Pilgrimages in France: Walking a Mountain to Mary Magdalene

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Pilgrimages in France: Walking a Mountain to Mary Magdalene

The pilgrimage to Sainte Marie-Madeleine high on the Massif Ste Baume has always been one of my more accessible bucket list dreams. Now, I’m on my way. I am staying in the gorgeous Couvent Royal, part of the great Basilica of Mary Magdalene in St-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume. On my first day I explored the Basilica and visited the crypte where the skull of Mary Magdalene is venerated. The following day, my 71st birthday, I wanted to walk the mountain to Mary Magdalene. I knew that the walk from which one begins, at the village of Plan-d’Aups-Sainte-Baume, was some half an hour’s drive distance.

This was my birthday gift to myself, I would catch a bus and off I’d go. Easy, I thought, no one visits this tiny town without wanting to continue on to la Grotte, do they? So there would certainly be a bus, right? Wrong. In fact, there was no transport.

Bird’s eye view of the Grotto. Photo: Nigelle de Visme

“There may be one”, said everyone, but I waited for 30 minutes before and 60 minutes after its estimated time of arrival, and, almost defeated, then walked back into the town to a travel agent who specialised in Cambodia, Canberra and Kazakhstan. Ah, le bus, she sighed. But she was Greek, and beautiful, and took pity. She called a friend, arranged a car and a chauffeur.

Entering the forest. Photo: Nigelle de Visme

Pierre drove me to the base of the Massif, suggesting I buy a picnic and water before I climb. Wise man; I made him promise not to forget to return for me many hours hence! Then I entered the forest to be enfolded by massive trees, a cathedral canopy of filtered greens, coolness and silence. I walked up and up and up where Kings and Queens had walked before me to follow the time-honoured pilgrim path to the Grotto of Sainte Marie-Madeleine – the Chemin des Roys – the Royal Road of Kings and Queens.

A protected oak. Photo: Nigelle de Visme

The people of Provence take their Tradition very seriously, considering the Tomb and Grotto of Mary Magdalene to be the third most important pilgrimage after Jerusalem and Rome. A ‘soul memory’ orally passed down since the 1st century, the Feast Day of Mary Magdalene on 22nd July sees hundreds of pilgrims walk to the Cave along this Royal Road. Marie-Madeleine had left the older Marys at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, surviving their miraculous escape after the Crucifixion, and travelled inland with Maximin to what is now Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume. From there she continued alone high up into the Massif to live out her life in a cave.

Chemin des Roys. Photo: Nigelle de Visme

Oh my! What a climb! What a reward for my puffing and pausing! The Grotto is huge and contains a whole chapel, pews and a more or less life-size statue of Mary Magdalene being carried to heaven by angels. The whole is lit with the amber glow of flickering candles, the gentle atmosphere pregnant with prayers and offerings. The site is under the protection of the Dominicans who took over from the Benedictines in 1295. Before the Benedictines, for nearly six hundred years, it was looked after by the Cassianites. Now the entrance to the Cave is protected and wondrous vitraux by Pierre Petit lend soft light to a pale day.

The enormous cave. Photo: Nigelle de Visme

Next to the Grotto is separate, smaller cave inviting pilgrims in to have their picnic. Simple refreshments are there, and an honesty box discretely placed, so discreet I had to look for it, very grateful was I for my cup of thé vert and well worthy of my €€€’s donation in gratitude. I ate my picnic, silently blessing Pierre who had detoured that I could buy it.

At last. Photo: Nigelle de Visme

Outside commands a view to die for and demands a silence to contemplate. After my pilgrim cup of tea, and polishing off my picnic in the little room in an adjacent cave, I felt revived enough to continue. The mountain peak was tempting. Should I go up to the peak or down? Would I have time? What, indeed, was the time? I asked a fellow pilgrim; I had two hours before Pierre would collect me. I reckoned I would make it; going down would be a doddle, I thought. Thus re-energised by the Deus Loci, and restored by my picnic, I urged my since-this-morning 71 year old bod to pick itself up and walk to the peak of the Massif to the Chapel of Saint Pilon.

Grotto and Mary Magdalene statue. Photo: Nigelle de Visme

I was seriously challenged by the rocky and glacially slippery ascent, so different to the smooth and gentle path from the base to the Grotto. I was now climbing a mountain. It wasn’t an Everest, only a there-and-back-in-an-afternoon type of mountain, but I’m a not-fit-for-climbing-the stairs-71. However, this little mountain had led to somewhere special, and I felt the need to go on to the furthest heights to claim the high life for ten minutes or so. The view was staggering, but by now so was I. I was greatly cheered by two spritely Frenchmen descending from the heights; they smiled, and then looked at my sandals. A serious shadow clouded their professional weekend-pilgrim faces as they declared my sandals “heroically unsuitable”!

