Get a Dose of Religious History (and Gorgeous Views) in Nearby Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume
Just a hop, skip, and a jump from our property at La Pitchoune stands a village that boasts many things to see. Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume is a small community at the foot of the Sainte-Baume mountains. The village was built on top of the remains of the ancient agricultural Roman Villa Lata. It is located in the southeastern French department of Var, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Known for its religious relics - it is said to house many items that belonged to Mary Magdalene - and landscape, this town is truly just about an hour from our doorstep and a wonderful day trip for our guests.
So, why would a small town at the foot of the Sainte-Baume mountains play host to items that belonged to such a pivotal character in Christianity? It is rumored, actually, that Mary lived there for some time. After the death of Jesus - when things began to get a little rough in Jerusalem - she and her brother Lazarus fled. They landed in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, and Lazarus chose to settle down in Marseilles. According to lore, Mary helped convert townspeople in Marseilles before later traversing inland and finding refuge in a cave in the Sainte-Baume mountains.
The basilica that sits along the hillside, above the buildings in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, is dedicated to Mary Magdalene and claims to have many relics, i.e. bones, of hers. Quick back story on how some of Mary’s remains allegedly ended up in this tiny village in the Var: In 1279, a discovery was made in the crypt of Saint-Maximin, a sarcophagus containing the rumored remains of Mary herself. According to legend, it was identified with the presence of two miracles: A green shoot growing from Mary’s tongue and a unique sweet and spicy aroma that happened to come from the tomb. It is rumored, however, that her remains have been found in Jerusalem and Ephesus, or present-day Turkey. We may never know, but the idea that such ancient history was unearthed about an hour’s drive from La Peetch is a fascinating one nonetheless.
Other bones of Mary’s are said to exist in a working monastery just outside of town run by Dominican monks. In fact, this monastery is slightly hidden from plain view, and is a grotto believed to be the cave where Mary Magdalene sought refuge after her travels. Because of this, it has garnered the attention of many people who hope and pray for miracles. It is a bit hidden from the hustle and bustle of the town below, and to get to it requires a 90-minute hike on a tree-laden trail. Since it is a working monastery, they do ask guests to remain quiet while roaming the grounds.
Though it certainly isn’t highlighted as a French Riviera travel hotspot the winding roads of Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baum feel like utter magic. The beautiful architecture, centuries-old details, and lush greenery that surround it are reason enough to visit.
From Chris: In the summer of 2019, I loaded up my grandmother and drove approximately an hour from La Peetch for our own little pilgrimage. Suffice to say, my God fearing grandmother was more than a little excited about the trip. It was a hot summer day in the Var, sun blazing through the blue skies this part of France is known for. Thank sweet baby Jesus for Mr. Carrier and his blessed air conditioning machine invention. The tourism office is conveniently located around the corner from the “Basilique Sainte Marie Madeleine,” and the ladies there were super helpful. We spent an hour or so exploring the grounds of the Basilique and grabbed a simple lunch at one of the cafes in town. If y’all decide to make the visit, it’s a grand way to spend a half day.
