The Béguines oratory
A landmark on the chemin des Roys, dated 1516
Oratories punctuate the paths of Provence: small stone constructions sheltering a niche and a statue, they marked the stages of processions and reassured travellers. The Béguines oratory, built in 1516, stands south of the village on the estate of the same name, beside the road that climbs to the Plan-d'Aups plateau and the Sainte-Baume sanctuary.
The pilgrims' way
The oratory marks the chemin des Roys, the route pilgrims followed from Saint-Maximin to the grotto of Mary Magdalene through Nans-les-Pins. It announced the climb towards the holy mountain, halfway between the village and the forest. Its historic value earned it a listing as a historic monument on 3 June 1938.
Seeing it
The oratory is visible from the D80 departmental road, a few kilometres south of the village towards Plan-d'Aups. It stands on a private estate: view it from the roadside without entering the property. Parking is limited, take care.
See also
- Type
- Oratory
- Period
- 1516
- Protection
- Inscrit au titre des monuments historiques le 3 juin 1938