The Sainte-Baume National Park
Between Marseille and Toulon, the Sainte-Baume massif peaks at an altitude of over 1148 meters, at the signal of the Béguines. The massif is a great playground for nature lovers. You can go walking, cycling, climbing, tree climbing… This natural site is home to a remarkable fauna and flora, with numerous animal species: spotted woodpecker, Tengmalm’s owl, red squirrel, orpheus warbler, grey flycatcher, Jean-le-blanc’s circaète, Bonelli’s eagle, European roller, diving ring, little owl, wild sparrow, proyer bunting… The religious and historical heritage is just as remarkable. The Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine of Saint-Maximin and the Grotto of Sainte-Baume have preserved for centuries the relics of Mary Magdalene, disciple of Christ. The Basilica of Saint-Maximin, whose construction began in the 13th century at the request of Charles II of Anjou, is quite simply the largest Gothic building in Provence. This religious edifice welcomes the de Sainte-Marie-Madeleine. As for the old ice-coolers, they are a vestige of the time when refrigerators did not exist: ice was produced in winter and then delivered by donkey to the big cities of Provence.
