© SeeProvence.com/
© SeeProvence.com/
© SeeProvence.com/
© SeeProvence.com/
© SeeProvence.com/
© SeeProvence.com/
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.
Events in [locality]
The traditional Provençal-style market is held here every Wednesday morning.
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.
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.
