St Maximin la St Baume
Home of the enormous Basilica and relics of Mary Magdalene
When driving on the Highway of the Sun, l'Autoroute du Soleil, past Aix-en-Provence towards Brignoles and the Côte d'Azur, your eye will be caught by an imposing building that sluggishly towers over its neighboring houses, like a Gulliver in Lilliput.
An earlier sign let you know that you were approaching the exit for St. Maximin. If you feel tempted to explore this awkward giant, take the exit. You'll be rewarded with medieval gems, religious mysteries and a friendly town of curving houses and an old Jewish quarter.
History & Culture in [locality]
With some 9,000 inhabitants, St. Maximin is a small town with a huge basilica. That and the monastery next to it are its primary attractions. The story behind the building of the two structures is told in the page of Mary Magdalene in Provence.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
Apart from its medieval architecture and the legendary relics, the basilica is renowned for its magnificent organ, considered one of the finest in France. During the revolution, it -- with the entire basilica and monastery -- was saved from destruction by Lucien Bonaparte, the brother of Napoleon, who lived in the town for two years. He used the church as a depot and regularly let the Marseillaise be played on the organ.
The town hall is located in the same square as the basilica and was originally built in the 18th century to house distinguished visitors who came to pay respects to the relics of Mary Magdalene.
The Royal Convent, the Dominican monastery abutting the basilica, is an oasis of medieval quiet. First built in the 14th century, alongside the basilica, it has undergone several additions, the last of which was the west wing rebuilt in the 19th century. Especially impressive are the cloisters with their 32 bays. Today, you can have a coffee there and appreciate the atmosphere. If you like, you can dine or stay the night.
Beyond the basilica and the monastery, St. Maximin offers a typical town in Provence where busy squares with fountains, outdoor cafés and even a traffic light give way to quiet streets, lined with houses that seem to bend over in deference to the history of the town. There's a medieval Jewish quarter, where the 14th century arcades are the last witness of that era. In one of the squares you can find a lovely clock tower from 1476.
There are a couple of arts and crafts shops - pottery and ceramics, stained glass and Provençal fabrics are just some of the locally made products. There are also several vineyards in the region where you can taste and buy AOC Coteaux Varois en Provence.
Sights in Provence
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Musee Simon Segal Contemporary Art, Aups
The museum groups 3 schools of painting - Toulon, Bourges and Paris - with over 280 works on show.
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Eco Musee, Breil-sur-Roya
Museum charting the history of transport in the area, with lots of old vehicles to look at. Located in an old rail warehouse in Breil.
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Le Musee du Tire-Bouchon, Menerbes
A private collection of ornate, unusual and ancient corkscrews in the vineyards of the Domaine de La Citadelle.
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Ambrussum archaeological site, near Nimes
This large Roman site lies on the outskirts of Nimes on the way to Montpellier. It's an extensive site that requires a fair bit of exploring, although there is a small museum on site which explains the chronology of Ambrussum in a bit more detail.
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Maison Carree, Nimes
A very well preserved Roman temple in the heart of Nimes.
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Collection Lambert
The Collection Lambert is a wonderful gallery featuring modern art from the 1960's.
Events in [locality]
The traditional Provençal-style market is held here every Wednesday morning.
Events in Provence
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Liszt en Provence festival, Uchaux
Uchaux is the venue for this series of summer concerts that celebrates the music of Liszt. Set in the fabulous grounds of Chateau Saint Esteve, the venue could not be more magical or romantic.
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Antiques, Art & You, L'Isle sur la Sorgue
A huge art and antiques fair held in the charming town of l'Isle sur la Sorgue.
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International Piano Festival, La Roque d'Antheron
La Roque d'Antheron is the site for a series of outdoor summer concerts that feature the piano.
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Arelate Festival
Relive the Roman days in Arles during the Arelate Festival, with daily shows that will transport you back into the days of gladiator battles and horse races.
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a-part Festival, Les Alpilles region
'a-part' re-invents nature and surrounding landscapes with contemporary art that invigorates your senses, promoting new artists alongside established names.
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Markets in Provence
Read our Provence markets page to find out which market to visit when in Provence. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a Provencal market is an absolute must for anyone exploring the charms of Provence.
Things to do in [locality]
There are plenty of lovely hikes in the area, you can explore ancient marble quarries, rolling hills to the south and the area around Pourrieres - ask at the tourist office for maps.
Things To Do in Provence
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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
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Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
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Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
Hotels in [locality]
The Royal Convent as mentioned above is probably your best bet in the village of St Maximin.
Alternatives include Chateau de Nans Hotel, in Nans les Pins just to the south of St Maximin. If you want a fairytale castle with a gourmet restaurant, this is the one to try.
Towards Brignoles is the lovely La Bastide de Messine B&B with a pool and views of the hills, or the upmarket Abbaye de la Celle Hotel in La Celle, which is run by the Alain Ducasse empire.
A more contemporary choice is the Maison d'Hôtes Bertine in Tourves which has a boutique feel, swimming pool and relaxing atmosphere.
Hotels in Provence
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Le Clos des Lavandes B&B
23 August 20257 NightsIn the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
Price: €1,243
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Hotel du Parc, Fontaine de Vaucluse
23 August 20257 NightsLocated in the Luberon region in the heart of Provence this charming hotel sits in grounds of 6000m2.
Price: €1,893
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La Mirande Hotel
La Mirande is a 5 star 'grand dame' luxury hotel that has been decorated with 18th century interiors, period tapestries and chandeliers.
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Renaissance Hotel
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
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Jules Cesar Hotel
This luxurious property has been lavishly renovated to overcome its austere background, whilst still retaining its sense of history.
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Villa Josephine B&B
Villa Josephine is located in the middle of the Var region of Provence on the outskirts of the market town of Lorgues.
