions:
📍 Address: 2200, CD 80 Route de Nans, 83640 Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume, France
🧿 ///What3Words: ///tribal.storms.daring
🗺️ Google Maps: View Map
📌 GPS Coordinates: 43.3333, 5.7167
🌐 Website: https://www.saintebaume.org

🛏️ Where to Stay

Religious Accommodation

Hostellerie de la Sainte-Baume ⭐⭐⭐
This is the premier pilgrimage accommodation, operated by Dominican friars since 2002. Located at the foot of the Sainte-Baume massif, just 45 minutes' walk from the holy grotte, this is not a conventional hotel but a religious house offering authentic monastic hospitality.

Accommodation Types:

  • Superior rooms (with private bathroom)
  • Pilgrim rooms (with washbasin, shared facilities)
  • Family rooms and dormitories for youth groups

Facilities: Chapel for daily liturgy, restaurant serving fresh local cuisine, pilgrim shop, meeting rooms (10-250 capacity), library, and peaceful gardens. Daily offices and Mass are celebrated, and spiritual direction is available from the Dominican brothers.

📍 Address: 83640 Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume, France
🌐 Website: https://www.saintebaume.org/hostellerie/
📞 Phone: Contact via website for reservations

Hotels in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume

Hotel de France ⭐⭐⭐
Located in the town center, just 722 feet (220 meters) from the basilica. This charming Provençal hotel offers convenient access to the shrine with comfortable accommodations and excellent breakfast service.

Ibis Budget Saint-Maximin ⭐⭐
A modern budget option located 5 minutes' drive from the city center, offering reliable accommodation with free WiFi and convenient highway access.

Villa Asunda B&B Spa & Sauna ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A recently renovated guest house offering luxurious amenities including spa services, perfect for pilgrims seeking comfort after spiritual journeys.

Unique Accommodations

Chez Bichette Saint Maximin
A charming apartment in the historic town center, highly praised by pilgrims for its authentic Provençal atmosphere, wood beams, and views of ancient buildings. Located just minutes from the basilica with all necessary amenities.

🚗 Getting There

By Air

Marseille Provence Airport (MRS): 60 km from Saint-Maximin
Take airport shuttle or taxi to Marseille, then continue by train or bus.

By Train

High-speed TGV: Paris to Marseille (3.5 hours), then:

  • Train to Aix-en-Provence TGV station, then bus connection
  • Local train to Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume station

From Aix-en-Provence: Regular train service to Saint-Maximin (30 minutes)

By Car

From Paris/Lyon: A6/A7 autoroutes to Aix-en-Provence, then D560 to Saint-Maximin
From Nice/Italian Riviera: A8 autoroute, exit at Saint-Maximin

To Sainte-Baume Grotte: From Saint-Maximin, take D560 toward Nans-les-Pins, then follow signs to "Hostellerie de la Sainte-Baume" and "Grotte Sainte-Marie-Madeleine."

By Bus

Local bus service connects Saint-Maximin with the Hostellerie (Monday-Friday, 3 buses daily). Regional buses connect from Aix-en-Provence and Marseille-Aubagne.

📅 Special Celebrations

Feast of St. Mary Magdalene - July 22
The most important celebration, featuring the solemn procession of Mary Magdalene's skull reliquary through the streets of Saint-Maximin. Special liturgies and pilgrim gatherings mark this highlight of the pilgrimage calendar.

Pentecost and Christmas Pilgrimages
Special processions from the Hostellerie to the grotte, often including candlelight vigils and extended liturgical celebrations.

Summer University of Sainte-Baume - August
Annual week-long program of theological formation, spiritual conferences, and pilgrim gatherings hosted at the Hostellerie.

🥾 The Pilgrim Walk

The traditional pilgrim route connects the two sacred sites via ancient paths through the protected Sainte-Baume forest. This 12-mile (19 km) journey can be completed in sections:

  1. Saint-Maximin to Hostellerie: 45 minutes by car, or longer walking route via GR9
  2. Hostellerie to Grotte: 45-minute forest walk with 150 final stone steps
  3. Optional extension to Saint-Pilon: Summit pilgrimage for panoramic views

🔗 Useful Links

  • Sainte-Baume Sanctuary: https://www.saintebaume.org
  • Saint-Maximin Tourism: http://www.saintmaximin.fr
  • Provence Tourism: https://www.provence-alpes-cotedazur.com
  • Dominican Province of Toulouse: For information about the friars' ministry
  • Catholic Travel Guide: https://thecatholictravelguide.com (Pilgrimage planning resources)
  • La Provence Verte Tourism: Regional tourism office with 8 locations including Saint-Maximin
  • SNCF Connect: https://www.sncf-connect.com (French train schedules)

💡 Pilgrim Tips

  • Dress Code: Modest attire required in the basilica and grotte; comfortable hiking shoes essential for the mountain pilgrimage
  • Best Times to Visit: Spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer ideal weather for both basilica visits and mountain hiking
  • Language: Basic French helpful, but Dominican friars often speak multiple languages
  • Physical Preparation: The grotte requires a moderate hike; alternative transportation may be arranged for those with mobility limitations
  • Spiritual Preparation: Consider bringing a prayer book or meditation texts for quiet moments in the cave
  • Photography: Allowed in most areas, but verify restrictions in sacred spaces

Special Note for Pilgrims: This dual-site pilgrimage offers a unique opportunity to follow Mary Magdalene's complete journey—from her death and burial (basilica) to her years of contemplation (grotte). Many pilgrims find the cave experience particularly moving, as the natural acoustics and ancient atmosphere create an profound environment for prayer and reflection. The Dominican friars are available for spiritual guidance and can provide historical context for your pilgrimage experience.

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