“Heroically unsuitable” sandals for the peak. Photo: Nigelle de Visme

The slow descent gave me time to reflect again on the soul-enriching purpose of silent pilgrimage. For those moments we seem to step out of time, everything arounds us appears whole, made holy, by our Intent. Once back in the world our faults and failings, goodness and otherwise, are resumed – but memories of our pilgrimages, so potent and precious, remain to remind us of our life’s real purpose. And Pierre was there…

Related articles: Mary Magdalene in France Today
A Festival for a Chickpea: Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume in Provence

Higher still. Photo: Nigelle de Visme

The high life. Photo: Nigelle de Visme

There’s down! Photo: Nigelle de Visme

The Peak. Photo: Nigelle de Visme

The Forest Path. Photo: Nigelle de Visme

A reminder. Photo: Nigelle de Visme

A place of silence. Photo: Nigelle de Visme

Sainte Marie Madeleine upheld by angels. Photo: Nigelle de Visme

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Nigelle de Visme is of Swiss and English origin and currently lives in Glastonbury. She has lived in Australia, India and France and still travels extensively. A published author, she was nominated for a French Media Award in March 2017. At the age of 68 she walked the Chemin Saint Jacques from Roncesvalles to Santiago de Compostela and is at her happiest in gardens, wild places and the thirteenth century. Après Brexit she is exploring the possibility of applying for political asylum in France.

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Comments

  •  Joseph McDonald
    2024-03-29 01:33:19
    Joseph McDonald
    Thanks for writing this. I just discovered this story of Mary and this pilgrimage and your article today Good Friday. Blessings to you Joseph McDonald

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  •  Debbie Little
    2023-10-18 08:53:33
    Debbie Little
    I would like to walk the 147mile pilgrim route and I cannot find the route on a website.

    REPLY

  •  Maureen
    2023-09-23 09:13:36
    Maureen
    Hello Nigelle, Are you still In Glastonbury, I would really like to meet with you for a cuppa. We seem to be of similar roots. I done wish to share here as I do not know if this goes elsewhere before getting to you. Please wrote to me, I will come to you. Maureen

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  • laragh spearman
    2023-09-05 08:47:11
    laragh spearman
    thank you so much for this wonderful article. It looks like marseilles is the nearest airport? A place to visit soon I hope!

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  • Mariz Manalo
    2022-03-13 04:43:59
    Mariz Manalo
    Hi Madame Nigelle: I intend to visit the shrine and the cave of Mary Magdalene in our travel to France this May. I would be coming from Lourdes and will probably in rent-a-car in going there. May I know please up to where will the private car reach? And, if there is a safe place to leave the car. Thank you so much as the more that I wanted to visit the Shrine after reading your article. God Bless You.

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    •  Mary Kiosoglous
      2023-08-18 01:34:59
      Mary Kiosoglous
      Hello Madame Nigelle, I will be in France in September. I have booked in to the Hostellerie de la Sainte Baume on the 11/09/2023 as I intend going to the Grotto Aux Oeufs. I have been a Mary Magdalene follower most of my life as I was born on 22/07/46 and being of Greek heritage the patron saint is an important part of life. I would appreciate any advice you can give to make my visit both informative and enjoyable. I have recently discovered Jean Yves Le Loup and the Mary Magdalene Gospel. I live in Australia and do thank you in advance for any information you can share with me.

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  • Jerome
    2021-02-13 15:01:43
    Jerome
    Thank you dear lady!! I so want to go! God willing I shall but you also took me there une peu!

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    • Nigelle de Visme
      2021-02-13 16:57:18
      Nigelle de Visme
      Thank you Jerome, the lovely Grotto will be waiting for when we can all travel again. Nigelle x

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  • Heather Henry
    2020-09-18 00:36:02
    Heather Henry
    What a lovely write! I too must go. Thank you for the push. <3

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  • Michael Boyles
    2020-07-27 17:23:47
    Michael Boyles
    Thank you for sharing this experience. I have visited the grotto once, when time was very limited after a visit to Saint Baume, so would hope one day to make a longer visit. Are there any organised pilgrimages to this site?

