The Sainte-Baume, a massif and a regional nature park

Published on July 30, 2024 at 4:00 pm

The Sainte-Baume massif stands proudly to the west of the Var département and to the east of the Bouches-du-Rhône département.

Like a natural watchtower, the Sainte Baume massif peaks at an altitude of 1,148 metres at Jouc de l'Aigle.

With a total length of 35 kilometres and a width of 15 kilometres, the Sainte-Baume mountain hides many natural and historical wonders!

Nature lovers, get away from the Var coastline and come and explore the hiking trails** of this unspoilt region.

Vegetation of the Sainte-Baume Massif

Summary

A fragile natural environment protected by a regional nature park
A host of activities on the Sainte-Baume area
Where to stay near the Sainte-Baume massif?

A fragile natural environment protected by a regional nature park

A veritable ecological sanctuary with remarkable biodiversity, the Sainte-Baume massif has enjoyed Regional Nature Park status since 2020.

🌲 The Sainte-Baume area offers a wide variety of ecosystems.

The northern slopes of the massif are home to a remarkable forest. Part of the Sainte-Baume forest is in fact a historic wooded area. This means that some of the woods were already listed under Napoleon!

🍃 Made up of species found in much more northerly regions (beech, maple, lime), the forest is surprising at these latitudes.

These magnificent trees can be admired thanks to the shade provided by the massif.

⛰️ The massif offers visitors contrasting landscapes of outstanding beauty. From arid, rocky ridges to dark, damp woods...

La Sainte-Baume is truly a jewel of nature.

💒 It is also a religious sanctuary, with numerous chapels and the famous sacred grotto of Sainte-Marie Madeleine.

The grotto of Mary Magdalene on the northern slope of the Sainte-Baume Massif

A host of activities on the Sainte-Baume area

🥾 The main activity is hiking, which can be enjoyed on several hundred kilometres of prepared trails.

Don't miss the ascent of Saint-Pilon. The path winds up the north side of the mountain. You will pass numerous chapels under the forest canopy.

Once you reach the summit of Saint-Pilon (994 metres), an orientation table will help you find your bearings in the face of this grandiose panorama.

The view embraces a vast region. It stretches from Mont Ventoux to Sainte-Victoire and Luberon.

🧗‍♀️ Climbing is also a favourite with many aficionados. The massif's vertiginous walls are the perfect playground for all sports enthusiasts who love the great outdoors.

🗺️ Last but not least, guided tours are organised by the nature park; for more information, contact the park office.

The Marie Madeleine Chapel and the characteristic relief of the Sainte-Baume massif

Where to stay near the Sainte-Baume massif?

⭐ La Maison Rouge guest house is located in the village of Nans-les-Pins to the north of the Sainte-Baume massif.

It's a beautiful house lost in the middle of nature, situated facing the Sainte-Baume mountain!

What's more, the house is built from wood, giving the place a real holiday atmosphere.

🛌 The rooms offer minimalist comfort (no TV) which reconnects you more with the surrounding nature.

Some larger accommodations even have a bathtub.

🥐 Every morning, a delicious breakfast is offered to guests of the Maison Rouge.

As an added bonus, the house is close to the GR 9 long-distance hiking trail, so you can start your discovery itinerary very quickly!

🚗 Finally, note that the address also offers free parking.

Maison Rouge

La Maison Rouge is a wooden guest house surrounded by mountainous countryside. It is located in the Sainte-Baume region.

From

£95

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Practical information

⏰ When should you visit the wilderness of the Sainte-Baume?

The Sainte-Baume mountain range attracts many visitors throughout the year.

The ideal periods are from April to early June and from September to early October.

In summer, the heat makes hiking more difficult. What's more, during the hottest months, the risk of fire is at its highest, which can make access to the massif impossible!

In winter, this part of the Var is calmer. At this time of year, some sunny days are popular with photographers!

🚌 How do I get to the foot of the Sainte-Baume massif?

🚘 By road, the massif is accessible from the metropolises of Marseille and Toulon. The main access routes are the D560 road for Marseille. From Toulon follow the D 554, D5 and D 95 roads.

🚈 If you choose to travel by train, the SNCF provides several connections from Paris to Toulon station. Several TGV trains depart from Paris Gare de Lyon station.

✈️ The Sainte-Baume massif is also linked to the capital by air, thanks to Toulon Hyères airport.

🚗 Where can you park to enjoy the natural riches of the Sainte-Baume?

There are several free car parks at the various starting points of the hiking trails.

To benefit from the advice of the Espace Tourisme et Découverte, park near the Hostellerie site in Plan d'Aups Sainte-Baume.

by Jude JONES

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