The Way of Mary Magdalene in Provence
Following in the footsteps of Compostela, the path of Mary Magdalene invites pilgrims to walk 224 km in 14 days through Provence, from Les Saints-Maries-de-la-Mer to Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, along the coast and rocky paths, from large sanctuaries to small chapels that bear witness to the Christian roots of southern France and Provençal tradition.
Map of the Road, 220 km (136 mi) in 12-14 days
It was founded by various organizations, including the PACA region, the Hiking Federation, the Dominicans, tourist offices, and partner associations, including the Association des Chemins des Saintes et Saints de Provence
The Association des Chemins des Saintes et Saints de Provence
The Association des Chemins des Saintes et Saints de Provence, based in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, was created in 2019. Its mission is to create spiritual walking routes dedicated to the saints of the Provençal tradition, of which Mary Magdalene is the ambassador. Like the associations dedicated to Saint James, it also assists walkers in preparing for their journey and during their travels.
In 2025, the association had around 400 members, including 50 hospitallers.
Provençal Tradition
Provençal tradition has it that in 43 AD, a boat landed in Camargue at the site of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. On board were friends of Jesus who had been sent into exile to evangelize Provence: Mary Magdalene, Lazarus, Maximin, and Sidoine headed for Martigues, Marseille, Aix, Sainte-Baume, and Saint Maximin; Martha headed for Arles, Avignon, and Tarascon; Mary Salome and Jacobe, a generation older, remained behind with their servant Sara. Such is the story of the Christian roots of Provence.
Useful Questions
How do I join the association?
We recommend joining via HelloAsso, as this is the quickest way to receive the code to download the practical tools.
How do I obtain the documents?
When you join the association, you will receive a code allowing you to download the guidebook and maps, the services guide, and the hospitality network from the tabs below.
Topo Guide
Mapping
Services Guide (in French)
Hospitality Network (in French)
For example, select the guidebook, enter the code where requested, and click on download. The same applies to each of the tools.
The code is automatically provided after joining via HelloAsso, in the thank you message.
Can you send the documents?
No, because we do not have paper versions of the documents.
If you cannot print them yourself, download the documents to a USB stick and have them printed. You can reduce the amount of paper used by printing 4 pages of the documents per sheet, double-sided.
Am I required to obtain the credential?
It is essential for accessing the hospitality network and certain lodgings along the route. It facilitates access to certain professional accommodations listed in the service guide.
However, you may choose not to obtain it, but you will not have access to these specific accommodations.
Can the credential be purchased in Saintes Maries de la Mer or other locations?
We strongly recommend that you purchase the credential when you join. This makes it easier for us, the volunteers in charge of registering memberships. If this is not possible, you can purchase it at the sanctuary in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer during opening hours. It would be wise to call ahead at +33 (0)6 10 87 56 19. You will not be able to purchase it elsewhere.
If you forgot to order it when you joined HelloAsso, we can send you a private link to place an order. Please let us know by email.
You must be a member to order a membership card.
Is there accommodation available?
In the service guide, you will find a list of the least expensive hotels and other accommodation options. There are also more expensive options that are not listed.
If you are on a tight budget or traveling in a group, there are several shared accommodation options available, such as stopover lodges. In all cases, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag.
Pilgrim or hospitable accommodations are reserved for members, limited to 4 people, and accessible by downloading the list of hospitable accommodations (access code). The individual credential must be ordered at the same time as membership; a sleeping bag liner or sleeping bag is essential.
There is also camping, with your equipment…!
Is the path marked?
The path follows different hiking markings: GR (for « Grande Randonnée » – red and white marked), GRP (for « Grande Randonnée de Pays » – red and yellow marked), PR (for « Petite Randonnée » – yellow or blue or green marked). Thematic markings of the Chemin de Marie-Madeleine are also affixed every kilometre as well as at intersections, the logo of which is as follows:
It is the PACA region that finances the marking, via the FFRP (French Federation of Hiking).
When is the best time to do the journey?
It depends on each person, but we strongly advise against doing the route in July and August. Please note: forest areas may be closed from 1 June to 30 September. In addition, families in the hospitality network are generally not available at this time.
How do you get back from Saint Maximin to Saintes Maries de la Mer?
Bus from Saint-Maximin to Marseille, train from Marseille to Arles, bus from Arles to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. See details in the guide des services.
Who are the hospitallers?
The hospitallers are individuals who welcome pilgrims into their homes. They are registered in the hospitality network, the functioning of which is specified by a charter that the pilgrim undertakes to read carefully and to respect. Some parishes are also part of this network.
What is the « Services Guide »?
This guide provides information on the services that the pilgrim may need : commercial accommodation, where to eat, where to shop, pharmacy, doctor, tourist office, churches, transport etc… Places of reception for pilgrims are not included.
Are there organized walking groups?
No, there are no organized walking groups. Pilgrims organize their pilgrimage themselves using the practical tools offered to the association’s members.
PS: the collective walks that were organized by the association were organized as part of the launch of Mary Magdalene’s way, for active members.
How do I find walking buddies?
If you do not wish to walk alone, you can contact the association by email so that we can put you in touch with other pilgrims. You can specify « walking together » in the subject of the email.