The massif of Sainte Baume arises between the departments
of Bouches-du-Rhone and the Var. Its area is 45,000 hectares, 35 km long
and 15 km wide. Its highest point, the Joug de l'Aigle and the Signal
des Beguines both rise to 1148 meters, its crest is long of a dozen miles.
La Sainte Baume massif is a rugged limestone, with many narrow valleys
and ravines, covered with a forest of pine, beech and oak. Many rivers
have their source in the Sainte Baume, and feed the region. Baume means
cave in Provence, they are numerous on the solid tradition has it that
St. Mary Magdalene has lived in one of them until his death, the cave
still welcomes pilgrims and visitors. Saint-Maximin-Sainte-Baume is located
north of the massif. His church is remarkable, it houses the remains of
St. Mary Magdalene. Many villages dot the territory of the Sainte Baume:
Plan Aups, Roquevaire, Riboux, Auriol, Cuges-les-Pins, Nans-les-Pins,
Signs, Saint-Zacharie, Gémenos.
