Saint-Maximin-La-Sainte-Baume can be explored through two distinct perspectives: the Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine and the town’s cultural heritage on the one hand, and wine-growing and the landscape on the other. If you are looking for a destination that offers both historic architecture and regional themes, these highlights can guide your choice. The options range from tours of heritage sites to a VTC route through a landscape shaped by vineyard plots.
Basilica, Crypt and Cultural Heritage
The Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine houses the relics of Mary Magdalene and is described as the third tomb of Christendom. It is also considered the largest Gothic building in the Var and indeed in Provence. Religious significance and architecture offer two distinct points of interest here: you can consider both the site’s traditional significance and its status as a Gothic building.
The crypt contains the skull of Mary Magdalene, as well as sarcophagi associated with Saint Maximin, Saint Sidoine and Saint Marcelle. These specific historical items add another point of interest within the basilica itself. If you are interested in religious history, you can look beyond the building as a whole to the objects preserved in the crypt and their named associations.
The Couvent Royal, adjoining the basilica, is listed as a historic monument in France. Visitors can see a restored cloister with centuries-old trees there. The basilica and the neighbouring Couvent thus represent different aspects of cultural heritage: the large Gothic building on the one hand, and the restored cloister and its trees on the other.
The Maison de l’Histoire et du patrimoine offers visitors tours presenting various heritage sites in the area. It also displays archaeological finds from excavations dating back to prehistoric times, models reconstructing architectural elements, and historic postcards. The exhibits offer different perspectives: the finds date back to prehistoric times, the models focus on reconstructing architectural elements, and the postcards add historical depictions. If you would like to focus on several sites rather than just one building, the tours offer a suitable cultural experience.
Wine-Growing and Landscape
The VTC route “La plaine viticole et maraîchère de Saint-Maximin” is 8.5 km long, easy and unmarked. It starts at Place Malherbe. Along small country roads, it passes vineyard plots and offers panoramic views. As the route is unmarked, check the conditions before setting out. Its length, difficulty level and starting point give you practical information for planning; the lack of markings is also worth bearing in mind.
On “Le Tour des vignes,” you can sample fresh grapes straight from the vine during the season. The tour ends with a guided tasting in the wine cellar. The guided visit also introduces you to typical grape varieties from the region and traditional winemaking practices. The experience combines a tasting with insights into grape varieties and winemaking. The season determines when grapes can be sampled straight from the vine.
The two wine-related experiences have different focuses: the VTC route centres on the trail and the landscape, while “Le Tour des vignes” offers a guided introduction to grape varieties and traditional winemaking practices, along with a tasting. When choosing between them, consider whether you would prefer panoramic views along a route or a tour focusing on wine-growing. Bear in mind both the seasonal grape tasting and the unmarked route.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Tourrettes, La Verdiere, La Celle, Bargème, Sanary-Sur-Mer, Les Bormettes, Pignans, Collobrieres
Go to the main travel overview: Var.
