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Village · Arles, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
The capital of the Camargue, on the Mediterranean coast, with a fortified Romanesque church, beaches, horse rides and located in the Rhône delta. It hosts the Roma pilgrimage in May.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is considered the capital of the Camargue. It lies on the Mediterranean at the southern edge of the Rhône delta, about 38 km from Arles. The name comes from the tradition that Mary Magdalene, Mary Jacobé and Mary Salomé arrived there by boat from Palestine.
In the center stands the Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer, a fortified Romanesque church that looks like a castle and also served as a refuge from attacks coming from the sea. From the roof terrace you can see the village, the sea and the marshes. In the crypt is the statue of Sara, patron saint of the Roma, to whom pilgrims from several countries come every May.
Around the village there are sandy beaches, horseback rides with the Camargue white horses, boat trips up the Petit Rhône and trails for birdwatching. The streets in the center have shops, seafood restaurants and a small arena.
Van Gogh spent five days there in June 1888 and painted boats on the beach and little village houses. The Parc ornithologique du Pont de Gau is 4 km away, on the road to Arles.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day for the village, the church and the beach. With a horse ride or boat trip, a full day.
Best time
Spring and early autumn, with pleasant temperatures and fewer mosquitoes. In May the Roma pilgrimage takes place and the village becomes very crowded. In summer the beach fills up. Check the dates before you go.
How to get there
By car, about 38 km from Arles via the D570. There is a daily regional bus between Arles and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, with limited departures; check before you go.
Tip
Climb to the church terrace for views of the marshes and the sea. Horse rides last from 1 hour to half a day; choose companies that operate in small groups. Bring insect repellent.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
When is the Romani pilgrimage?
It takes place every May, in honor of Sara, patron saint of the Roma. The village becomes very crowded. Confirm the dates before you go.
Can you see horses and bulls?
The Camargue's white horses and black bulls are raised on farms in the region, the manades, and often graze in pastures by the roads. Horseback rides and visits to manades are the safest ways to see them up close.
Is there a beach?
Yes, sandy beaches on both sides of the village. In summer they get crowded, and the wind can be strong.