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Exploring Provence with a Hike to the Chapel Saint Probace at Tourves

February 5, 2017 by Ashley 6 Comments

Exploring Provence with a Hike to the Chapel Saint Probace at Tourves
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One of the hikes I take most often is to the little chapel of Saint Probace which is located on a hill just above the village of Tourves. I pretty much go here about once a month (except summer); although in the spring and fall I go a couple of times a month since, in my opinion, those are the two prettiest seasons to be hiking around in Provence.

The cross and chapel Saint Probace at Tourves
The cross and chapel Saint Probace at Tourves

The History and Legend of Saint Probace

The history, or legend, of Saint Probace states that during the 1st century he came to evangelize Provence. It was in the village of Tourves where he resided for the remainder of his life to live in penance and devote his life to prayer. He chose the hills above Tourves to make his home. This “hermit” home sits on a rocky hill just south of Tourves and at the edge of the Gorge du Caramy and it is here that Saint Probace died. It is assumed that the biblical reference in Romans 16:14 to Patrobas was in actuality, Saint Probace.

Romans 16:13-15

13.Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 14.Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers with them. 15.Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the saints with them.…

An original chapel was on this site and it is said that the bones of Saint Probace were found here when construction work was done. These relics were removed and now reside in the church located in the center of town in Tourves.

Side view of Chapel Saint Probace at Tourves
Side view of Chapel Saint Probace at Tourves

During the centuries that followed the death of Saint Probace, the primitive building was remodeled (probably even accompanied by a second chapel) and maintained by a community of hermits who were taken care of by the villagers.  In 1643, a new, larger chapel was built in the same place. It was entrusted by the Pope to a community of men and women which were established by the Abbot of Ollioules and was maintained by them until the 18th century.

Unfortunately, I’ve never been inside the chapel. There are still a couple of hermits that live there today and maintain it. Apparently, there is a carved alter made of gold and some relics of Saint Probace, but this is not known for sure.

Chapel Saint Probace
Chapel Saint Probace

Festivals for Saint Probace

The community has a tradition of keeping his memory alive by dedicating three different, well-attended, celebrations each year.

  • Easter Monday: pilgrimage to the chapel
  • August 25 which is the day of his feast: there is also a pilgrimage to the chapel
  • Last Sunday in August: candlelight festival in town with a procession in the village and adoration of the relics.
Symbol of Mary on the Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves
Symbol of Mary on the Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves

The area around Saint Probace and Tourves is known for having a lot of rainfall each year. In years of drought, the villagers take the statue of Saint Probace down from the chapel and keep it in the main church. When the rain returns, the villagers take the statue back to the chapel. As you can see, Provence is heavily steeped in religious traditions.

How to get to Saint Probace

The hill where the Chapel Saint Probace is located
The hill where the Chapel Saint Probace is located

The chapel is located at the top of a small and clearly visible hill and can be easily seen from the main route N7. It is only accessible on foot. The easiest way to get there is to park your car in the parking lot in the center of town just next to the small elementary school (once you are in Tourves, just follow the signs for Centre Ville and then follow the signs for Parking). From there, you will walk due south through the town until you come upon a tunnel that looks like an old army barrack made of aluminum (at least that’s what it looks like to me).

Once through the tunnel, take the street to the left and continue walking through a country housing track. You will stay on this main road for about 10 minutes, but don’t venture off the main road just keep following it until the houses become sparse. Eventually, you will see an oratory with a cross and behind it is the start of a dirt and stony path. From here, you are on your way and it’s nothing but up and up. This part of the hike is about a kilometer or more. Stop and look back every so often because the view of the valley and the city of Tourves is wonderful. As you ascend, you will see more of it.

