The Story:

The Basilica of Mary Magdalene, or “Basilique Sainte Marie Madeleine”, in Provence, France sits in the foothills of the Baume mountains. The Basilica contains a small crypt holding relics of Mary Magdalene including her cranium. After Jesus’ death, Mary Magdalene, her brother Lazarus, and a disciple named Maximin settled in caves in Marseille, France. Maximin was the first Bishop in Aix-en-Provence, France.

In the Middle ages, thousands of pilgrims visited St. Mary Magdalene’s cave dwelling and remains. In 1279, St. Mary Magdalene appeared in a dream to Charles d’Anjou, the Count of Provence. The Count acquired the blessing of the Pope and began to build the Basilica around the site of her tomb which laid in a cave. For many years Dominican Friars protected the relics from the time of the foundation of the Basilica all they way to the 1950s. Now the faithful continue to make Pilgrimages to this site. Each year on the Sunday that falls closest to the Feats Day of St. Mary Magdalene (July 22) her skull in paraded around the town. While unfinished, this colossal Basilica holds sixteen chapels.

Accommodation: There are several 4 and 5 star hotels in Sainte Baume

Transportation: The Shrine sits on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The town of Marseille can be reached by train and is about 3 ½ from Paris, from there it is about a 35 mile drive to the Shrine.

Address: 2200, CD 80 Route de Nans 83640 Plan-d’Aups-Sainte-Baume, France

Tel: +33 (0) 4 42 04 54 84