What to do and see in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites

March 1, 2022 Jacquiline Darosa

Discover the best top things to do in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France including Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde, Cathedrale de la Major, Cathedrale St. Sauveur, Eglise St-Trophime, La Synagogue, Cite Episcopale, La Collegiale de la Conversion de St-Paul, St. Paul de Mausole, Abbaye de Montmajour, Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque.
Restaurants in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur

1. Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde

Rue Fort-du-Sanctuaire, 13281 Marseille France +33 4 91 13 40 80 [email protected] http://www.notredamedelagarde.com/
Excellent
72%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13,186 reviews

Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde

Reviewed By JenLovesTrains - Bad Hindelang, Germany

It’s a steep climb up to the basilica with stations of the cross along the way. Well worth it for the views over all of Marseille. It looked as though a little tourist train goes though if you don’t want to do the walk. The basilica itself is beautifully decorated with mosaics and full of a variety of thankful donations, including ship and plane models hanging from the ceiling, medals, paintings and many many marble plaques. We enjoyed reading those! People’s thanks range from being saved from submarine bombardment in the war through being healed of an ulcer to passing an exam. There’s also a crypt, gift shop, restaurant and museum but we didn’t go to the restaurant or museum. They crypt is full of votive candles and the gift shop is crowded but has a good selection of postcards.

2. Cathedrale de la Major

Place de la Major, 13002 Marseille France +33 4 91 90 53 57 http://marseille.catholique.fr/La-Major-cathedrale
Excellent
49%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,467 reviews

Cathedrale de la Major

Reviewed By YairBarZohar - Qiryat Ata, Israel

Marseille's impressive cathedral is one of the most important national monuments in all of France and today serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Marseille. The cathedral stands on a site that served as a cult site of the city from the 5th century AD. The structure we are facing today is mostly from the 19th century, but there are small parts of it dating back to the 12th century. But what makes Marseille's cathedral so important is not only the fact that it is the oldest church in the city, but especially the fact that its interior design is stunning. The spectacular combination of Romanesque and Byzantine architecture, together with the impressive size of the cathedral, makes the visit within the cathedral a tremendous experience. Admission is free. Opening Hours: Daily 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. How long should you visit? About half an hour.

3. Cathedrale St. Sauveur

Place des Martyrs de la Resistance, Aix-en-Provence France +33 4 42 23 45 65 http://www.cathedrale-aix.net/en/
Excellent
53%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 978 reviews

Cathedrale St. Sauveur

Reviewed By EdwinP278 - Charlotte, United States

Wonderful historic cathedral - great visit to a beautiful old church. We loved our walk to the cathedral enjoying the market in Aix, viewing the sidewalk cafes, and then our visit to St. Sauveur. Recommend stopping at a sidewalk cafe and enjoying a nice Rose from Provence, sampling sausages and cheese in the market, and enjoying a strill along the pedestrian friendly streets and alleys. One of our favorite stops on our cruise.

4. Eglise St-Trophime

Place de la Republique, 13200, Arles France http://www.pays-arles.org/e-patrimoine/communes/arles/article/eglise-saint-trophime
Excellent
45%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 901 reviews

Eglise St-Trophime

Reviewed By MaryannF650 - Clarksville, United States

During a river cruise, we participated in a shore excursion of Arles where we engaged in a historic and photographic walking tour. Located on the main square, Eglise St. Trophime was part of our visit. We were so fortunate to have had a tour guide who provided us with an extensive history of St. Trophime. What incredible architecture. How photographic! According to available literature, "The Church of St. Trophime was built in the late 11th and 12th centuries and was named after the city's first bishop. This fine Romanesque edifice is notable for its magnificent carved west portal, interesting furnishings and glorious cloisters containing impressive sculpture...they show all sorts of biblical scenes, like the Apocalypse and the Gospel of St. Matthew. If you look up at the tympanum you can identify Jesus seated above the 12 apostles, beneath some 40 angels in the archivolt. The interior of St. Trophime has early Christian sarcophagi, 13th century plaques and epitaphs, baroque paintings and nine Aubusson tapestries from the 17th century. Located in the Place de la Republique, not far from the Quai Lamartine pier. Don't miss it!

5. La Synagogue

Place Maurice Charretier, Carpentras France +33 4 90 63 39 97
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 154 reviews

La Synagogue

Reviewed By RachelB344 - Jerusalem, Israel

Excellent guide in English. Very interesting and moving experience. learnt a lot of medieval Jewish history.

6. Cite Episcopale

Rue de Fleury, Frejus France +33 4 94 51 26 30 http://frejus.fr
Excellent
47%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 115 reviews

Cite Episcopale

7. La Collegiale de la Conversion de St-Paul

Place de l'Eglise, St-Paul-de-Vence France http://www.saint-pauldevence.com
Excellent
37%
Good
53%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 68 reviews

La Collegiale de la Conversion de St-Paul

Reviewed By Blauwolke - St. Petersburg, Russia

C'était un voyage ordinaire, jusqu'à moment quand j'ai rencontré cette petite église. Une vrai merveille: petite taille, mais beaucoup d'chose à voir et apprendre. Le guide et un homme très sympa. Il m'a raconté l'histoire de l'église at ses trésors. J'ai fais quelques dones bien sur, avec un cœur légère et l'esprit bon.) It was an ordinary trip that day, until I came across this little church. À genuine wonder: small size, but it offers à lot to learn and observe. The guide is à very nice man. He has told me about the churche's history and the treasures one can see there. In the end of à visit I've à couple of donations, with my heart at ease and in good mood.)

8. St. Paul de Mausole

off D5 direction Les Baux Next to Glanum, 13210 Saint-Remy-de-Provence France +33 4 90 92 77 00 http://www.saintpauldemausole.fr/
Excellent
54%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 989 reviews

St. Paul de Mausole

Psychiatric centre which treated Van Gogh after he cut off his ear.

Reviewed By JenniferTN2015 - Belleville, Canada

We happened upon this on our walk to Glanum from St Remy. They have done an excellent job of showcasing Van Gogh’s art along the walk and it was very interesting to see the place where Van Gogh spent a year of his life

9. Abbaye de Montmajour

D17, route de Fontvieille, 13200, Arles France +33 4 90 54 86 46 [email protected] http://montmajour.monuments-nationaux.fr/en/
Excellent
51%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 613 reviews

Abbaye de Montmajour

This exceptional architectural ensemble was built in the Middle Ages on the island of Mont Majour. The Abbey incorporates a pre-Roman edifice from the 10th century, an abbey church and a 12th century Roman cloister built by Benedictine monks. Montmajour was extended in the 18th century with the second, monumental Saint-Maur monastery to the west. Open: > 1st April to 30th June: from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. > 1st July to 30th September: from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. (everyday). > 1st October to 31st March: from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed: > Mondays from 1st October to 31st March. > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 7,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups

10. Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque

D177a, 84220, Gordes France +33 4 90 72 05 72 [email protected] http://www.senanque.fr/
Excellent
51%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,368 reviews

Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque

Founded in the 12th century, Notre-Dame-de-Sénanque is a unique example of a Cistercian abbey and still an active monastery.

Reviewed By pollypoulter1969

A beautiful place of full of atmosphere and tranquility. Better than the more publicised Musee de lavande. Here you get to experience the true lives led by the monks, and how they farm the surrounding expanse of lavender fields.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.