Sainte-Baume

The sacred grotto of Sainte-Baume (Grotte Sanctuaire de la Sainte-Baume) is at the foot of a massif a little southeast of the small town of Plan-d'Aups-Sainte-Baume and it's not easy to visit.

The grotto or cave is a 45-minute drive southwest of the town of St. Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume or a bit longer if you're coming from Marseille, but you have to hike the last part, from the Dominican inn, Hostellerie de la Sainte-Baume, through the forest to the site itself and it is uphill.

Sainte-Baume

Inside the cave itself is the main altar and the whole place seems very odd. Mary's relics (bones) have been relocated from here to Saint Maximin.

Sainte-Baume
Photo: M. Disdero