Map of Bouches-du-Rhône

Tourism in Saintes Maries de la Mer

Tourism in Saintes Maries de la Mer: Take a look at our tourist guide to Saintes Maries de la Mer containing dozens of addresses of hotels, holiday lets, gîtes, B&B, museums and country parks. VisitProvence.com. There’s no better tourist guide to Saintes Maries de la Mer.

List of towns

Saintes Maries de la Mer, the gypsy soul

Saintes Maries de la Mer, the gypsy soul

Famed for its vast beaches, long jetty where you can enjoy endless walks in the salty wind, charming marina and lanes lined with little, white houses, Sainte-Maries has everything you need for a relaxing short break. But these are not its only charms. Every year on May 24th and 25th, thousands of gypsy pilgrims gather in Saintes-Maries to pay tribute to the Holy Maries during a long and fervent procession, topped with head-spinning dancing, singing and music!

  • Marseille
  • La Ciotat
  • Cassis
  • Martigues
  • Arles
  • Aix en Provence
  • Les Baux de Provence
  • Salon de Provence
  • Aubagne
  • Saint Rémy de Provence
  • Saintes Maries de la Mer
  • Tarascon
Exploring. Leisure. Going out. Eating. Hotels

Off the beaten track

A day in Saintes Maries

Saintes Maries de la Mer

A day in Saintes Maries

Set seemingly at the world's end, on the shores of Camargue, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is a large village almost entirely surrounded by water, where Provençal and gypsy traditions happily rub shoulders.

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer’s Church

Saintes Maries de la Mer

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer’s Church

The medieval church is a gypsy pilgrimage site. Every year in May, the statue of Saint Sarah is taken from the crypt and borne to the sea accompanied by huge crowds.
This Romanesque church's most astonishing feature is probably its fortress-style design, incorporating a drinking water well, underground galleries.

Le Parc ornithologique

Saintes Maries de la Mer

Le Parc ornithologique

Camargue overflows with birds, from flamboyant pink flamingos to delicate avocets. The widest variety can be seen at the Pont-de-Gau ornithological park. Armed with binoculars, bird enthusiasts can enjoy viewing the many splendours that come to nest at this fabulous reserve, which also takes care of wounded birds from throughout the area. We recommend starting out with the set itinerary, interspersed with informative panels and observation towers. And when you've had your fill of flamingos, ducks, buzzards, storks, pigeons, kits and eagle owls, head onwards for a tour of the Etangs de Ginès lakes.

Welcome to Marseille Provence

Watch the video Read transcript
All Tourism and Disability offers
See what is on offer