Sainte-Baume day hike in Provence, near Marseille
Join Fabrice, an experienced UIMLA-certified Mountain Leader, on this day hike in Provence to Sainte-Baume, the highest peak in the region. Enjoy spectacular views, visit a forest and a unique sacred cave!
Private
Alps
1 Day
Jan - Jun, Sep - Dec
Intermediate
Intermediate
Highlights
- Discover one of the most famous hikes in the area
- Enjoy wonderful wide views from the top of the mountain
- Visit a centenary forest and an impressive pilgrimage sanctuary
Description
Sainte-Baume (meaning «holy cave» in French) is the highest mountain near Marseille, culminating at 1148 meters (3766 feet). The wide views from the top of the mountain, one of the nicest forests in the region and a spectacular cave and sanctuary are the highlights of this famous local hike near Marseille and Aix-en-Provence.
Hiking to Sainte-Baume’s mountain top is not difficult and provide wide panoramic views over the whole region, from the Mediterranean Sea to the southern French Alps mountain range.
In Sainte-Baume we find a wonderful cave in the cliff, where Mary Magdalene is said to have retired after she was expelled by persecutions from the Holy Land. It became a sanctuary where many popes or French kings came to visit, such as Louis 14th of France.
As we start the hike, we visit one of nicest forests in the region, with centenary oaktrees, beeches, yews, among other species. Nature lovers always really enjoy this place.
We can easily adjust the lenght and level of this excursion, as we can do just an easy ascent to the sanctuary or the mountain ridge and then we can go further and higher for sporty hikers. So, depending on the group level and wishes, we can hike from 3 to 5 or 6 hours, and from 300 meters to 600 meters ascent (900 to 2000 feet).
This hike is possible during the winter, spring and fall, and it is better to avoid it in summer, from mid June to late September, due to high temperatures.
If you would like to discover this unique location near Marseille, just send me a request and book your trip! Come join me and spend a great hiking day in Provence.
You can check out my profile page for other great hiking tours in Provence, in the Verdon gorge, Calanques and in the French Riviera.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
Price details
- Price per person for groups from 8 to 10 people: 35 EUR / Price per person for groups of 11people: 28 EUR / Price p/pers. for groups of 12: 25 EUR // The price includes guiding fee and a little snack. Picnic is not included./ For bigger groups, please contact us for conditions and prices.
Details
More info
Equipment: Walking boots. Micro fleece mountain t-shirts (if possible, avoid cotton t-shirts). Cap. Water bottle (1 liter/pers). Sun protection, eye protection.
Meeting point
FAQs
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Fabrice
4.9
(50)
Mountain Leader
I am a hiking guide (International Mountain Leader) who has been working all over France (including Provence and the Alps), Italy and Portugal since 2001. I speak fluent English due to my frequent trips to Taos Ski Valley (in New Mexico, USA where my family runs a great hotel and ski school), and my hiking trips in the American Southwest.
I live mainly in Nice (French Riviera), but I also move all over the Alps working in different alpine valleys. I often visit Martinique (French Caribbean island), where I enjoy rainforest and tropical hikes.
When I´m not guiding, I also work as a photographer, and like to climb, ski, play tennis, or kitesurf in my spare time. Additionally, I really enjoy botany and history.
I can guide you for a half day or for as many days as you like. I´ll take you to discover my favourite French Riviera alpine region, and the wild and large Mercantour National Park (counting 8 different valleys) near Nice, Monte Carlo and Cannes.
In my region we can enjoy the Mediterranean landscape at sea level. As we move into higher altitudes, we will discover alpine lakes, larch or pine forests, orchids and alpine flowers, open meadows, spectacular medieval perched villages and old baroque chapels and churches, with great historic value.
We can also discover the hiking hotspots in Provence such as Calanques National Park, Verdon gorges, Sainte Victoire and the Var region, with Saint Tropez a particular highlight.
I also love to hike in Italy in the very famous world heritage Cinque Terre (the amazing national park of the "Five Lands"), or in Liguria near San Remo.
And finally, I always enjoy taking my guests to the northern Alps: to Chamonix and Mont Blanc´s amazingly large panoramas or to the great Vanoise National Park, the largest in the heart of French Alps.
Languages
French | English
Certificates
UIMLA
What people are saying about Fabrice
Marc
Fabrice was the best! We had such a good time hiking the French Riviera. He was so knowledgeable about the history, geology, and local culture. Highly recommend him!
Julie
Great experience ! Beautiful view !
Sara
We had a wonderful day hike with Fabrice in Mercantour National Park. The Alps and surrounding park were so beautiful. Fabrice was a really attentive and knowledgeable guide. He was kind, friendly, and fun. We are a family of three with a 10 year old and we all got along great with Fabrice. I would recommend this experience to anyone who loves hiking and being outdoors. Hire Fabrice you won't be disappointed.
Mark
Great hike. Great guide.
It was a great adventure in a very nice and professional company:)
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