The view of Tourves while hiking to Chapel Saint Probace
The view of Tourves while hiking to Chapel Saint Probace
The hike to Chapel Saint Probace
The hike to Chapel Saint Probace

Even avid hikers need to take a bit of a break during this part of the hike. It is the most arduous part, though not impossible for those who don’t hike often. You will just need to stop and rest more often and always remember to drink water. This is definitely important if you are hiking here during the summer months. I personally don’t recommend that because the heat and humidity is usually unbearable and it will make you feel pretty sick if you try this climb and you’re not used to it. Like I said earlier, spring and fall, and that is not just because of the beautiful colors!

The trail to Chapel Saint Probace in the Fall
The trail to Chapel Saint Probace in the Fall
In the back woods by Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves
In the back woods by Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves
The fall leaves on the trail near Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves
The fall leaves on the trail near Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves
A sunny, fall day to hike to Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves
A sunny, fall day to hike to Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves

The view at the Chapel Saint Probace

As with the other posts I’ve written, when I hike one of the perks is the view, and from Saint Probace you’ve got an exceptional one. From above, the view extends over the plains of Saint-Maximin, the Haut-Var, the white rocks of the Verdon, Sainte Victoire, Sainte Baume, and La Loube. You can basically get a 360 degree view from here.

The view towards Tourves and Brignoles from the Chapel Saint Probace
The view towards Tourves and Brignoles from the Chapel Saint Probace
The view towards Saint Maximin and Sainte Victoire from the Chapel Saint Probace
The view towards Sainte-Maximine and Sainte Victoire from the Chapel Saint Probace
The view of the Gorge du Caramy from the Chapel Saint Probace
The view of the Gorge du Caramy from the Chapel Saint Probace
The view in the direction of La Loube from the Chapel Saint Probace
The view in the direction of La Loube from the Chapel Saint Probace
The berries are ripe, Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves
The berries are ripe, Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves

It’s at this point I always decide to have my picnic lunch. There is a nice place to sit in the shade just next to the front door of the chapel. It’s usually never crowded here except on the rare occasion that a hiking group or running marathon is coming through. For the most part, I’ve only encountered a few people when I’ve been here and most often my husband, daughter and I are the only ones.

You will definitely want to stay awhile because having lunch with a view like this really takes your breath away. Plus, after that steep climb, you’ll need to get that breath back!

A shady spot to rest at the Chapel Saint Probace
A shady spot to rest at the Chapel Saint Probace
Front door of Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves
Front door of Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves
The beautiful view from Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves
The beautiful view from Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves

The one thing that is asked when you are here, besides the rule of “take all your trash with you”, is to please be quiet at all times. I don’t mean complete silence, just low and calm voices. You must remember that hermits still live here and it’s out of respect for them that you should keep voices at a minimum. Plus, the sound carries so that’s even more a reason to have hushed tones.

You may venture around the back of the chapel for just a little ways. There is a gate which marks the point of the hermits’ property—you can not cross it. You will see a sign reminding people of silence. Here you get to peak into the yard of the resident hermits.

Silence-Hermits live here, Saint Probace
Silence-Hermits live here, Saint Probace

On a couple of occasions I was lucky enough to see a monk out tending to his goats. The first time this happened I probably had a shocked look on my face because I never expect for them to be out, but it was a really neat experience. If this happens just smile and continue on with what you are doing. They’ve never said anything to me so I venture to guess they might have a vow of silence, but I’m not sure.

The hike back to the village of Tourves

After a good look around, and a full belly, you’ll want to take the back way down the hill towards town. This is for two reasons, it’s an easier hike when going back and you get to see a different view which is of the Gorge du Caramy.

The large cross at the Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves
The large cross at the Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves
Evening hike to the Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves
Evening hike to the Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves

Going in this direction you will pass by the large white cross. I love this part of the hike as much as the steep climb to the chapel. The trees and the hills are just amazing and it truly feels like you’re the only one in the world. As you make your way, just before you descend, take a look back towards the chapel and you’ll get to see it and the view from a different angle. This is also another great photo opportunity.

Chapel Saint Probace in the distance
Chapel Saint Probace in the distance
Hiking to Saint Probace, Tourves
Hiking to Saint Probace, Tourves

Once you head down, be sure to stay on the wide dirt and rock path. There are many different hiking trails that are around here, but the main path will take you back to town.

