Discover the Sainte Baume massif
& stay at a campsite near here
The Sainte-Baume nature park offers countless activities for nature-loving visitors. Picnics, walks and hikes to access the many breathtaking views are all on the agenda in this meticulously preserved environment. This stay will also be an opportunity to soak up the Provencal atmosphere through cultural events and the region’s culinary specialties. There’s nothing like a camping holiday near the Saint-Baume massif to make the most of it.
Discover the Massif de la Sainte Baume
The Sainte-Baume massif lies on the border between the Bouches-du-Rhône (13) and Var (83) departments. This chain is the highest and most extensive in the region. The Joug de l’Aigle and Signal des Béguines rise to an altitude of 1,148 metres.
The Sainte-Baume is covered by a protected forest dating back centuries. This forest is a mixture of Mediterranean forest and mid-altitude alpine forest. It is home to rare plants such as the sabline de Provence or Gouffé grass , a highly protected flower. The area is also home to a large number of animals. In 2005, forest managers reintroduced chamois. Between 2007 and 2009, the presence of wolves was reported.
In 1642, King Louis XIII had twenty icehouses built on the Sainte-Baume and surrounding area to sell ice for cooling in Marseille. These 23-metre-high coolers could hold 3,600 m³ of ice. You can see them at the Musée de la glace in Mazaugues.
Visitors can also visit the sanctuary and entrance to the grotto of Mary Magdalene, which gives its name to the massif because Baume means grotto. The Massif de la Sainte-Baume is 1 hour 13 minutes from Camping Les Playes, or 74.3 km along the A50 motorway.
What to do around the Massif de la Sainte-Baume?
Sanary-sur-Mer and its bay are one of the best places to enjoy a variety of water sports. This seaside resort, 10 km from Toulon, is the perfect place to discover the charm of Provence. We recommend a visit to the Notre-Dame-de-Pitié chapel, dating from 1560, and the small nautical port. Visitors enjoy strolling along the seafront around the port to see the Tour Romane (1300) with its Frédéric-Dumas Museum dedicated to underwater archaeology, as well as the Jardin exotique de Sanary-Bandol with its collection of tropical plants and the Bay of Bandol.
A getaway to Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer will guarantee perfect relaxation in an environment that aspires to serenity. Tourists come here to enjoy its many beaches and hamlets. The seaside resort is ideally located for sunny vacations and a change of scenery.
Also in the Var, Bandol is one of France’s oldest seaside resorts. We recommend a visit to Capelan beach for its peace and quiet and its small pebbles. A family picnic can be organized for swimming, sunbathing or watching a beautiful sunset.
Situated 8 km from Toulon, Six-Fours-les-Plages also offers a number of interesting attractions: its many beaches spread over 18 km of coastline (Plage de la Coudoulière, Plage de Bonnegrâce, Plage des Charmettes, etc.), Ile du Gaou and Ile des Embiez.
Toulon is a picturesque town in the south of France. It is appreciated for its tranquillity and the splendour of its landscape. Visitors can take part in countless activities. Whether you’re looking for adventure, are passionate about history and culture or come to enjoy the sea, Toulon is the ideal destination.
Camping near the Sainte-Baume massif
Les Playes campsite is located in Six-Fours-Les-Plages and meets all the requirements of customers looking for a complete accommodation package. This 4-star establishment is the perfect place to discover all the assets of the PACA region. You can stay in a pitch with your tent, caravan or motorhome. It is also possible to book a mobile home. You can also take advantage of the swimming pool, the beach 1,500 metres away and all the entertainment on offer. It’s the ideal place to stay on a campsite near the Saint-Baume massif.