Andrew Harvey is an author, spiritual teacher, and founder of the Institute of Sacred Activism, dedicated to creating a new world founded in universal compassion and sacred passion for all life.
MOREJoin author, spiritual teacher and advocate for the divine feminine, Andrew Harvey on a journey to the sacred sites of Mary Magdalene and The Black Madonna in France.
On this journey, you will be guided through the sumptuous and varied landscape of France visiting potent and ancient sacred sites associated with the divine feminine. Through transmissions, group discussions and holy practices led by Andrew, discover the hidden history of Mary Magdalene, the significance of the Black Madonna, and an expanded vision of Christ Consciousness that integrates fully the embodied wisdom and passion for compassion and justice of the sacred feminine. From the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, to La Salette where the virgin appeared, to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, to Rocamadour, our journey will delve deeply into the mysteries of the mother and of her radiant and radical embodiments, Mary and Mary Magdalene. Our time in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume will coincide with the annual Mary Magdalene Festival—an extraordinary opportunity to experience her living legacy through sacred procession, music, and collective devotion woven into the very fabric of the place. READ MORE
Andrew Harvey is an author, spiritual teacher, and founder of the Institute of Sacred Activism, dedicated to creating a new world founded in universal compassion and sacred passion for all life.
MORE
Tour Description
This journey is inspired by Andrew Harvey’s pioneering 40 years work on the divine feminine ~ the vision of mother he gave in his book, The Return of the Mother, the vision of Mary as Divine Mother he offered in his book Son of Man: The Mystical Path to Christ, and in his new book out in February 2026, The Magdalene Revolution.
This sacred journey begins in the heart of Paris, where you will arrive and settle into your hotel, with time to explore nearby cultural gems such as the Orsay Museum or the bustling city center. In the evening, you will join your fellow travelers and meet your tour leader, Andrew Harvey, at a welcome dinner in a Parisian Bistro, setting the tone for a journey filled with spiritual discovery and deep reflection.
The following day, you will embark on a guided tour of Paris's most revered churches. We will start with the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, the place where the extraordinary apparitions of Mary began. You will witness the serene and mystical energy surrounding the incorrupt body of Catherine Labouré, who is believed to have created the Miraculous Medal at Mother Mary’s request. The journey continues to the grand Eglise de la Madeleine, where the striking statue of angels holding a pregnant Mary Magdalene and the mosaic of her kneeling before Christ evoke a powerful connection to the divine. The day concludes at Eglise Saint-Sulpice, with its profound historical and mystical significance. Saint Sulpice is the church where the greatest of all Marian mystics, Louis de Montfort, held his first mass as a young priest. We will visit and pray at his statue in the holy and serene chapel and to Mary as immaculate conception.
As the journey progresses, you will visit the majestic Chartres Cathedral, known for its sacred geometry and feminine symbolism. The energy and history of Chartres, long associated with the divine feminine, will be explored, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this ancient spiritual center. From there, you will travel to Vézelay, a town rich in Christian heritage, where you will visit the Basilica of Sainte Marie-Madeleine where her relics have been worshipped since the 1200’s. This UNESCO-listed Romanesque Basilica, with its intricate sculptures and powerful spiritual presence, has been a pilgrimage site for centuries, drawing kings, emperors, and countless pilgrims.
Following our time in Vézelay, we then venture south to pause in the remote alpine valley of La Salette-Fallavaux, where two shepherd children once encountered a radiant Lady of Light weeping for the suffering of the world. The sanctuary of Notre-Dame de la Salette, still nestled high in the mountains, offers a moment of stark beauty and quiet reflection amid the grandeur of nature and grace.
From there, we journey into the heart of Provence for an extended three-night stay in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, timed to coincide with the annual Mary Magdalene Festival—a radiant and reverent celebration that brings her presence to life through sacred procession, ritual prayer, music, and communal devotion. Rooted in centuries-old tradition, this living expression of love and remembrance offers a rare opportunity to witness how Mary Magdalene continues to be honored not only through sacred sites, but through the enduring faith of those who carry her legacy forward.