Trail to Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves
Trail to Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves

Once you near the bottom, take a look to your right and go see the ruins of an old house that is there. I always wonder who the lucky person was who lived here. They were so close to a town, but yet, all in world of their own. You can look around the house both inside and outside. There are no signs that say to keep off the property.

House ruins on the hike to Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves
House ruins on the hike to Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves
A view from a window of an old house on the hike to Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves
A view from a window of an old house on the hike to Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves
Inside ruins of a house on the hike to Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves
Inside ruins of a house on the hike to Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves

When you are ready to leave, go out to the main trail you were on and turn right, just at the end of the path there will be a wooden sign and you need to take the trail to the right. The trail to left leads you deeper into the Gorge du Caramy.

Heading into sunset on the trail to Saint Probace, Tourves
Heading into sunset on the trail to Saint Probace, Tourves
The beautiful trees near Saint Probace, Tourves
The beautiful trees near Saint Probace, Tourves

Following the trail to the right, it will eventually lead you back to the sparse country houses. Just continue on it and you will again come to the tunnel that looks like an old army barrack and from there it’s back to the parking lot.

The entire hike is about 5 kilometers, give or take. So you get a nice afternoon of exercise with the added bonus of a view and seeing a historical monument. I’d say that makes for a nice time!

The Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves
The Chapel Saint Probace, Tourves

How was your trip?

The location map, along with my Google Local Guide review, is here.

I would love to hear how your adventure went so please let me know by leaving me a comment below.

 

 

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Filed Under: Exploring Places Tagged With: chapel, chapel Saint Probace, chapelle, chapelle Saint Probace, circuit gorge du caramy, cross, exploring provence, forest, france, gorge du caramy, hiking, hiking in provence, historical monument, history, religious, Saint Probace, things to do in provence, things to see in provence, Tourves, trees, view

Exploring Provence with a visit to the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume

January 14, 2017 by Ashley 8 Comments

Exploring Provence with a visit to the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume
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The Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine, also known as the Grotte de la Sainte-Baume is one of the more impressive grottos I’ve been to.  La Sainte-Baume is a geological wonder in and of itself. The large rock stretches to be twelve kilometers long and is protected by the Forêt de la Sainte-Baume.

Grotte de la Sainte Marie Madeleine
A view just below the Grotte de la Sainte Marie-Madeleine

You must pass through this forest in order to reach the grotto and it’s about a 45 minute hike.  Once there, you are provided with stunning views of the valley below. You are also in the presence of a place that has a wonderful, long, history behind it.

The cross marking the entrace to the Grotte Sainte Marie- Madeleine
The cross marking the entrance to the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume

History and Legend Combined of the Grotte Sainte Baume Esterel

The natural cave created by erosion has become one of the oldest places of pilgrimage in the Christian world. Legend says that Saint Mary Magdalene would have lived there for thirty years of her life.

According to the Gospels in the Bible, Mary Magdalene is the woman who became one of Jesus’ first female disciples. She was present at the foot of the cross during his crucifixion and was the person whom Jesus appeared to first on the morning of his resurrection from the dead and was the first person to preach to others the news of Jesus’ resurrection. According to the traditions of Provence, Mary Magdalene was expelled from Palestine with several disciples during the first persecutions against the Christians after the Ascension of Jesus.  She was then sent away on a boat without a sail or rudder. She, along with the others who were exiled with her, miraculously approached the shores of Provence to a place now called Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and became the first evangelists of Provence. Mary Magdalene preached in Marseille in the company of Lazarus, and then settled in this steep, mountain grotto, which now bears her name. Here she was able to devote herself to prayer and contemplation in solitude.

A view of the Grotto Sainte Marie Madeleine from half way up the staircase
A view of the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume from half way up the staircase

The History of the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine from the Middle Ages to Present

Around the year 1295, excavations in and around Saint-Maximin de la Sainte-Baume, led by Charles II of Anjou, led to the discovery of the believed to be remains of Mary Magdalene and her skull now resides in the Basilique Sainte-Marie Madeleine de Sainte Maximin de la Sainte-Baume.

