Visit the Sainte-Baume massif

The Massif de la Sainte-Baume is a must-see during your stay at the Aubagne campsite. Located 33 km from the campsite, it is one of the most beautiful jewels in the Var. Its sacred nature, heritage and natural beauty make it a very interesting tourist, cultural and sporting stopover.

History of the Massif de la Sainte-Baume

From the outset, spirituality has strongly permeated this mountainous area of Provence. Indeed, as far back as we can remember, there have been places of worship. Some honored Artemis of Ephesus, the goddess of fertility. Later, Christianity came to characterize the area. As early as the 5th century, numerous monks from the Abbey of Saint-Victor were present.

Legend also has it that Saint Mary Magdalene took up residence in a grotto on Sainte-Baume. This made the place a popular pilgrimage site. It then became an obligatory stopover for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.

In addition to this religious aspect, the mountain range has been renowned, at certain times in its history, for its glaciers, its mining activity, based on the exploitation of bauxite, and its agriculture. The latter is mainly focused on the cultivation of olives, vines and figs.

Finally, in 2017, the massif was classified as a Regional Nature Park in France. Its commitment to nature conservation has also earned it a place in the prestigious European Natura 2000 network.

Places to visit in the Massif de la Sainte-Baume

To reach this famous mountain range, you’ll need to enter via the towns of Brignoles or Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume. You can also take one of the following villages: Signes, Plan d’Aups, Castellet, Nans-les-Pins or Cadière-d’Azur de Mazaugues.

Once there, you’ll be able to discover many of the massif’s must-see sites. Start with Mont-Aurélien, 800 m high, offering panoramic views of Mont Sainte-Victoire. Then explore the limestone cirque of Escarettes. At the top of Col Saint-Pilon, you’ll find a lookout point and chapel. In the Vallée de Saint-Pons, you’ll find a bewitching array of vegetation.

Don’t miss Sainte-Baume’s cultural attractions! The basilica and grotto of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine are well worth a visit. Visit the castrums, 12th-century hilltop villages. And don’t forget the Glacière de Pivaut.

Things to do in the Sainte-Baume massif

During your visit to the massif, you’ll be able to enjoy a wide range of activities. First of all, there are the numerous bathing sites where you can splash around with family and friends. TheHuveaune, which rises in a cave, is a magnificent river with many turquoise waterfalls. You can also dive into the cool waters of the Gorges du Caramy.

There are a number of safe hiking trails in this mountain range. Don’t hesitate to climb the Pic de la Bretagne, the highest point in the Bouches-du-Rhône. The Sentier de la voie royale is also well worth a visit. It is one of the stages of the Chemin de Compostelle. You can also take part in the Semaine varoise de la randonnée pédestre, if you’re visiting the region in September.

Last but not least, there’s another major event in this regional park. This is the Trail de la Sainte-Baume. There are three different circuits with varying gradients.