La Sainte Baume (The Holy balm)
A limestone mountain ridge spreading between Bouches-du-Rhône and Var in the south of France where the grotto of Mary-Magdalene is situated. According to tradition, she retired there, near Aix-en-Provence, at the end of her life.
Managed by the Dominican Friars the place is now a Christian pilgrimage. Mary Magdalene anointed Jesus with a Holy balm.
A rock spring at la Sainte-Baume is called “the fountain of living waters”.
Baume means balm as well as grotto in Provencal.
La Sainte Beaume / Anne Mourier