Our time here will be centered around the festival, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in its spiritual atmosphere. As the rhythm of the celebrations allows, we will also visit sites such as the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene, which holds her relics, and make the sacred pilgrimage to the Sainte-Baume Cave, where she is said to have spent the final years of her life in luminous solitude. Additional time-permitting visits may include the Abbaye du Thoronet, a Cistercian sanctuary of silence and architectural purity, and the graceful city of Aix-en-Provence, where Magdalene’s presence is remembered in word, stone, and stained glass.
As the pilgrimage draws to a close, you will visit the village of Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer, the site of where Mary Magdelene is said to have arrived in France, and the fortified town of Carcassonne, with its extraordinary medieval architecture and it’s deep association with the Cathars who kept Mary Magdalene’s memory intact. The final destination is Rocamadour, the most famous and powerful of all the sites of the Black Madonna and a place where miracles in her name have occurred over many centuries. This journey, rich in sacred sites, deep sacred sharing and tender and passionate spiritual reflection, will leave you with an indelible connection to the divine feminine in all her transformative power, and the timeless alchemy of pilgrimage.
Arrive in Paris. For those arriving Jul 19 or 20, an arrival transfer will be included. Transfer to the hotel to drop off your luggage (if arriving before the check-in time of 3:00 pm). You can enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps visiting the Orsay Museum which is 800 meters away or wander around the city centre located a short 200m away.
Around 6:00 pm, meet Andrew Harvey, our local guide, and your fellow pilgrims for an introductory meeting, followed by a welcome dinner at a Parisian Bistro.
(Overnight in Paris at Hôtel Lenox Montparnasse or similar)
This morning, you’ll meet in the hotel lobby for a guided tour of Paris. Your first stop is the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, dedicated to French nun Catherine Labouré, a Marian visionary. The famous Miraculous Medal of our Lady of Graces, worn by millions is believed to have been created by her as requested by Mother Mary. Here, you'll see her incorrupt body near the main altar, in a chapel known for its warmth and blue energy.
Next, you’ll visit the Eglise de la Madeleine, a grand church with Roman-style columns, originally intended to honor Napoleon’s army. Inside, you'll find a striking statue of angels holding a pregnant Mary Magdalene and a mosaic of her kneeling before Christ with her alabaster jar.
After enjoying lunch at your leisure, the tour concludes at Eglise Saint-Sulpice, one of Paris's oldest churches. This church features a brass line linked to the Merovingian Kings' bloodline and the Rose-line, associated with fertility and the matriarchal lineage of Isis. Also in this church is a large sundial which runs north to south which is used to calculate the dates of Easter and other sacred days that change from year to year. You'll also see a unique statue of Mary Magdalene with four children.
We will then head back to the hotel where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you please.
(Overnight in Paris at Hôtel Lenox Montparnasse or similar)
After breakfast, we will make the 90-minute journey to Chartres, where the centuries-old energy of the Chartres Cathedral awaits us. Chartres is said to be on ley lines which link Glastonbury, Stonehenge and the Pyramids in Egypt. The Cathedral is dedicated to the Divine Mother as Mary and is filled with imagery, sacred geometry, carvings, stained-glass windows and sculptures of feminine figures. We will plunge into the energy and history of Chartres, long associated with the Divine Feminine from millennia before Christianity and with Mary Magdelene who is said to have visited Chartres with Joseph of Arimathea after the crucifixion. Special attention will be paid to the worship in Chartres of the Black Madonna, both in the statue in the main church and in the Madonna in the crypt.
After our visit we will wander the medieval quarter of Chartres and revel in a local lunch. We'll then embark on the drive to Sens, which takes approximately 2 hours.
Upon arrival, you can have dinner at your leisure and unwind at our hotel for the night—perhaps with a drink on the rooftop terrace overlooking the cathedral. Or, take a short stroll through the charming town to admire the stunning Gothic architecture and soak in the atmosphere.
