May 16-26, 2025
Journey to the south of France for a tour of the Mary Magdalene sites near Marseilles, followed by the festival of Sara-la-Kali in Ste-Marie-de-la-Mer. Our group will land in Marseille and embark on a retreat to see the Sainte-Baume Cave and Grotto, the Basilica of Sainte-Maximin-la-Saint-Baume, and Arles, honoring the mystical presence of Mary Magdalene. Then we will proceed to the Camargue, where the fresh waters meet the sea, to join in the celebration of Sara-la-Kali, the Miraculous Mother of the Romani people. After participating in her famous rituals, including bathing the statue in the sea, we will return to Marseille and fly home with full hearts.
Do you hear the call to join us?
Arrive Marseille
May 16: When you arrive at the Marseille Provence Airport, you will meet the group and spend the night in an airport hotel to catch up on sleep and to get into the swing of the new space and time zone.
Sainte-Baume
May 17-22: After waking up refreshed and ready, our group will set off for the sites of Mary Magdalene. We will stay in a convenient central location and visit the Basilica de Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume to see the Magdalene reliquary skull, hike into the mountains to visit the Sainte-Baume Cave, where her relics were found, and participate in rituals, ceremonies, meditations, creative writing sessions, and devotional offerings.
Sara-la-Kali
May 22-25: Sara-la-Kali holds significant cultural and spiritual importance among the Romani people and the residents of the Camargue. She represents a complex blend of ancient goddess worship and Christian influences, associated with protection, fertility, and the well-being of the earth, the waters, and the community. Pilgrimages to her shrine in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer are a testament to her enduring significance. Among the locals she is revered as companion of the 3 Marys who came to the shores of the Camargue to bring a message of salvation.
To the Sea
May 24: On this day the life-sized statue of Sara-la-Kali is ceremoniously taken to the ocean. Prior to this, within the Church, the reliquaries housing her relics are gradually lowered from the "High Chapel" using a winch, accompanied by songs and praises. The Romani faithful carry the statue of Sara-la-Kali to the beach and wash her in the sea, a symbol of rebirth and renewal. Her many cloaks are the testament to the perfect devotion given to her, and the energy of her procession is magical and electric. It’s a blessing to touch the hem of her garment.
The Two Marys
May 25: After the morning's reverent mass, the craft bearing statues of the Two Marys proceeds to the sea, escorted by a diverse assembly of Romani and non-Romani pilgrims, horseback-riding ranchers, and Arlésienne girls in traditional attire. The carriers wade into the sea, symbolically marking the arrival of Saints Mary Jacobe and Mary Salome. The joyous procession returns to the Church amid cheers, accompanied by musical instruments and ringing bells. This celebration brings together standing pagan traditions of the Camargue region with modern devotion.
Fly Away Home
May 26: Our time in France will come to an end on May 26, when you are dropped off at the Marseille Provence Airport to depart for home or onward journeys.
Lodging
Prices for this trip are based on double occupancy for each room, with a maximum of 8 guests including Priestess Yeshe.
Meals
Your trip fee includes breakfast daily. Every day, breakfast options will be provided including cereal, milk, yogurt, vegan options, eggs, toast, coffee, tea, and fruit.
Lunch and dinner will typically occur while we are out sightseeing, with each person taking responsibility for paying for two group meals.
If you have special needs related to food, such as gluten intolerance or allergies, please let us know so that we can support you in preparing for a happy, healthy journey.
Price Details
The price for this trip is $2900 per person. If you'd like to book, please see below.
Inclusions
pick-up at Marseille Provence International Airport on May 16, drop off on May 26
breakfast each day
lodging in a shared room (please inquire about private room option and fee)
ground transportation and admission to all sites and activities
Divinations, rituals and ceremonies
goodie bag with items to support your journey
pre-trip planning assistance
Exclusions
flights to and from Marseille
lunch and dinner expenses (estimate $250)
admission to any additional sites or events
spending money
Personal expenses- laundry, toiletries, offerings at sacred sites.
If you are interested in booking your space on this journey, an application and a $500 non-refundable deposit are required. Please use the button below to apply for this trip and schedule your deposit meeting with Priestess Yeshe.