A renewed interest in the pilgrimages to the grotto began.

At that time, the Dominicans took over the watch and care of the grotto that had, before this time, been done by the monks since the 5th century. The monks were considered guardians of the place for hundreds of years previous to the discovery of the remains. For several centuries after the Dominicans took over, pilgrimages to the site had a steady increase.

From 1481 until the French Revolution, the kings of France took a special interest in the site and its future sustainability. They made numerous visits, made sure continuous work and care was given in order to maintain the site, and also assured that it was a secure place in times of trouble within the country. The arrival of the Revolution caused a decrease in people coming to visit and the site was all but abandoned by visitors, and the Dominicans were force to leave.

Then in the early to mid- 1800’s, moved by the religious history of the abandoned site, Father Lacordaire undertook the restoration of it and also the construction of the Hostellerie de la Sainte-Baume, which is located in the valley just below the site of the grotto. He then reinstalled the Dominican friars to once again care for the site. Today, they continue the mission of keeping watch and maintaining the grotto as well as welcoming visitors who wish to follow in the footsteps of Mary Magdalene.

A view of the valley from the staircase at the Grotte Marie Sainte Madeleine
A view of the valley from the staircase at the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume
Plaque of Monastery guardians at the Grotte Sainte Marie Madeleine de la Sainte Baume
Plaque of the monastery guardians at the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume

The Climb to the Sanctuary of Sainte Marie-Madeleine

Once you reach the large staircase, you are but only 150 steps away from the entrance to the grotto. This staircase was built in 1913 to give better access to the grotto from the forest below.  The 150 steps represent the 150 beads on the original rosary (which represents the chapters in the book of Psalms in the Bible).

The gate entrance to the Grotte Sainte Marie Madeleine
The gate entrance to the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume

Half way up the stairs you will come to a doorway. When you enter, you will immediately turn right to go up some more stairs. Before going all the way up, you will want to take the short stair case on the left that leads to statues of the scene of the crucifixion of Jesus. Just next to this are remnants of statues that were found from the 15th century.

Statues at the Grotte Sainte Marie Madeleine
Statues at the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume
Female statues at the Grotte Sainte Marie Madeleine 14th Century
Female statues (14th Century) at the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume
What remains of female statues at the Grotte Sainte Marie Madeleine 14th Century
What remains of female statues at the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume 14th Century
A scene of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ at the Grotte de Sainte Marie Madeleine de la Sainte Baume
A scene of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ at the Grotte de Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume

At this point you will want to take in the breathtaking view that is just behind you. No matter what season you are in, this view is magnificent. The cluster of buildings you see in the distance is the Hostellerie de la Sainte-Baume and the convent Sainte Marie-Madeleine. I took more pictures of this than I could count and there are not even words to express how beautiful it is.

A view of the valley of Plan d'Aups from the Grotte Sainte Marie Madeleine de la Sainte Baume
A view of the valley of Plan d’Aups from the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume
A view of the Hostellerie de la Sainte Baume from the Grotte Sainte Marie Madeleine de la Sainte Baume
A view of the Hostellerie de la Sainte Baume from the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume

Once you think you’ve had enough of the view, continue up a few more steps until you reach the base of the grotto.

The Outer Buildings of the Grotte de la Sainte-Baume

The building that you see in front of you with the wooden door and red shutters,  is a more “modern” building. I take the word modern lightly. It was built around the mid 19th century and it houses the Dominicans who care for the grotto and conduct mass here. You cannot go inside for a visit, although I really wish you could.

The home of the Dominicans at the Grotte Sainte Marie Madeleine de la Sainte Baume
The home of the Dominicans at the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume

There is another building, also of a more “modern” area, that is a place where travelers can go to have a rest and if needed, be welcomed by a Dominican for religious reasons or confessions. There is also a little gift shop where you can by religious objects, books, post cards, etc. If it’s not open, just ring the bell and someone will come to open it for you if they are available to do so.

