In the footsteps of Marie-Madeleine
Pedestrian sports, Hiking itinerary Interdepartmental Interdepartmental Pilgrims Walkers/hikersPresentation
Between hiking and pilgrimage, discover major places and sites of Christianity as well as the exceptional landscapes that the saint crossed during her preaching in Provence.
During these two tours, discover places steeped in history, trodden in the footsteps of Mary Magdalene. In the city center of Martigues, in the Ile district, the church of Marie-Madeleine imposes its style.
Marie-Madeleine was one of the disciples who washed up on the beach of Sainte-Croix following a storm at sea. They then left with the idea of evangelizing Provence. Sainte-Croix then became a renowned place of pilgrimage. From Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, you will reach Martigues to visit the church of Mary Magdalene and continue your epic journey to Sainte-Croix.
Stages 3 and 4 are part of the spiritual pilgrimage route from Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer to Saint-Maximin—a 237 km journey spanning ten stages.
- Stage 3: From Fos-sur-Mer to Martigues.
24.6 km, 6 hours of walking, 455 m elevation gain, 460 m elevation loss.
Difficulty level: Moderate/Easy.
Follow the "GR® de Pays 2013" trail (Marseille Provence Métropole) to the shores of the Étang de Berre lagoon. Stroll along Figuerolles Beach before heading into the center of Martigues.
Enter the heart of Martigues, a town that seems to float on the water. Visit the Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in the "Île" (Island) district.
Long known to locals as "The Cathedral," this is the town's most imposing church; a fine example of Provençal Baroque architecture and decoration with Italian influences, it has been listed as a Historical Monument since 1947.
- Stage 4: From Martigues to Carry-le-Rouet.
27.6 km, 9 hours of walking, 643 m elevation gain, 630 m elevation loss.
Difficulty level: Moderate/Easy.
After exploring Martigues, cross the inland countryside before reaching the coast. A stage that lets you enjoy the fresh sea air.
Take a well-deserved, refreshing break at Sainte-Croix Beach.
Admire the Sainte-Croix Chapel, built in the 17th century; directly opposite it stand the ruins of the original 12th-century chapel.
Marie-Madeleine was one of the disciples who washed up on the beach of Sainte-Croix following a storm at sea. They then left with the idea of evangelizing Provence. Sainte-Croix then became a renowned place of pilgrimage. From Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, you will reach Martigues to visit the church of Mary Magdalene and continue your epic journey to Sainte-Croix.
Stages 3 and 4 are part of the spiritual pilgrimage route from Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer to Saint-Maximin—a 237 km journey spanning ten stages.
- Stage 3: From Fos-sur-Mer to Martigues.
24.6 km, 6 hours of walking, 455 m elevation gain, 460 m elevation loss.
Difficulty level: Moderate/Easy.
Follow the "GR® de Pays 2013" trail (Marseille Provence Métropole) to the shores of the Étang de Berre lagoon. Stroll along Figuerolles Beach before heading into the center of Martigues.
Enter the heart of Martigues, a town that seems to float on the water. Visit the Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in the "Île" (Island) district.
Long known to locals as "The Cathedral," this is the town's most imposing church; a fine example of Provençal Baroque architecture and decoration with Italian influences, it has been listed as a Historical Monument since 1947.
- Stage 4: From Martigues to Carry-le-Rouet.
27.6 km, 9 hours of walking, 643 m elevation gain, 630 m elevation loss.
Difficulty level: Moderate/Easy.
After exploring Martigues, cross the inland countryside before reaching the coast. A stage that lets you enjoy the fresh sea air.
Take a well-deserved, refreshing break at Sainte-Croix Beach.
Admire the Sainte-Croix Chapel, built in the 17th century; directly opposite it stand the ruins of the original 12th-century chapel.
Opening period (s)All year round daily.
Subject to favorable weather.
Subject to favorable weather.
Practical information
- Route :
- Signposted route
- Distance (km) : 46.5
- Route : Aller / Itinerance
- Parking :
- Free car park
- Levels of sporting experience :
- Level bue - Medium
- Natures field :
- Rock
- Stone
- Clay
Features/Theme
- Environments :
- Village centre
- Town location
- In the old centre
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