Hiking in the Massif Sainte Baume, France…read more.. It's a good thing that I didn't know much about the Cave of Saint Mary Magdalene... and how intense the hike was. It is said that after Jesus died and rose from the dead, Saint Mary Magdalene lived as a hermit for 30 years in this cave/grotto. I didn't know that this hike is like the third most popular pilgrimage - after Jerusalem (The Holy Land) and Rome (including The Vatican). I didn't know that this hike was about an hour in and another hour out. It was steep in some parts, included stairs, and was about 3 miles. We parked in a grassy area that was like a forest where other cars had parked. We relieved ourselves in the bushes and carried bathroom tissue with us. Like any ascending hike, the views from the top are amazing. This hike was unique because the cave has a chapel in it... and some of the remains (relics) of Saint Mary Magdalene. I appreciated the candles, the devoted pilgrims, and the statue of the Saint being carried up to Heaven by angels. It was a wonderful experience!