The Grotte of Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume

The entrance to the Grotte Sainte Marie Madeleine de la Sainte Baume
The entrance to the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume

The entrance to the grotto is unmistakable. A small staircase leads you directly into the side of the rock. The minute you are inside, you feel peace and calm and quiet. It’s just wonderful. There are rows of benches for resting, meditating or hearing mass. The grotto is fairly spacious and has a pulpit area made of carved stones with a statue of the crucifixion. There are lighted candles everywhere.  I visited just after Christmas and the Nativity scene was still being displayed.

The pulpit of carved stone at The entrance to the Grotte Sainte Marie Madeleine de la Sainte Baume
The pulpit of carved stone at the entrance to the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume
The stone carved crucifixion of Christ with Nativity seen at The pulpit of carved stone at The entrance to the Grotte Sainte Marie Madeleine de la Sainte Baume
The stone carved crucifixion of Christ with Nativity scene at the entrance to the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume

There are several areas where statues are placed and just under them are candles for people to light and to say a prayer. Everywhere in the cave you can hear the sound of dripping water and it is very humid.

Religious statue at the Grotte Sainte Marie Madeleine de la Sainte Baume
Religious statue at the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume

You can go up the staircase just near the crucifixion. Once you are at the top, turn around and you have a nice view of the amazing stain glass windows. While you are at this point, turn to the right and you will see another statue of a woman. Most of the time it’s too dark to see so I usually use my phone light to get a glimpse. If you choose to go down the staircase at the back, be very careful. It is really dark so keep the phone light on (or flashlight) and walk slowly. It is usually slippery due to the continuous drip of water that happens to land right there. I usually choose to go down the same staircase I came up, it’s much safer that way!

Staircase inside Religious statue at the Grotte Sainte Marie Madeleine de la Sainte Baume
Staircase inside the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume
The beautiful stained glass windows inside the Grotte Sainte Marie Madeleine de la Sainte Baume
The beautiful stained glass windows inside the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume

Whichever way you choose to go, make sure to look around to the side of the staircase and you will see a relic housed inside a box. It is supposedly a bone fragment from Mary Magdalene.  It’s crazy to see and there are, of course, candles to light right in front of it. I assume it’s a place that quite a few people have done so.

At this point you will want to turn directly around and go down another staircase. This will lead you to a small side space of the grotto that houses a water cistern, another statue with candles and additional seating. From here, make your way back up the staircase to the main part of the grotto.

The religious statues inside the Grotte Sainte Marie Madeleine de la Sainte Baume
The religious statues inside the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume

At this point, I just usually sit on the benches and ponder what exactly I’m looking at and the history of this place. If you love history as much as I do, the presence here of all the souls that have passed is incredible. I also like to touch everything that has to do with history, so most of the cave has been touch by me! I won’t tell anyone if you don’t.

The Last View of the Valley of Plan d’Aups and Hostellerie de Sainte Baume

Statue of Mary and Jesus at the Grotte Sainte Marie Madeleine de la Sainte Baume
Statue of Mary and Jesus at the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume
Statue of Mary and Jesus and the view at the Grotte Sainte Marie Madeleine de la Sainte Baume
Statue of Mary and Jesus and the view at the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume

As you exit the grotto, gaze upon the fantastic statue of Mary holding Jesus after his death. It sits right at the edge of the grotto so you get both the view of the valley and the statue in one eyeful. I’m usually taking about a hundred photos right about now. The view of the beautiful forest of trees and the hills in the distance is breath taking.

The view of the valley Plan d'Aups and Hostellerie de la Sainte Baume from the Grotte Sainte Marie Madeleine de la Sainte Baume
The view of the valley Plan d’Aups and Hostellerie de la Sainte-Baume from the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume
The view in winter of the valley of Plan d'Aups from the Grotte Sainte Marie Madeleine de la Sainte Baume
The view in winter of the valley of Plan d’Aups from the Grotte Sainte Marie-Madeleine de la Sainte-Baume

Exit the same staircase you came up on and then proceed back through the forest.

