Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume

During your stay at the 3-star campsite Le Provençal, there is one place you absolutely must explore: the Saint-Maximin Basilica.
This majestic building is the largest Gothic edifice in Provence. Its construction began in 1295, and work was definitively cut off in 1592. The originally planned gate and great door were never erected. But the monument is no less massive as a result, and its architectural beauty is without equal. Measuring 73 metres in length, 43 metres wide and 29 metres high, it is intentionally incredible.

The Saint-Maximin Basilica is also famous for housing the relics of Mary Magdalene, making it the third most important tomb in all of Christendom. The basilica’s crypt contains the large reliquary in which Mary Magdalene’s skull can be found.

As a reminder, Mary Magdalene was a disciple of Jesus and is the patron saint of Saint-Maximin. She is celebrated each year around 22 July. Great festivities then animate the Provençal town over the course of several days. The reliquary is placed at the heart of the procession before being displayed in the basilica’s choir.