Alessandro Colao

The Cave of Mary Magdalene, known as La Sainte-Baume (“The Holy Cave”), is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in France. It lies in the Massif de la Sainte-Baume in Provence, about an hour east of Marseille.

According to a long-standing Christian tradition, Mary Magdalene fled the Holy Land after the Resurrection of Jesus along with Lazarus, Martha, and other followers. They are said to have landed in southern France, where Mary Magdalene eventually withdrew to this cave and lived there as a hermit for about 30 years, devoting herself to prayer and contemplation. This tradition is deeply rooted in Provence, although it is not described in the New Testament and is regarded as a pious tradition rather than established historical fact.  

The cave itself

The cave is a natural limestone grotto built into a dramatic cliff nearly 900 meters (about 3,000 feet) above sea level. Inside is a small sanctuary with:

• An altar where Mass is celebrated.
• Statues of Mary Magdalene.
• Candles and places for prayer.
• A peaceful atmosphere that has attracted pilgrims for over 1,500 years.  

The pilgrimage

Visitors must walk to the cave through an ancient beech forest. The most popular route takes about 45–60 minutes and is considered one of the most beautiful pilgrimage walks in France.

Over the centuries, many famous pilgrims have visited the cave, including:

• King Louis IX (Saint Louis)
• King René of Provence
• Numerous French kings and popes
• Charles de Foucauld  

The nearby basilica

About 20 km away is the magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene. According to tradition, Mary Magdalene was buried there after her death. The basilica contains a famous reliquary displaying what the Catholic tradition identifies as her skull, discovered during excavations in 1279 ordered by Charles II of Anjou. Whether these relics are authentic cannot be verified historically.  

Why it is special

For many pilgrims, La Sainte-Baume represents:

• Repentance and forgiveness.
• A life of prayer and contemplation.
• The faithful witness of Mary Magdalene, who was the first person in the Gospels to witness the risen Christ.

Given your interest in Italy, Ulysses, and early Christian history, you would likely find a visit to La Sainte-Baume especially rewarding. It pairs beautifully with a journey through Provence and can easily be combined with visits to Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.