Where the Petit Rhône meets the Mediterranean, stands Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Only thirty-eight kilometres from Arles, the village was founded around the 9th century but only took its present name in 1838. At about the same time it became a major place of pilgrimage for Romani, Manouche and Gypsy people from all over the world, who come every May to celebrate the Black Madonna.
With just over two and a half thousand inhabitants, the village attracts thousands of tourists every year, drawn by its picturesque streets, its wild Camargue, its pink flamingos, bulls, horses and ferias. Here are the must-sees.
1. The village
Start by strolling through the little streets lined with pretty white houses. Sit down at the small harbour for lunch in the sun, then continue along the seafront to breathe the fresh Mediterranean air.
2. The church of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Built in the 9th and 11th centuries in pure Romanesque style, this fortified church was meant to protect the village from pirates. Don’t miss the statue of Saint Sarah, the Black Madonna, and the relics of Saint Mary Jacobé and Saint Mary Salomé, found in the church in 1448. Climb onto the roof for a breathtaking view over the Camargue.
3. The Camargue museum
Located 10 kilometres from Arles, on the road to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, it introduces Camargue culture and traditions. Fascinating.
4. The Camargue Regional Nature Park
Get your camera out: you are in one of the oldest nature reserves in France, a setting of wild nature with majestic landscapes and birds. Don’t miss the Fangassier lagoon, where pink flamingos come to breed, or the Vaccarès, the largest in the Camargue. For an unforgettable visit, choose a horse ride: no riding experience is needed, and everyone aged five and over can enjoy it.
5. The Pont de Gau ornithological park
With the family, take the Arles road to the Pont de Gau ornithological park, only four kilometres from the village. Created in 1949, it offers walks through ponds and marshes to admire mallards, geese, herons, birds of prey and pink flamingos, and to discover the aviaries for injured birds.
6. The arena
A stone’s throw from the town centre and the sea, this all-white arena, built in 1930, hosts many events: Camargue bull races, equestrian shows… to immerse you in the local atmosphere.
7. A gardian’s hut
This typical Camargue dwelling was originally built of clay with a marsh-reed roof, on low whitewashed walls. To deflect the mistral, the north end of the house is rounded. The roof is crossed by a rafter, at the end of which a bull’s horn or a cross is fixed, to keep lightning away and to moor the house on windy days.
Our rental for your holiday in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Our fully renovated 70 m² apartment is on the 1st floor of a secure residence, with free private parking and direct access to the beach. Discover “Les pieds dans l’eau”.
