Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume

Visit Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, Provence

Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume is situated towards the west of the Var department of Provence and about 34 kilometres east of Aix-en-Provence. There are several notable sights to visit here that bear witness to the colourful history of the town over the last 800 years.

A little history is useful to understand the importance of Mary Magdalene to the town. You may recall that she entered France by boat (at Saintes-Maries-de-le-Mer) after the crucifixion. Mary Magadelene subsequently spent many years living in a cave near here (the Grotte de la Sainte Baume). In the 13th century her tomb was discovered here, and many pilgrims were attracted to the region that became Saint-Maximin.

Exploring Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume

A lively town, St Maximin falls in two distinct areas, both of which are interesting to explore: there is an active shopping centre based around Rue General de Gaulle, and the old town centred around the 'Jewish quarter' containing traditional medieval arcaded buildings.

The town is best known for (and the skyline is dominated by) the 13th century Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, the largest gothic style monument in Provence. The cathedral was built on the site of a much older crypt in order to contain the relics (her skull) of Mary Magdalene, as well as other important historical objects.

Although work on the cathedral continued for over three centuries you will notice that the facade and the belltower were never built.

Inside the cathedral you can see the crypt itself, and the sarcophagus, and several other important works of art, as well as numerous decorative features and an important 18th century organ.

Another highlight is the Royal Convent of the Dominicans, constructed to house the monks who established a community here from the end of the 12th century. The convent has a lovely gothic style cloisters and garden, and is surrounded by other monastic buildings (one wing was demolished after the revolution and rebuilt in the 19th century). The convent is situated next to the cathedral.

More classical in design, the the substantial Town Hall dates from 1750. It was originally built in order to host the most important pilgrims that visited the relics of Saint Mary-Magdalene in the basilica.

Activities in the region

Outdoor leisure activities near Saint-Maximin focus on the extensive Massif de la Sainte-Baume, an extensive 'southern outpost' of the Alps that includes cliffs, ancient forest, caves and lovely scenery.

If you are an enthusiast of small Provencal villages there are several of interest nearby of which Rougiers, Pourcieux and Nans-les-Pins are among our personal favourites.

See Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur and Var (the region and department for Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 1*;

Suggested places to visit near Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Saint Cyr sur Mer 33km; Aix-en-Provence 34km; Greoux-les-Bains 34km; Aups 35km; Bandol 36km; Toulon 37km; La Ciotat 37km; Sanary-sur-Mer 37km; Cassis 37km; Tourtour 38km; Lorgues 40km;

Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Jardin d’Elie Alexis - remarkable garden (15km) : Montagne Sainte-Victoire - grand site of france (20km) : Thoronet Abbey - national monument (32km) : Ollioules - recommended detour (35km) : Jardin d'Albertas - remarkable garden (36km) : Abbaye du Thoronet (Le Thoronet) - religious monument (36km) : Jardin de Baudouvin - remarkable garden (36km) : Domaine d'Orvès - remarkable garden (36km) :

See more places and a map at places near Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume