Chartres Academy
Mary Magdalene in Provence
Pilgrimage in Provence, France from August 20 to 28, 2026
Format
In Person
Event
Next
August 20 to 28, 2026
Location
Provence,
France
Faculty
Veronique Flayol,
Andrew Harvey,
Jim Garrison
Banafsheh Sayyad
Credit
Bachelors – 4 credits Masters – 4 credits Doctoral – 4 credits
Available to the public
or for Academic Credit
In the footsteps of Mary Magdalene
A unique journey in the footsteps of Mary Magdalene, in the heart of luminous Provence.
Nine days to discover sacred places, listen to their legends, meet living witnesses, and let the beauty of the landscapes awaken the soul.
Between history, art, tradition, and meditation, this experience is both an external pilgrimage and an inner journey… an invitation to walk in the light of Mary Magdalene and open your heart to her timeless presence.
“Driven out from Palestine, Mary Magdalene landed on the coast of Provence in 42AD, accompanied by Jesus’ close friends. She received the precious teachings of Jesus Himself, she was his favorite disciple. In the course of her long journey, she left her mark on the beginning of Christianity.
Join me on a sacred journey in the footsteps of Mary Magdalene. I invite you to meet the so-called Apostle to the Apostles in her many faces while visiting the sacred places full of her presence, even nowadays.”
Veronique Flayol, Founder Magdalene Sacred Journeys
Thursday August, 20: Arrival, transfer to Saintes Maries de la Mer and check-in at our hotel
Our journey starts in Marseilles or Aix en provence TGV train station (to be defined).
We will board our coach for your transfer to your hotel at Les Saintes Maries de la Mer in the Camargue region.
It is a wild, rustic area of salty marches, pink flamingos, bulls and white horses. According to the Tradition, Mary Magdalene together with some other members of the holy family and friends came ashore in this place, where the Rhône River meets the Mediterranean Sea.
After check in, we will gather for a circle by the beach for connection and overview of our journey.
Friday, August, 21: Saintes Maries de la Mer
Morning walk to the landing beach. You will learn the different versions of the arrival of the companions: the Provencal Tradition and the Gypsy Tradition.
The latter part of the morning will be dedicated to the visit of the fortified church where you can meet Sara, the Black Madona of the Gypsies. Her relics are kept in the crypt where her body and those of the two “other” Marys were discovered by Good King Rene d’Anjou during his excavations in the 15th century
Optional : Time to enjoy the Mediterranean, where we will do a boat excursion along the Petite Rhone River and along the shoreline to experience the feeling of arriving on the beaches here.
Or : Horse back riding to discover the marshes and the typical landscape of Camargue.
The balance of the day is free to choose how best to enjoy this special village. There is very tempting shopping here for traditional gifts from Provence. Relax, enjoy the plentiful gypsy music and a pitcher of Sangria!
Saturday, August, 22: Aix en Provence - Cathedral and Temple of Diana
After breakfast , we will board the bus to Aix en Provence.
The first church of Aix en Provence was built on the site of the preaching of Maximin and Magdalene. Everywhere, in the cathedral, Mary Magdalene’s presence is found. After the visit, you can appreciate a typical southern atmosphere at the market which transforms places into real color-changing pictures. All stalls are a reflection of Provencal cuisine: natural, fresh, varied and fragrant… Choose to dine in one of the numerous French brasseries or cafés (not included).
In the afternoon, you will discover the Roman Temple dedicated to Diana. Of the 3 remaining ancient temples in France, it is the only one still standing in the countryside. This Temple dedicated to Diana is dated from the 1st century BC.
We will end our day with a wine tasting of the famous rosé wine of Provence.
At the end of the visit, we will transfer to your hotel at St Maximin for check-in.
Sunday, August, 23 St Maximin basilica
A Sunday in Provence… an invitation to experience the sweetness of life.
Why not sit at a café terrace, enjoy an aperitif, and simply soak up the unique light that has inspired so many poets and painters? A morning of freedom and simplicity, to fully experience the soul of Provence before continuing our inner journey with a visit to the basilica St Mary Magdalene in the afternoon. Built in 1295 to house the relics of Mary Magdalene, it is considered as a masterpiece of Gothic art in Provence.
I will tell you the incredible story of the discovery of Mary Magdalene’s body in the 13th century.
You will then have the opportunity to reflect in front of the relics of Magdalene in the crypt. This will be a moment of an intimate and individual « meeting » with Mary Magdalene to drop an intention and receive a message from her.
The proximity of the shrine always raises a lot of emotion.
Monday, August, 24 : Mary Magdalene preaches in Marseille
Marseille constitutes an obligatory stop on the pilgrimage: it is the city where the beginning of Magdalene’s activity in Provence took place, and the city where she introduced Christianity by preaching the Gospel and establishing a Christian Church, of which his brother Lazarus was the first bishop. We will visit the oldest district of Marseille where Lazare and Magdalene evangelized.
We will go to the south bank, still deserted in the first century, to visit the Magdalenian memories of Saint-Victor Abbey and to pay homage to the Black Virgin, Our Lady of Confession, who performed a miracle for my grandfather Gabriel .
Tuesday, August, 25: Forest of St Pons and “Mary Magdalene, cherished figure in sacred art” conference
After breakfast, we’ll depart for the Saint-Pons forest.
We’ll follow the Fauge River, as Mary Magdalene once did to reach the Sainte-Baume grotto.
An initiatory journey, where each step invites silence and wonder…
The afternoon will be devoted to a lecture: “Mary Magdalene, a cherished figure of sacred art.” From the dawn of Christianity to the present day, discover how artists, century after century, have celebrated her image and her mystery.
Paintings, frescoes, sculptures… A dive into the history of art and spirituality, revealing the infinite richness of a woman who continues to inspire our hearts..
Wednesday, August, 26 : Orthodox Monastery of Saint-Michel du Var
The day begins with a special encounter with the Orthodox community, immersed in the beauty of their chants and their living tradition.
We will then discover the figure of Mary Magdalene and the red egg, a luminous symbol of resurrection and joy, as honored in the Orthodox tradition.
A vibrant story that connects the saint to Easter hope.
Depending on his availability, we will have the privilege of meeting Vadim Garine, iconographer, who created the 700m² of frescoes in the church, whose icons bear the imprint of silent prayer and timeless light.
The day will end in depth and contemplation, with a meditation in the crypt, before the relic of Mary Magdalene. A unique moment to be touched by the presence of one who inspires, consoles, and uplifts.
Thursday, August, 27: Mary Magdalene grotto at St Baume mountain
We’ll spend the day at the Holy Mountain.
After breakfast, we will drive to La Sainte-Baume, Mary Magdalene’s legendary last home.
We will focus on how Mary Magdalene calls us to the inner life. After thanking Mother Gaïa to welcoming us in this sacred site, we will silently hike up the mountain ascending the steep pathway trod by centuries of famous and anonymous pilgrims who came to receive Magdalene’s grâces (a journey that takes about an hour of strenuous walking). We will pass through the ancient forest dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis for 700 years, before arriving at the grotto. Inside, where she dwelt for 30 years, time seems to stop.
Friday, August, 28: Bon voyage ! End of the tour
After breakfast : Group transfer to Marseille Airport . A coach will transport you to arrive at Marseille airport by 11 am. Please try to schedule your return flight in the afternoon so as to allow time to make your departing flight.
Faculty
Banafsheh Sayyad MFA,MA
Sacred Dancer, Choreographer, and Co-Director of the Ubiquity Chartres Academy
Mary Magdalene in Provence
Pilgrimage in Provence, France from August 20 to 28, 2026
Ticket plus double room = $4495
Ticket plus single room = $5195
