Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour in Aix-en-Provence, France
Aix-en-Provence, France

Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour

Outty Ranking 59 5.0 · 5 traveler reviews7 hoursFrom $1,130
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Outty Ranking

59/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour worth booking?

Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour is a 7-hour experience in Aix-en-Provence, France, from $1,130 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
59 / 100
Rating
5/5 (5)
Duration
7 hours
From
$1,130 per person

Mary Magdalene was close to Jesus and the Virgin Mary. Expelled from Palestine at the beginning of the 1st century, she arrived in Provence by sea in a small boat. She dedicated her life to carrying the voice of Jesus through Provence, then she retired to the cave of the Massif de la Sainte Baume, where she lived in Hermite the last 30 years of her life. Whether you are a Pilgrim, or simply fascinated by the incredible history of Saint Mary Magdalene, I suggest you live a journey into the past by discovering the cave. You will have time to pray or meditate, and if you wish, you will be able to attend the Mass which is held daily at 11am. You will climb alone, at your own pace. We will then go to the city of Saint Maximin la Sainte Baume, you can stroll through the alleys and have lunch there. Finally, you will have free time to visit the basilica where the relics of Mary Magdalene lie.

What you get

    About this experience

    Mary Magdalene was close to Jesus and the Virgin Mary. Expelled from Palestine at the beginning of the 1st century, she arrived in Provence by sea in a small boat. She dedicated her life to carrying the voice of Jesus through Provence, then she retired to the cave of the Massif de la Sainte Baume, where she lived in Hermite the last 30 years of her life. Whether you are a Pilgrim, or simply fascinated by the incredible history of Saint Mary Magdalene, I suggest you live a journey into the past by discovering the cave. You will have time to pray or meditate, and if you wish, you will be able to attend the Mass which is held daily at 11am. You will climb alone, at your own pace. We will then go to the city of Saint Maximin la Sainte Baume, you can stroll through the alleys and have lunch there. Finally, you will have free time to visit the basilica where the relics of Mary Magdalene lie.

    What's included

    Included

    • Entrance cave Sainte Marie Madeleine
    • Bottled water
    • Private transportation
    • Basilica entrance of Saint Mary Magdalene
    • In-vehicle air conditioning

    Not included

    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. Grotte de Sainte Marie Madeleine

      A true journey into the past, you will discover the cave or Saint Mary Madeleine lived in Hermite the last 30 years of her life. The path that leads through the forest, mixes calm, beauty and serenity. You will all have time to make the ascent at your own pace, as well as to meditate or pray on site. If you wish, you can attend the Mass which is held daily at 11am. Important: Provide walking shoes for the ascent (about 40 minutes)

      180 minutes here

    2. Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume

      After visiting the cave, we will go to Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte Baume, a city preserved from Mass tourism. You will have lunch there and you can stroll through the alleys of the old town that leads to the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.

      120 minutes here

    3. Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine

      You will have free time to visit the basilica and gather in front of the relics of St. Mary Magdalene which are preserved inside the basilica

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Aix-en-Provence

    Meeting point

    Aix-en-Provence

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, fr
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 8 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Discover Provence on a private tour

    Know before you go

    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour in Aix-en-Provence, photo 2Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour in Aix-en-Provence, photo 3Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour in Aix-en-Provence, photo 4Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour in Aix-en-Provence, photo 5Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour in Aix-en-Provence, photo 6Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour in Aix-en-Provence, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    1 mention

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    1 mention

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Good for families

    1 mention

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    5 verified traveler reviews for Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    5
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    C1762BXelizabethp · September 2026

    Great guide for Provence

    We had a delightful day with Anthony as our guide. He was personable, knowledgeable and accommodating. It was very easy to spend the day with him and we enjoyed his company. We strongly recommend him as a guide.

    via Tripadvisor

    Dave_B · August 2026

    Change of plans

    The cave trip was cancelled due to wildfires. Anthony developed an alternative set of town visits that was wonderful! He was excellent with service, information and customer care.

    via Viator

    nz25q5hxgd · May 2026

    Very pleasant experience...

    Very pleasant experience thanks Anthony. He was friendly, prompt and did a great job showing us the sites

    via Viator

    geraldinegJ6982SC · April 2026

    Second day with the family

    Wonderful 2d day Thank you for the tours, we loved them! Anthony gave us a great tour and is very kind; his vehicle is remarkably clean. I highly recommend him.

    via Tripadvisor

    AnnaMMM2026 · March 2026

    Wonderful Day

    Wonderful day with Anthony. We visited the Marie Madeleine cave. It was like traveling through time ! A day filled with emotions, far from mass tourism. Thanks to Anthony for his kindness. We will keep great memories!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    7 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Discover Provence on a private tour, who run 11 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.9.

    See everything Discover Provence on a private tour runs

    Why this scores 59

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)92
    Review evidence (18% weight)31
    Booking momentum (14% weight)23
    Value for money (12% weight)13
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)54
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Aix-en-Provence.

    How much does Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $1,130 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Aix-en-Provence usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Aix-en-Provence is not rushed.

    Is Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Aix-en-Provence, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour?

    +

    Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Aix-en-Provence can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Aix-en-Provence and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Aix-en-Provence within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Aix-en-Provence?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Aix-en-Provence experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Luberon Villages Half-Day Tour from Aix-en-Provence, An Aix-traordinary Walking City Tour of Aix-en-Provence, Cotes de Provence Wine Tour from Aix-en-Provence. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Aix-en-Provence?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Aix-en-Provence?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour?

    +

    Included: Entrance cave Sainte Marie Madeleine; Bottled water; Private transportation; Basilica entrance of Saint Mary Magdalene; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 408 listed pickup locations in and around Aix-en-Provence. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Aix-en-Provence. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Mary Magdalen Cave & Basilica of St Maximin on a private tour?

    +

    Across 5 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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