The Hostellerie de la Sainte-Baume sits at the foot of the famous Sainte-Baume massif, close to the trail leading to the Grotte Sainte-Marie-Madeleine. For centuries, this historic building has welcomed pilgrims and visitors travelling to the sacred cave above.

Today, the hostellerie also houses a permanent exhibition created by the Parc naturel régional de la Sainte-Baume and the Pays d’Art et d’Histoire, introducing visitors to the region’s rich natural landscapes, history, and cultural heritage.

Through displays and interpretation panels, you can learn about the ancient beech forest of Sainte-Baume, the legends surrounding Mary Magdalene, and the importance of the massif as a pilgrimage destination for more than a thousand years.

Because it sits directly at the start of the main pilgrimage route, the hostellerie is also a convenient place to pause before or after the hike to the grotto, offering a quiet setting surrounded by forest and mountains.

👉 Local tip: Even if you’re planning the hike to the cave, spend a few minutes exploring the exhibition first. It gives useful context about the history of the site and makes the climb to the grotto much more meaningful.