(Overnight in Sens at Epona Hôtel Sens or similar)
After breakfast, we will depart on our 90-minute journey to Vézelay, a town rich in Christian history and home to a UNESCO-listed Romanesque basilica. The medieval town, with its hilltop location, stunning architecture, and superb natural light, has been a pilgrimage site for centuries, drawing thousands, including kings and emperors, to venerate the relics of Sainte Madeleine before embarking on the Way of St. James or various crusades.
In Vézelay, we will enjoy lunch together at a local restaurant before visiting the Basilica of Sainte Marie-Madeleine. Perched on the "eternal hill," this sublime Romanesque masterpiece is famous for its austere and noble architecture and for the thrilling naturalness and vitality of its sculptures. Take your time to explore and appreciate the basilica's carvings and otherworldly serenity.
At day’s end, we’ll transfer to our hotel for check-in and dinner at your leisure.
(Overnight in Vézelay at Hotel de la Poste et du Lion d’Or or similar
We will enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for La Salette-Fallavaux around 6 hours away, with a stop along the way for lunch. Upon arrival, we will visit the Notre-Dame de la Salette sanctuary, erected on the bare mountain where on September 19, 1846, two shepherd children, Maximin Giraud and Mélanie Calvat, encountered a "Beautiful Lady" bathed in light and in tears. She entrusted them with a message of profound warning about the future and of the need for "all her people" to turn to the motherhood of God. After five years of rigorous investigation, Bishop Philibert de Bruillard of Grenoble officially recognized the authenticity of the apparition.
In the evening, we’ll settle in at our hotel and share dinner together at the on-site restaurant.
(Overnight in Ancelle at Hôtel Restaurant & Spa Les Autanes or similar)
Today, you'll depart early for the 3-hour drive to Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume.
Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Basilica—the only large Gothic church in Provence, built at a time when the region was still a separate state from France. The basilica is intimately tied to the rediscovery and veneration of Saint Mary Magdalene, whose presence in Provence had long been part of local legend but lacked official recognition.
After returning from the crusade in 1254, King Louis IX noted the absence of her relics and the lack of devotion to her in the region. In response, excavations were undertaken in 1279 beneath the oratory of Saint Maximin, where remains believed to be hers were uncovered. By 1281, these relics were officially recognized by Charles II, who—with the support of Pope Boniface VIII—commissioned the construction of the basilica in 1295 to honor her. Today, the basilica houses the relics venerated as the remains of Saint Mary Magdalene and stands as one of the most important pilgrimage sites dedicated to her legacy.
Today’s visit sets the stage for the highlight of our tour: the Mary Magdalene Festival—a sacred and time-honored celebration that fills the town with reverence, devotion, and joy. Rooted in centuries of tradition, the festivities begin tomorrow and offer a profound opportunity to deepen your connection with her spirit and legacy.
Following our time at the basilica, we’ll return to our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure—perhaps sharing reflections with fellow pilgrims or unwinding in the shared lounge, garden, or on the sun terrace as you prepare for the powerful experiences that lie ahead.
(Overnight in Rousset at Logis Déjeunez sous l’Arbre or similar)
Today we’ll be in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume for the annual Mary Magdalene Festival—a deeply reverent and celebratory occasion honouring the life and legacy of one of Provence’s most beloved saints. The town comes alive with processions of her relics, solemn masses at the basilica, music and dancing in the square, and festive community events such as torchlit parades, banquets, and even fireworks. While the full schedule of events has yet to be released, we plan to participate in several of these beautiful moments throughout the day—details will be confirmed closer to the time.
Depending on the timing of the festival activities, we may also have the opportunity to visit one or more of the following sacred sites:
Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Cave: A 45-minute hike through the Sainte-Baume mountains leads to the cave where Mary Magdalene is said to have lived out the final decades of her life. The sanctuary, now a pilgrimage site, holds relics and offers space for reflection. If time allows, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in this serene and powerful setting.
Abbey de Thoronet: Built in the 12th century, this iconic Cistercian abbey is renowned for its Romanesque architecture and acoustics that have inspired great architects from Le Corbusier to Tadao Ando.
