Welcome to this beautiful mystical...journey through southern France. We will be a small group of 4 - 8 travellers. It's going to be so rich and diverse with time in natural surroundings and sacred places filled with atmosphere. Our journey begins at Gard d'Austerlitz in Paris but if anyone wants to stay in Paris beforehand we can make a plan. I can't wait to find out who's coming! Please see Itinerary and prices below. Anna x
About the Journey
This journey is an invitation to travel with open heart and open mind, embracing the Divine in all life.
The places we will visit have been held sacred for thousands of years. Long before churches, monasteries and cathedrals were built, many were already places of gathering, ceremony, healing and prayer. Throughout the centuries, each generation has added its own stories, beliefs and traditions. In the timeless presence, we can honour it all.
Travelling together, may we walk in light and joy, allowing each part of the journey to reveal itself in its own way. Some moments may inspire, some may challenge, and others may awaken something long forgotten within us.
Walking upon our beloved Earth, let us bless and be blessed, following in the footsteps of all who have gone before—each answering, in their own way, the call of the Divine.
A Journey through the South Itinerary
8th - 17th June, 2027
Paris train → Rocamadour
Tuesday 8th June
This morning we meet at Paris Gare d'Austerlitz before boarding our First Class train and heading south towards Rocamador. As the countryside gradually unfolds, we leave behind the pace of everyday life and begin our Deep France journey.
Rocamador is an extraordinary cliffside village perched dramatically above the Alzou Valley. Clinging impossibly to towering limestone cliffs, it is one of those rare places where history, legend and deep spirituality exist side by side. For over a thousand years it has drawn royalty and travellers. Pilgrims made their way on foot from across Europe. Today, people continue to make their way there, captivated by its beauty and history and its palpable sense of presence.
This afternoon we too, make our way to the Sanctuary, climbing the historic Grand Escalier of almost 600 steps. Passing through ancient gateways and quiet chapels, to arrive at the heart of Rocamadour. Here we come before the beautiful Black Madonna (Our Lady of Rocamadour) whose presence has become inseparable from the spirit of Rocamadour.
Due to French family living nearby, I have had the privilege of sitting in her presence several times. She is powerful!
Our visit to Rocamadour introduces a thread woven throughout our journey—the Black Madonnas of France. Ancient, enigmatic and deeply loved, each has her own story, her own traditions and her own presence. Over the coming days we'll meet them again in different places and different settings. ON Rocamadour
Wednesday 9th June
Those who wish, can take a sunrise balloon flight over the breathtaking Dordogne countryside. This option is at your own cost and subject to availability.
Later we head to the medieval town of Martel, renowned for its Wednesday morning food market. We will lunch in a local cafe before returning to Rocamadour. This afternoon there is time to explore Rocamadour's little shops before making our way back up to the Sanctuary. ON Rocamadour
2 nights in Rocamadour - Holy Sanctuary, path of the Pilgrim, Black Madonna
Rocamadour → Rennes-le-Château → Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Thursday 10th June
If timing allows, before heading off to Rennes-le-Château, we can pop back up those 600 steps in the early morning, to once more, sit before the Black Madonna.
Drive to Rennes-le-Château: approximately 3 hours 15 minutes
Set high upon a hilltop, the tiny village of Rennes-le-Château is an intriguing destination. Here, Abbé Bérenger Saunière began a remarkable transformation of his parish, creating a legacy that continues to inspire curiosity and speculation. Steeped in mystery and symbolism, at the heart of the village heart stands a beautiful church dedicated to Mary Magdalene. There energy here is rather special.
Following lunch and time to explore, we continue south through changing landscapes towards the Mediterranean.
Drive to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in the Camargue or Arles tbc
By evening we arrive in the beautiful Camargue, one of France's most distinctive and untamed landscapes.
ON Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Enroute from Rocamadour to the Camargue we visit mystical Rennes le Chateau, dedicated to Mary Magdalene
The Camargue: Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and Aigues-Mortes
The Camargue is a unique landscape of shimmering lagoons, salt marshes, white horses, pink flamingos and black bulls. A place where rich heritage and ancient legends abound, yet its spirit remains wild.
