Right in the heart of the Camargue, this fishing town with white houses is the pilgrimage centre for gypsies. The Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer church, built in the 12th century and fortified in the 15th century, really looks like a fortress. In the summer, the seaside resort of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer comes alive with its beaches, its cafés, its shops and its restaurants offering the Camargue specialities, such as gardiane (bull stew) and telline, a type of small clam.
Cité balnéaire camarguaise, the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer take place in the heart of Bouches-du-Rhône in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. This important place of pilgrimage is not far from the city of Arles, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
Ancient, the commune of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer was born in the Gallo-Roman period before expanding in the Middle Ages under the name of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Barque. However, it was not until the 19th century that the worship of the commune by the Gypsies became known in the rest of the country. Even today, they come to pay homage to their patron saint, Sara, the Black Madonna.
Very touristy, the capital of the Camargue unveils a very interesting architectural and historical heritage, as well as a long tradition of festivals and other cultural events. The surrounding landscapes and beaches giving access to the Big Blue also make the reputation of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in the region and in the rest of France. Its culinary traditions, such as the guardian of the bull or the tellines to the aïoli, are constantly attracting visitors to the restaurants of the city.
Built between the 11th and 12th centuries, the fortified church of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer used to protect the relics of the saints during the barbarian invasions. Its high chapel forms a kind of dungeon, surrounded by a defensive walkway. Also known as Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer, the building was classified as a Historic Monument in the 19th century. It is at the origin of a ritual of sea procession still applied today that pays tribute to the three Marie. In Romanesque style, the church reveals a simple and sober interior highlighting the worship at Sara la Noire.
Built in the 19th century, the castle of Avignon has also been classified as a Historic Monument. In neo-Renaissance style, it takes place in the middle of the vineyards of the sands of the Camargue and was once one of the biggest wine producers in the region. Exhibitions and artist residencies are regularly organized here today.
The museum and the house of the Marquis de Baroncelli reveal to its visitors documents collected by the man of the same name around the city, the Camargue fauna or the Provençal furniture. It takes place in the old town hall of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.
Dating back to the 1930s, the city's bullring still offers three sorts of bullfighting shows: bullfighting, the Camargue race, or the corrida de rejón.
Walking through the city, you can also enjoy the Mas de Méjanes, or estate of Paul Ricard, listed in the Historic Monuments. The latter consists of horse rides, a footpath, restaurants, an arena or a small tourist train. Located near the pond of Vaccarès, the site was used as a production site for sugar Saint-Louis.
In the center of the commune, the sculpture of Ben K, Camargue, stands proudly, while the town hall attracts the attention with its decorations due to the painter Marcel Dyf.
The city of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, very animated during the summer period, also allows to enjoy a beautiful beach of white sand giving access to the Mediterranean Sea. It takes place in the heart of the Camargue commune.
Standing proudly, the huts of guardians are located between the waterfront and the pond of Launes, testifying to the past of the commune. Very ancient, they attract attention for their architecture so unique and unique in Europe.
Hiking, mountain biking or even on horseback, are accessible from the commune or in its surroundings to appreciate the beauty of the Camargue landscapes.
| Last name | Activity type | Rate | City |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Sports sensations | 75 € to 160 € | Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer |
 | Nature and the great outdoors | 180 € to 260 € | Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer |
| Information points | |
|---|---|
| Leisure centres | |
| Monuments | |
| Natural sites |
The markets of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer are held every Monday and Friday morning.
Several pilgrimages in honor of Mary are organized on 24 and 25 May, and at the end of October. The first brings together several tens of thousands of travelers each year to pay homage to their patron saint, Sarah the Black.
A votive festival is organized in June with young people dressed in folk costumes dancing in the streets and various bullfighting shows.
La Feria du cheval takes place around July 14, with concerts of gypsy music, and equestrian shows inspired by the Camargue tradition.
Each November 11, the festival of Abrivado reveals on the beach several hundreds of guards showing their address in horsemanship.
Still in the tradition of the Camargue, the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer offer great festivities at the time of Christmas, like a procession with torches, a release of bulls in the city.
The horse rides are unavoidable in the Camargue.
Walking tour, from the dike to the sea.
