Print this pageDate Added: 22-11-2006
Whatever folklore, history, religion or Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code will have us believe about the legend of Mary Magdalene; one thing that rings true is her French connection.
Provence abounds with stories of saints and martyrs who preached Christianity in the area from the 1st Century, including the story of Saint-Mary Magdalene. With her parents and brothers she sailed onto the beach at Sainte-Marie-de-la-Mer to escape the Christian persecution in Palestine. Her evangelistic dedication had begun. She performed miracles and died after years in prayer at the famous Sainte-Baume cave.
The cave has become a major place for pilgrimage. Popes and sovereigns have travelled here since mediaeval times. Walkers with stamina will enjoy continuing the visit to the Chapelle du St-Pilon with its exceptional views from the coast right to the Alps.
This area of Provence, is known as “La Provence Verte” or Green Provence, because of its river, tributaries and fountains offer a cool soothing climate. Nestling in the Sainte-Baum hills, Saint-Maximin and its gigantic Basilica occupy an important position in the history of Christianity. These mystic hills are famous for pilgrimage. For centuries, this area has been chosen by religious orders to practise their faith and marked the beginning of a Christian following in Provence. The legend of Saint-Mary Magdalene still has a passionate following.
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