The 15 essential things to do in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Are you planning to discover the Camargue? Here is the list of the 15 things to do in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer!

At the mouth of the Petit-Rhône, where the river embraces the Mediterranean, the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer stand. Located only thirty-eight kilometres from Arles, the village was built around the 9th century, but will only take its current name in 1838. It is about the same time that the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer became a place of pilgrimage major in France for Gypsies, Manouches and Gypsies worldwide. It is so far that they come to celebrate every month of May, the Black Virgin. From its history and geographical location, the capital of the Camargue preserves a cultural, religious and natural heritage of incomparable beauty.

With a little more than two thousand five hundred inhabitants, the village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer attracts thousands of tourists who have come to delight in its picturesque alleys each year, but also its enchanting Wild camargue, its pink flamingos, bulls, wild horses and ferias. Summer like winter, you will fall under the charm of these raw and sumptuous landscapes.

Are your luggage ready? Here you will find the 15 things to do in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

1. The village

Start your discovery of the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer by strolling through the picturesque little streets of the village, lined by pretty white houses. Attach yourself on the breakfast port and take the sun. Extend your walk to the seafront to breathe the fresh air of the Mediterranean.

2. The church of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

It is impossible to visit the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, without taking a tour of this emblematic building of the village. Built in the 9th and 11th century, at the mouth of the Rhone, in a pure Roman style, this fortified church was dedicated to protecting the city of the Saracen and Arab pirates, who then tried to invade the village. Don’t miss the statue of Saint Sara, the Black Virgin, and the relics of the Saints Marie-Jacobé and Marie-Salomé, found in the church in 1448. Hop on the roof of the church and enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding Camargue.

3. The Camargue Museum

If you know more about the region, visiting the Camarguais Museum is an activity to be done at the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer absolutely. Located 10 kilometres from Arles on the road to Saintes-Maries, you will discover the culture and traditions of Camarguaises. Passionate!

4. The Camargue National Natural Park

Of course, the Camargue National Natural Park is a must-see at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Take out your camera to immortalize the oldest natural reserve in France. You will be marvelled by this wild setting of thirteen thousand two hundred hectares, its breathtaking landscapes, its animals and majestic birds.

At the moment, you will probably have the impression of being alone in the world and you will be able to observe, in peace, rare and protected species. Do not miss the pond of the Fangassier where the flamingos come to reproduce or that of Vaccarès, the largest pond of the Camargue, since it extends over six thousand hundred and five hectares. And for an unforgettable visit, choose a horse ride. For this, no need to know how to get up, from the age of five, everyone can enjoy it. A treat!

5. The ornithological park of the Pont de Gau

Are you wondering what to do to the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer family? On the Arles road, take the direction of the ornithological park of the Pont de Gau, just four kilometers from the village. This family park was created in 1949 and offers walks through ponds and marshes to admire colverts, geese, birds of prey, herons, migratory birds and sedentary and other ragondins. During playful and educational visits, you will also be able to approach the majestic pink flamingos and discover the birds injured.

6. Avignon Castle

A visit to Avignon Castle is absolutely necessary! On the road leading to the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, this pretty castle, classified as a historic monument since 2003, was entirely designed by Louis Noilly-Prat, a famous wine merchant from 1893.

7. The arenas of the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

What to do in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer to fully enjoy the atmosphere of the Camargue? The arenas of course! Close to the city centre and the sea, these beautiful white arenas were erected in 1930 and are the place of many local demonstrations. Camarguaises Courses or Equestrian Shows immerse you in local culture and atmosphere. Not to be missed!

8. A Gardian hut

This typical residence of the Camargue is originally made up of ice and a roof of marsh roses, on whitewashed walls with low height lime. To divert the mistral that blows strong in the area, the northern back of the house is rounded. The roof is crossed by a chevron, at the end of which is attached a bull horn or a cross, to distance lightning and moor the house, the days of great wind.