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  • Tal Megged
    2020-01-06 12:17:22
    Tal Megged
    Hello, After being at Saint Baume this last July 22nd, I can't wait to get there again... So powerful! Thank you for the beautiful writing. Tal

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  • Kathryn Benson
    2020-01-02 02:55:45
    Kathryn Benson
    Curious how your trip was in December . Thinking maybe of a trip December 2020 before Xmas and maybe around winter solstice to make my pilgrimage.

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  • Alice
    2019-10-23 17:09:41
    Alice
    Thank you for your article. We are planning to visit St. Maximin la St. Baume this December. We will be staying in hotel in Marseilles. You mentioned that there is no bus from Marseilles to the place and that you hired a car to bring you there. May i know how much you paid for your transportation? Thank you.

    REPLY

    • Margaret
      2019-11-19 12:05:09
      Margaret
      Hi Alice. Was thinking of going in December. Did you find any other information. Thanks

      REPLY

  • Kristin Mineah
    2019-08-05 16:58:49
    Kristin Mineah
    Has me in tears remembering my own pilgrimage to the Magdalene cave. Thank you for sharing your experience with the world. It reminds me that going back is still on my bucket list!

    REPLY

  • Donella Cheetham
    2019-07-05 01:59:10
    Donella Cheetham
    Thank you for this article. Very heartwarming and inspiring! It is on my bucket list to visit Mary Magdalene's cave. It was my intention in 2016 however after a few mishaps driving out of Marseille it did not come to fruition. However, I did spend a lovely month in the village of Forcalquier with my daughter and we travelled by bus to the surrounding areas.

    REPLY

  • Natalie Holst
    2019-06-18 22:11:10
    Natalie Holst
    Hello I am about to do my own pilgrimage. I was wondering if I could speak with you regarding some guidance.

    REPLY

    • Nigelle de Visme
      2019-06-19 06:17:29
      Nigelle de Visme
      Are you intending to visit the Grotto? It's a straightforward walk and a very good road, doesn't take long, carry a little picnic and just enjoy! You will need to take a taxi to the start of the walk. S/he can drop you and pick you up, say, 4 hours later. Masses of time! Enjoy your pilgrimage, remember to carry some flowers to give to Mary Magdalene!

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      • Rosemary Asaro
        2019-07-30 04:16:59
        Rosemary Asaro
        Hi Nigelle, I would like to take my Mother of 81 to Mary's cave. Is it possible? She uses a cane for support to walk. Would there be anyother mode of transportation like a mini wagon or wheelchair I could push her in? Thank you.

        REPLY

  • John Burch
    2018-12-06 04:07:10
    John Burch
    Thank you for sharing this, did my heart some good.

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    • Nigelle de Visme
      2018-12-06 08:29:06
      Nigelle de Visme
      Thank you John!

      REPLY

  • Suzannah Long
    2018-11-25 23:27:33
    Suzannah Long
    Thanks so much for sharing your story. I am curious how long you suggest one should allow for this journey? Blessings and Be well!

    REPLY

    • Nigelle de Visme
      2018-12-02 09:12:48
      Nigelle de Visme
      It would be a matter of personal choice Suzannah. I only had four days - not enough! But enough to do the walk and explore a couple of other villages. I'm happy you enjoyed the story.

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  • cheryl
    2018-09-23 16:54:03
    cheryl
    Nigelle de Visme, you truly are an inspiration. I too have been searching for Mary Magadlena's site, more so having just returned from the Holy land and visiting Magdala. This trip is going on my list for 2019. Keep hiking and be safe. Blessings, Cheryl B.

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  • Denise Finch
    2017-12-19 18:13:35
    Denise Finch
    Hello, Enjoyed your article very much. I have had some special experiences in mystical France also- Would you consider a small group tour?

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    • Nigelle
      2018-09-23 18:27:11
      Nigelle
      Hullo Denise - I think I would consider a small tour! You are welcome to email me [email protected]

      REPLY

  • Nickie
    2017-11-29 17:39:07
    Nickie
    Are there any type of lodging there, Christian pilgrimage retreat? I like to spend time at the site not the center city.

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  • Joan Lee
    2017-11-17 15:01:55
    Joan Lee
    Inspirational! What a welcome read in a world looking for good news. Thank you!

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    • Nigelle de Visme
      2017-11-19 12:46:19
      Nigelle de Visme
      Thank you Joan!

      REPLY

  • Julia
    2017-11-17 10:40:18
    Julia
    So lovely!

    REPLY

    • Nigelle de Visme
      2017-11-19 12:48:37
      Nigelle de Visme
      Thank you Julia!

      REPLY