Sanctuary of La Sainte-Baume
Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume Var
At the foot of the Rock of Mercy
In the heart of Provence, in the Sainte-Baume massif, the Sanctuary is home to the Grotto of Saint Mary Magdalene, a major pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages, nestled on a mountainside in the oak and beech forests of the diocese of Fréjus-Toulon. It is run by Dominican brothers, who have been in residence since the 2000s, welcoming visitors and providing spiritual animation for the site.
The guest house, at the foot of the Grotto, welcomes individuals, couples, families, and groups (dioceses, parishes, chaplaincies), religious and hikers alike, for one night or more in the mild Provençal climate. Each day, Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours are celebrated in the chapel or at the Grotto, and it is possible to request a meeting with a brother during your stay.
What awaits you
Practical information
Liturgy
The offices are celebrated each day in the guest house chapel: Matins and Lauds (7:30 a.m.), Sext (11:30 a.m.), Mass (11:45 a.m.), Vespers (6:00 p.m.), adoration (6:30 p.m.), and Compline (9:00 p.m.). Mass is also celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at the Grotto. Hours are slightly modified on Mondays and Sundays.
Accommodation
The guest house has 174 beds: 36 rooms with private bathroom, 31 rooms with a sink, and 43 beds across 6 dormitories (6 to 14 beds each). Bed linens are not provided — please bring your own.
Meals
Lunch and dinner are served at set times in the refectory (capacity: 190 people), with a single menu. Meals are served by the brothers, assisted by guests.
Hiking
The sanctuary is surrounded by numerous trails: the Sentier des Rois leads to the Grotto, the Pic de Bertagne offers a panoramic view of the entire region, and the Sources de l'Huveaune invite contemplation in the heart of the massif.
Getting here
The sanctuary is easily accessible from Marseille, Toulon, and Aix-en-Provence. It is located in a regional natural park, at the foot of the Sainte-Baume massif, near Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume.
Getting there
Nearby SNCF train stations: Marseille-Aubagne, bus Aubagne-Saint Zacharie or bus Aix en Provence-St Maximin, 3 buses per day between St Maximin and the Hostellerie stop (Monday to Friday)
Coming from Aix-en-Provence/Nice, take the Saint-Maximin exit on the A8, then head toward Nans-les-Pins.
We recommend the Corniche du Liouquet for the more adventurous!