9. A boat ride

At the heart of your stay at the Saintes-Maries de la Mer, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a superb afternoon relaxation! Indeed, by choosing the boat rental , you can go for a cruise on the little Rhone.

Thus, you will delight yourself in the splendid setting offered by the Camargue Regional Park.

10. A manade

This is the essential activity to do to the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer! You will discover the profession of breeder of bulls and horses, two animals inseparable from the Camargue, as well as all the traditions of the region.

11. The domain Paul Ricard

The Paul Ricard estate is a must-see site in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. About six hundred hectares, this extraordinary site, valued by Paul Ricard , a great nature lover, offers you sumptuous landscapes, a rich and preserved fauna and flora, as well as a multitude of activities: taurine animations, tastings, horse show. In the park, you can move on foot, on horseback, by bike and even by small train. During your walk you will be accompanied by the gardians who will share with you their know-how and passion for this beautiful region.

12. The beach of Beauduc

A little further on the town of Arles, in Grande Camargue, you can relax on the largest sandy beach in the Mediterranean, dominated by the Beauduc lighthouse. This sumptuous beach offers lagoons and a charming little village of cabanons. Slip lover? It is also the ideal place to practice kitesurfing.

13. The Gacholle lighthouse

You will not be able to visit this lighthouse, yet admiring it from the outside is a must-see activity at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Located between the Saintes-Maries and Salin-de-Giraud, this beautiful square lighthouse of eighteen meters high was built in 1882. Completely automated, it is powered by a solar generator.

14. Weekly market

Every Monday and Friday morning, the Saintes-Maries market is held. An excellent opportunity to mix with the local population and discover regional products. Anchoïade, bohemian, a speciality of vegetables, rice and Camargue bull, will titilate your taste buds. An indispensable to visit the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

15. The dike to the sea

On foot or by bike, you will be able to explore the twenty kilometers of this beautiful trail to discover the Rhone Delta, as well as its exceptional fauna and flora. The dike was built in the 20th century to isolate the delta from the sea.

How do I go to the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer?

By car

To get to Saintes-Maries by car, you can borrow the highway of the sun then the A 54 . If you come from the East, take A 8 and A 7 . From Gap, you will choose to l’A 51 . The department 559 will then take you to the Saintes Maries.

Count about forty minutes from the city of Arles by car, one hour and thirty minutes Marseille , a little less than six hours drive from Bordeaux and almost eight hours, from Paris. And for a more ecological holiday, think about carpooling!

By plane

If you would like to fly to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, you can book a flight to the Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes airport. Direct flights are available from Brussels, London or Marrakech. From there you will reach the Nîmes railway station thanks to a shuttle , and you will then take the bus agglo 50 or line 20 to reach the Saintes-Maries. Count about an hour.

You can also decide to land at Montpellier Airport. The city has a well-served airport from the main French and European cities. You can then rent a car at the airport, take a taxi, bus or train to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

In any case, consider booking your flight in advance and compare prices on Ulysses . This is undoubtedly one of the best alternatives to get your tickets at the best price.

By train

The Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer do not have a railway station. If you want to take the train, then you will have to go first to the train TGV station in Avignon or Nîmes or at the stations of Arles or Aigues Mortes.

By bus

• From Arles Station : bus Aglo 50 or line CarTreize 20
• From TGV station Avignon or Nîmes : take a train to Arles then the bus Aglo 50
• From the station of Aigues-Mortes : by taxi or line Beach2 in summer

Where to stay at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer?

You can stay directly in the city or in the surrounding area without too much difficulty. You will find any kind of accommodation. Luxury hotels by the sea, charming houses in the middle of nature, Gardian huts, furnished houses in the village, guest rooms or camping... It is up to you to see depending on your desires or budget! Attention, during the period of gypsy pilgrimage and ferias, the city is taken on board. It is therefore best to book your accommodation well in advance. As with the aircraft, think about weighing prices on one Compare hotels . Depending on your stay dates and preferences, you will find the accommodation of your choice at the best price.

And have you ever visited Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer?