Body Mind Spirit Journeys
presents

The Magdalene Mysteries

A Journey to the South of France
on a Quest for the Divine Feminine
September 15-23, 2024

Travel through the beautiful South of France on a Mary Magdalene pilgrimage. The quest? To source a greater connection to the Divine Feminine within.

We begin by retracing the steps of Mary Magdalene through the magnificent French countryside and the sacred sites that have been associated with the Magdalene as we will be guided and go deep into the alchemical mysteries and the encoded secrets invoking the Divine Feminine with ceremonies of ritual and healing.

As we experience the heart of the Divine, we will awaken to our greater strength, sensuality, intuition and our innate mystical being. By doing so, we will balance our inner and outer worlds and see our consciousness evolve.

TOUR INCLUDES

8-nights hotels accommodations delightful boutique hotels and a Chateau in St Maximin la Ste Baume, and Maries de la Mer
Hotel service charges and taxes
Breakfast every day
6 dinners
Transportation from Marseilles to Rennes-le-Chateau
Services of English-speaking local tour guide throughout
Sightseeing as per itinerary
Sightseeing entrance fees

ITINERARY

Day 1, Sunday, September 15: Arrival in Marseilles, to St Maximin la Ste Baume (D)
Our journey starts in Marseilles, and please be at the Marseilles Airport by 12 noon for our pick up. we make our way to St. Maximin-la-Ste. Baume, in the region where Mary Magdalene spent many years of her life, living in hiding high up in the protection of the jagged mountains. There are conflicting legends regarding the time periods in which she lived here, all of which will be discussed in detail over the course of our journey. Upon her death, she was buried on the site that would later become the Basilica of St Maximin, skeleton intact, but her bones have been the reason for wars between Provence and Burgundy. Thus they are now scattered throughout France. Overnight and dinner at our hotel.

Day 2, Monday, September 16: In St Maximin la Ste Baume (B/D).
After breakfast, we visit to the impressive St. Maximin Basilica, which holds the sacred bones of Mary Magdalene in the crypt, as well as the stone coffin in which her body resided for many centuries. Her skull is enshrined and on display in the crypt in a golden reliquary, which is paraded through the town every year for her feast day, July 22nd. It has been authenticated as a skull from the first century of a petite woman who likely died in her early 60s. There are still strands of red-gold hair on the skull (although they are not visible through the reliquary). Viewing it can be a very emotional experience for Magdalene devotees. This church was one of the main pilgrimage destinations in medieval France, and its size and glamour continue to testify to its glorious past. Exploring it in depth reveals some true jewels of medieval and Renaissance art pertaining to Our Lady – for those with eyes to see! Afternoon free. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Day 3, Tuesday, September 17: In St. Maximin-la-Ste. Baume (B)
After breakfast we drive up the mountains to Ste. Baume, the astonishing cavern cathedral carved into the top of a mountain. Enduring local legends indicate that Mary Magdalene lived here after she came to France. In medieval times, royals and nobles came here to visit this remote cliff sanctuary and make the pilgrimage up the hill. So popular was this act of devotion to Mary Magdalene that a “Royal Road” was created to make the ascent easier. The walk is slightly challenging, but if you take your time it is also beautiful and well worth it. It takes about 45 minutes to make the ascent. After our descent, we visit the small church and convent at the foot of the cliff face, which has some beautiful displays as well as the breathtaking Magdalene murals painted here in the early 1900s. This was the main site welcoming pilgrims – it still is! A light lunch on our own before returning to our hotel. Dinner this evening is on your own.

Day 4, Wednesday, September 18: In St. Maximin-la-Ste. Baume. Excursion to Aix en Provence & Tarascon (B/D)
After breakfast we start our journey to the heart of Provence and Aix en Provence. Before we arrive in “Aix”, we visit Tarascon, to visit the church where the bones of Martha lay entombed in the crypt. The Church is built on the spot of the house where she used to live. The crypt area contains the relics and the tomb of St. Martha. We often hear of Martha, Mary and Lazarus of Bethany and their close relationship with Jesus According to tradition, about 14 years after the Resurrection, Martha, Mary and Lazarus were set adrift in a boat, with no oars or sails, to die. They survived, however and first arrived in Avignon around 48 A.D. Martha then later went on to Tarascon and as the story goes that when she arrived, an amphibious beast was preying upon the local population. She proceeded to tame the beast, only for it to then be butchered by the townspeople. Located just a few miles from the center of town, we visit the Abbey of St Michael de Frigolet run by the Order of the Canons Regular of Prémontré and follow the Rule of Life of St. Augustine of Hippo. For centuries the Abbey has been a place of prayer and refuge. Part of the Abbey is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces, a destination for thousands of pilgrims who for the last 850 years. Here we will have an optional climb up the Montagnette to pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary Then to Aix for lunch on our own followed by a stroll around the historical city center, we will visit the cathedral. The first church of Aix en Provence was built on the site of the preaching of Maximin and Magdalene. That’s why, everywhere in the cathedral, Mary Magdalene’s presence is found. We’ll end the visit at the 17th century chapel where a Black Madonna, Notre-Dame-de-l’Espérance, stands. She is carrying the infant Jesus on her knees. Return to our hotel for dinner at our hotel.

Day 5, Thursday, September 19: In St. Maximin-la-Ste. Baume. Excursion to Manosque (B)
After breakfast, we will head to Manosque, a city with a very rich historical heritage. Inside the town, protected by its ramparts, is the small Romanesque church of Notre Dame du Romigier which conceals several treasures. In particular it houses within one of the oldest statues of the Black Madonna, the discovery of which dates back to the year 980. Return to our hotel in the afternoon for dinner on your own.

Day 6, Friday, September 20: In St. Maximin-la-Ste. Baume. Excursion to St Michel du Var (B/D)
Today, we will discover Mary Magdalene in the Orthodox tradition. The Saint Michel du Var orthodox monastery was built in 1982 and its location was chosen after the miraculous vision of the icon of the Virgin Mary. It has a contemplative location and features a relic of St Mary Magdalene in the crypt where we can gather in prayer. Joy radiates from inside the church thanks to the beautiful 700 square meters of frescoes by Vadim Garine honoring Mary Magdalene and her red mantle of compassion. We will have a light lunch on our own at the monastery and then if time, visit an oil distillery and have some experience of the anointing oil preparation and use from ancient times and currently. Return to our hotel for a free evening and dinner at our hotel.

Day 7, Saturday, September 21: To Saintes Maries de la Mer (B/D)
Today we head to our beachfront hotel in the legendary village of Saintes Maries de la Mer, the place on the Mediterranean Sea where Mary Magdalene came ashore, together with some other members of the Holy Family and friends. We drive through and into the marshlands known as “The Camargue” where wild white horses and black bulls roam, and pink flamingos migrate from Africa – it is a truly mythical landscape. The town is named after “the Marys” who accompanied Mary Magdalene, Mary Jacobe and Mary Salome – relatives of the Mother of Jesus. The maritime village is charming and known for its connections to gypsy culture. Although we will not be there during the chaos of the festivals (this is a good thing) there is still a flavor of the “gitane” here, where the traditions feel both Spanish and French. This is a village of Flamenco and Paella. We will have two days to explore the history of this special village, and learn more about the amazing women who made history here. Free time to relax on the beach before a walk through the heart of the village takes us to our welcome meal at our hotel.

Day 8, Sunday, September 22 – In Saintes Maries de la Mer (B/D)
Morning walk to the landing beach (directly across from our hotel!) and then on to the extraordinary Church of the Sainte Marys of the Sea. The crypt is where the bones of Sainte Sarah and the two “other” Marys were discovered by Good King Rene d’Anjou during his excavations in the 15th century, and there is a first century stone altar on display which may be the first Christian altar in the world – used entirely by female disciples. The church is indescribable as a treasure trove of history – and perhaps heresy, as the crypt also contains one of the most spectacular black Madonna statues in the world – the nearly life sized image of Sainte Sarah. Balance of the day is free to choose how best to enjoy this special village. Time to enjoy the Mediterranean, where you may choose a boat excursion along the Petite Rhone River and along the shoreline to experience the feeling of arriving on the beaches here (not included, but inexpensive and easily arranged). There is very tempting shopping here for traditional gifts from Provence. Relax, enjoy the plentiful gypsy music and a pitcher of Sangria! Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Day 9, Monday, September 23: To Rennes-le-Château – Tour ends with arrival in Rennes (B)
After breakfast we depart for the “Village of Mystery” – Rennes le Chateau, where the tour ends on arrival.

Hotels or similar

St. Maximin-la-Ste. Baume – Hotel De France (6 nights)
Ideally located in the heart of the village of Saint Maximin La Sainte Baume, the Hotel de France is a stone’s throw from the Sainte Marie-Madeleine basilica, overlooked by the Sainte Victoire. The Hotel de France has been completely renovated to welcome you in a setting reflecting the spirit of Provence. The Hotel de France has 20 rooms with an intimate and warm atmosphere.

Saintes Maries de la Mer – Hotel Thala Cap (2 nights)
On the shores of the Mediterranean in the vibrant village of Saintes Maries de la Mer is the charming Hotel Thala Cap facing “the landing beach” where Mary Magdalene and her entourage arrived in France 2000 years ago. It is a fresh and comfortable ocean front hotel in a natural and authentic setting. Its Camargue architecture offers comfort with a view of the sea or gardens.

Please read the Terms and Conditions for this tour.

TOUR PRICES

** Bonus! SAVE! You will receive a 5% discount if ALL payments are made by check or money order. This discounted price is noted below in red.

Tour – Land Only Costs Per Person, double occupancy:
$3,999 payments via check or money order, $4,209 via credit card

Pre-Paid Gratuities:
$100 payments via check or money order, $105 via credit card

Deposit Schedule
Deposit Payment – due as soon as possible in order to ensure a place on the tour
Per Person: $750 by check or $800 by credit card

Final Payment (due on or before July 15, 2024)

If you have already registered and would like to go to the payment page, Click Here.

Travel Insurance

As travel professionals, Body Mind Spirit Journeys highly recommends travel insurance. Sometimes unexpected circumstances can arise. A sudden emergency just before or during your trip could spoil your vacation and deplete your resources.

We have recently seen some of our valued travelers lose not only their non-refundable deposits, but also their entire tour payments because they hoped they would not need trip cancellation insurance.

You should protect your trip investment and yourself in regards to health, property and trip payments. That is why we provide you with an easy way to contact BMSJ’s preferred insurance provider, Allianz Global Assistance. If you need additional information or have questions, please call Allianz directly at 1-800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323.

BMSJ will be sending you additional details and a brochure with your confirmation on trip cancellation/interruption insurance.

Photo credits:

Collégiale Sainte-Marthe de Tarascon: Olivier, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Abbaye Saint-Michel-de-Frigolet: Aleks, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Manosque,église saint-Sauveur: Finoskov, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Saint Sarah: Kuebi = Armin Kübelbeck, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons