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In the Footsteps of Saint Mary Magdalene

from Plan d’Aups to Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume

Stage 10
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  4. In the Footsteps of Saint Mary Magdalene
  5. Stage 10, from Plan d’Aups to Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume

After yesterday’s unique spiritual experience, your journey continues in the Sainte-Baume hills. This stage leads you to the area’s capital, Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, and the final destination of your voyage in the footsteps of Saint Mary Magdalene.

Stage profile

Length: 28 km
Ascent: 1008 m – Descent: 638 m
Duration: 7h00
Level of difficulty: fairly difficult

On your way: Landscapes and relief

The route of this hike in the Sainte-Baume starts from the Hostellerie and soon follows the Chemin des Roys. As you make your way through the undergrowth, you’ll find a welcome coolness as you exert yourself. A little further on, the Chemin de l’Orge gives way to the Chemin de Ménarguette. Admire the typically Mediterranean vegetation of the Sainte-Baume Regional Nature Park. What a wonderful way to visit Provence! Then follow a canal to the Cauron aqueduct. You arrive at the famous basilica of Sainte Marie-Madeleine in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume.

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©S.Singh - PNR Sainte-Baume
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      Must-see sights: keep your eyes peeled

      The Saint-Jaume church, founded in Plan d’Aups around the 5th century, is well worth a visit. It bears witness to the area’s religious past. The basilica of Sainte Marie-Madeleine in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, the final stop on this spiritual itinerary, will amaze you with its gigantic dimensions: 73 metres long, 43 metres wide and 29 metres high. This monumental edifice houses the relics of Saint Mary Magdalene, including her skull.

      Where to sleep?

      Three exceptional addresses await you for your night in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume. The Monastère Sainte Marie-Madeleine is a place of worship that also welcomes pilgrims; the nuns offer simple and comfortable rooms as well as food. The Hôtel de France boasts all the charm and comfort you need to wind up your 10-day hike through this little corner of France in style! At Le Grand Saint-Mitre, you can opt for the self-catering Gîte Jacotte or Gîte Magali – whichever suits you best. The Var area’s vine-filled countryside forms a gorgeous backdrop to these one-of-a-kind lodgings.

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      ©A.Ragonnet - PNR Sainte-Baume

        Find out more

        Practical info

        • Contact : Office de Tourisme La Provence Verte – Carrefour de l’Europe 83170 Brignoles / +33(0)4 94 72 04 21 / www.la-provence-verte.net contact@provenceverte.fr

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        Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” (John 20, 17)

        Words from the Gospels to meditate on
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