Please note that today's schedule will remain flexible and adapt to the rhythm of the festival.
(Overnight in Rousset at Logis Déjeunez sous l’Arbre or similar)
Today is the second and final day of the Mary Magdalene Festival in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume. The town remains steeped in reverence and quiet celebration, carrying the lingering energy of devotion and joy. It is a final opportunity to absorb the sacred atmosphere before the festivities gently come to a close.
Depending on the timing of the day’s events, we may also visit one or more of the following:
Aix-en-Provence: Travel to the elegant city of Aix-en-Provence, where beauty and spirit meet in sunlit squares and shaded boulevards. Here, visit the Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, where Mary Magdalene and Maximin are said to have preached and established a chapel dedicated to Christ. The original 1st-century chapel floor remains visible beneath the later Gothic structure, offering a rare and powerful connection to her presence. The stained-glass image of Mary Magdalene with her alabaster jar in the sacristy is not to be missed.
Abbaye du Thoronet or Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Cave: If you weren’t able to visit yesterday
Lunch will be at a local restaurant in Aix and there will be space in the day for personal reflection, journaling, or simply resting in the grace of the journey so far.
(Overnight in Rousset at Logis Déjeunez sous l’Arbre or similar)
We will start our day with a 2.5 hour journey to Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer. This village, nestled between the Rhone and the Mediterranean, is rich in tradition and pilgrimage history. It’s said that Marie Jacobi, Marie Salomé, and their handmaid Sarah, persecuted Christians from Palestine, arrived here in a boat without a rudder. The village, with its protective church, offers a mix of history and emotion under an ever-changing light. This is also one of the places where legend says Mary Magdalene came ashore. Visitors can stroll through narrow streets and explore the Romanesque church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer, which has stood since the 9th century and dominates the town. Enjoy lunch at your leisure in this charming setting.
We’ll then continue with a scenic 3-hour drive to our hotel in Carcassonne, arriving in the early evening. Take this time to settle in and nourish yourself with a quiet meal and some well-earned rest in preparation for the last few days of the journey.
(Overnight in Carcassonne at Hotel Le Donjon or similar)
Today you’ll visit the fortified town of Carcassonne—an extraordinary architectural landmark and one of Europe’s most iconic medieval sites. Often referred to as the “Cité,” this hilltop fortress rises above the Minervois vineyards and carries the spirit of over 2,500 years of history. Carcassonne is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Canal du Midi, designated in 1996, and the remarkably preserved Medieval City, recognized in 1997. Situated on the right bank of the Aude River, the citadel is unmatched in scale and preservation, its story shaped by centuries of conquest, Cathar resistance, and the Crusades.
You’ll have time to explore the city’s narrow lanes, imposing ramparts, and atmospheric squares. Lunch is at your discretion in one of the many cafés or restaurants tucked within the fortress walls.
Later in the day, you’ll transfer back to your hotel. The evening is open for rest, reflection, or further wandering as you wish.
(Overnight in Carcassonne at Hotel Le Donjon or similar)
After breakfast, we will depart for Rocamadour (3.5 hours), a revered sanctuary perched high above the Alzou canyon. Famous for its miraculous Black Virgin, Rocamadour has drawn pilgrims for centuries and remains the second most visited sacred site in France after Mont-Saint-Michel. Considered one of the four great pilgrimage destinations of Christendom—alongside Jerusalem, Rome, and Santiago de Compostela—it is a place long associated with healing, devotion, and divine intercession.
Enjoy lunch on your own in the village, surrounded by its ancient chapels and timeworn stone paths, before continuing on to our hotel (1.5 hours).
In the evening, we’ll gather for a shared dinner at a local restaurant—a moment to reconnect and reflect on the sacred thread that has woven through our journey.
(Overnight in Montauban at Abbaye des Capucins Spa & Resort or similar)
After enjoying breakfast you will check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight from Toulouse (45 min). If you chose to book your flight home from Bordeaux (2 hour drive), a transfer can be arranged for an additional cost.
(B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.