Opening Hours

During Summer: The grotto is open every day from 7:30am to 6:30pm except for Monday. Mass is held every day at 11:00am and is open to the general public. An evening song to celebrate the end of the day is at 6:00pm. On Sunday, the evening song is at 4:30pm.

During Winter: The grotto is open every day from 8:30am to 5:00pm. Mass is held every day at 11:00am and is open to the general public. The evening song to celebrate the end of the day is at 4:30pm.

Entrance is free to everyone.

Special Mass

Throughout the year there are special masses and processions to commemorate important religious events. If you happen to visit during the time of year when one of these masses is being held, I encourage you to go.

Information on the Processions:

  • Procession on the night of Noel
  • Procession of 31 December (the vigil of Mary mother of Jesus)
  • Procession of Pentecost Monday (Provencal Pilgrimage)
  • Procession of 22 July (Saint Mary Magdalene Day)

Information on the candle light masses:

  • 24 December- Midnight mass at the Grotto
  • 25 December- Sunrise service to the Chapel of Saint Pilon
  • 2 October-Mass of the guardian angels of Saint Pilon
  • 2 November-Mass for All Saints’ Day

In addition, there are a number of things to see and do throughout the year. Some have ticket prices, some do not. For more information you can contact :

Sanctuaire de la Sainte-Baume

2200 CD 80, route de Nans

83640 Plan d’Aups Sainte Baume

Website

Tel. : + 33 4 42 04 54 84

How to Get to The Grotto

Enter the following information in your GPS:
To the city: Plan-d’Aups-Sainte-Baume
For the place: D 80 Nazareth or just Nazareth

If you are coming from Aix-en-Provence or Nice, take the exit of Saint-Maximin off of the A8 auto route and take the direction Nans-les-Pins. You will come across the village of Plan d’Aups Sainte Baume and from there you will climb up to the plateau of the Sainte-Baume. Once at the top, turn right and 500 meters after you will arrive at the Hostellerie de la Sainte-Baume.

If you are coming from Marseille, take the exit of Auriol off of  the A52 auto route. At the intersection just after the toll booth, turn right and at the first roundabout take the first exit in the direction of Plan d’Aups Sainte-Baume. You will go through the village and 2 kilometers afterwards you will find the Hostellerie de la Sainte-Baume.

If you are coming from Toulon, the easiest way is to take the A50 auto route, then transition onto the A52 auto route going in the direction of Aix-en-Provence.  Exit at Auriol and follow the same directions indicated above as if you were leaving from Marseille.

If you would like a more touristy route to follow then take:
– the pass of the Espigoulier by Gémenos.
– the roads passed Soulies-Pont, La Roquebrussane and Mazaugues.

For additional reading on Mary Magdelene, I recommend reading the book Mary Magdalene in Medieval Culture. It explores both the historical aspects of Mary Magdelene’s life, as well as where the myths and legends come from. She has become both a popular and controversial figure in today’s world and this book examines the many different sides to which we have come to believe who and what Mary Magdelene was.

I would love to hear how your adventure went so please let me know by leaving a comment below.

The location map, along with my Google Local Guide review, is here.

 

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Filed Under: Exploring Places Tagged With: basilique sainte-marie-madeleine de saint-maximin-la-sainte-baume, dominicans, forest, forest sainte baume, foret de la Sainte Baume, france, grotte sainte baume esterel, grotto, history, hostellerie sainte baume, la sainte baume carte, marie madeleine et jesus, Marseille, Mary Magdelene, monastery, mountain, pilgrimage, provence, religious, rock, saint pilon, sainte baume dominicain, sainte baume marseille, sanctuaire marie madeleine, sanctuaire marie madeleine sainte baume, statues, travel

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