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©Esplanade du Vieux-Port à Marseille|Thomas Jacques - OTCM
In the Footsteps of Saint Mary Magdalene

from Marseille L’Estaque to Marseille City Centre (Saint-Victor)

Stage 6
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  4. In the Footsteps of Saint Mary Magdalene
  5. Stage 6, from Marseille L’Estaque to Marseille City Centre (Saint-Victor)

Part of the trail in the heart of the city of Marseille awaits you on this rather short sixth stage. By now, you’re well trained! The route approaches the sea and opens onto pretty little ports.

Stage profile

Length: 20 km
Ascent: 469 m – Descent: 483 m
Duration: 5h00
Level of difficulty: not very difficult

On your way: Landscapes and relief

You set off from l’Estaque and its charming little port. This Marseille hike begins on the GR® de Pays 2013 Marseille Provence Métropole. You then follow the path from Saint-Antoine to Saint-Joseph. You then pass the Sainte-Madeleine fountain and one of Marseille’s Catholic churches, Notre-Dame du Mont Carmel in Les Aygalades. The sea appears on the corniche side of the road, and then you’re off to explore the city, passing by the Cathédrale de la Major. Climb the montée des Accoules and skirt the Old Port before reaching Saint-Victor and its abbey.

eglise-aygalades-exterieur-fontaine-marie-madeleine-otcm.jpg
    abbaye-st-victorcrypte-obj-images-omtcm.jpg
    ©OTCM
    cathedrale-de-la-major-otcm.jpg
    ©Pascal MICALEF

      Must-see sights: Keep your eyes peeled

      You’ll have a fine panoramic view of the Grotte-Ermitage des Aygalades, the place where Mary Magdalene is said to have taken refuge with her congeners. A visit to Marseille following the path of Mary Magdalene will take you to the Abbey of Saint Victor. An altar dedicated to the saint can be found in the rock-cut crypt. This exceptional site is an invitation to prayer and contemplation.

      Where to sleep?

      Here are a few accommodation ideas perfect for recharging your batteries after your fabulous stroll around Marseille. The Hôtel Ibis Budget in Rue Sainte is a reliable classic of course. But if you’re looking for something a little livelier, opt for the Vertigo Hostel, a welcoming hotel-come-youth hostel with tastefully-decorated rooms where you’re sure to feel at home. The nearby Vieux-Port (Old Port) lined with bars and restaurants offers the promise of a great night out too. In a different but equally alluring spirit, La Communauté du Chemin Neuf, situated at the Centre Notre-Dame du Roucas, is a hub of rest and meditation where you’re sure to enjoy a rejuvenating night’s sleep. Other communities such as the Dominican friars welcome you to the Couvent Saint-Lazare, the Jean-Joseph Allemand youth organization and the Sisters of Mary Immaculate.

      Find out more

      Practical info

      • Contact: Office Métropolitain de Tourisme et des Congrès de Marseille – 11 la Canebière CS 60340 13211 Marseille Cedex 0826 500 500 (€0.15 / min) / www.marseille-tourisme.com – information@marseille-tourisme.com

      Top addresses

      When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11, 32)

      Words from the Gospels to meditate on
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