About this tour
This private 7–8 hour tour traces Mary Magdalene's legendary arrival in Provence and her decades of solitude in a remote mountain cave. You'll climb to the grotto in the Massif de la Sainte Baume, where daily Mass is offered at 11am, then descend to the hilltop town of Saint-Maximin to explore its medieval streets and visit the basilica housing her relics. Transport in a climate-controlled Mercedes van, with bottled water provided.
Highlights
- Climb to Mary Magdalene's cave sanctuary in Sainte Baume massif
- Attend 11am Mass in the grotto, if desired
- Wander Saint-Maximin's old-town alleyways independently
- View relics inside the basilica at your own pace
- Fully private itinerary in air-conditioned Mercedes van
What to expect
The cave itself sits at altitude; you'll need sturdy walking shoes and moderate fitness to reach it on foot. Once there, the grotto offers quiet space for prayer or reflection—the daily Mass slot is genuinely available if you want to join. Back at ground level, you'll have leisure to lunch in Saint-Maximin (your choice of venue and cost) before spending unhurried time inside the basilica, studying its architecture and the shrine itself. Total duration accounts for transport, walking, and downtime.
Good to know
Bring proper hiking footwear—the path to the cave is steep. Service animals welcome. Infant car seats available on request. Public transport links exist nearby if needed. Lunch isn't included; budget accordingly in town. Moderate fitness required.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.