According to Provençal tradition, this is where the boat carrying Mary Magdalene, Mary Jacobe and Mary Salome, together with their companions, came safely ashore after being set adrift across the Mediterranean. Their legendary arrival gave the little town its name, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, and its ancient church became a place of pilgrimage for countless generations. Hidden within its crypt rests the mysterious Sara la Kali (Sara the Black), the beloved patron saint of the Romani people, whose annual procession to the sea remains one of the region's most moving and colourful traditions.
We will explore the historic Church of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and its remarkable pilgrimage heritage, dip our toes in the sparkling Mediterranean, enjoy a wildlife safari through beautiful wetlands, and wander the magnificent fortified town of Aigues-Mortes, where soaring stone ramparts and ancient gateways still echo with the spirit of pilgrims, kings, crusaders and great journeys.
Friday 11th June
Exact schedule coming soon. ON Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Saturday 12th June
Exact schedule coming soon. ON Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
3 nights in the Carmargue ....unique nature -black Madonna-wild spirit- salt marshes
And on to Sainte-Baume connecting with the Black Madonna-Magdalene Mysteries- Grotto of Saint Mary Magdalene-Ancient Forest-Holy ground sacred to Isis. Here in this sacred area, we will spend 4 nights
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer → Sainte-Baume
Sunday 13th June
Drive to Sainte-Baume: approximately 2hrs
Nestled beneath soaring limestone cliffs and surrounded by ancient beech forest, our peaceful mountain inn becomes home for the next four nights.
This evening we gather to ground our arrival in one of southern France's most revered sacred landscapes.
ON Hotel Lou Pebre d'Ai, Sainte-Baume
Monday 14th June
The Sacred Forest & Grotto of Mary Magdalene
Today we enter the ancient forest of Sainte-Baume, where towering beech trees have sheltered pilgrims, hermits and seekers for countless generations.
Walking time: approximately 45–60 minutes each way
Our sacred path winds through the ancient beech forest of Sainte-Baume, one of the oldest and most protected forests in southern France. Sheltered beneath towering trees, rich mosses and a remarkable diversity of native flora, the mountain has long been regarded as a place of peace, healing and contemplation.
High within the limestone cliffs lies the Grotto of Mary Magdalene, a natural sanctuary dedicated to her for centuries. According to ancient Provençal tradition, she spent the final years of her life here in prayer, contemplation and devotion after arriving on the shores of southern France.
Pilgrims and devotees of Mary Magdalene from around the world, continue to make this sacred ascent, drawn by the mountain's timeless beauty, profound stillness and enduring spiritual presence.
ON Sainte-Baume
Tuesday 15th June
Plan to come soon but will include Basilica of Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume and the delightful village of Cotignac... ON Sainte-Baume
Wednesday 16th June
Plan to come soon
ON Sainte-Baume
Sainte-Baume → Nice Airport or, onwards to Divine Riviera extension
Thursday 17th June
Our Sacred France journey concludes. Departing the forests and mountains, we head to Nice Airport to drop off those saying "au revoir." Drive: approximately 2½ hours.
For those opting for the Divine Riviera 17th - 22nd June, we continue our journey to the sparkling Mediterranean coast and the colourful harbour village of Villefranche-sur-Mer with its pastel-coloured buildings, turquoise waters and relaxed atmosphere. ON Villefranche-sur-Mer
DEEP FRANCE, 8th - 17th June, 2027
A Journey through the South
TOUR PRICE: NZD $12,835 (4 spaces left)
Solo Room Accommodation
Please inquire price if you are 2 people wanting to share a room
Breakfast daily
Sacred gatherings with Anna
Everything as per Itinerary
Non refundable deposit due now: NZD $5,600
Balance due 3rd February 2027: NZD $7,235
DIVINE RIVIERA 17th - 22nd June, 2027
Optional extension time
TOUR PRICE tbc
Solo Room Accommodation in hotel or Airbnb
Sacred Gatherings with Anna
More info to come depending on numbers/interest
VIEW HERE
