The 11 best walking spots in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Went there to ask if the could help me with a horsebackride for the next day or a day later. All they did is showing me a flyer with the different providerers and said that I have to figuer out by myself. Luckly there is internet. So there is no added value from the tourist office.

Helpful but only one guichet was open in an August afternoon which seems not enough. The consequence is long waiting to get some information.

Very helpful staff in this tourist office. Nothing send to be to much trouble.

Correct

I love it sooo much....

super

Profesionelles

We visited the remarkable Church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a small town about an hour by bus from Arles station. My first impression of this town was truly special—it felt almost dreamlike. I felt as if I were stepping into the legend of the Three Marys, who, according to tradition, landed here 2,000 years ago. Before my visit, I researched the church’s history and learned about the local Provençal poet and Nobel Prize winner, Frédéric Mistral, whose famous poem Mireio is deeply connected to this region. One of the most remarkable artists associated with this town is Vincent van Gogh. While living in Arles, he visited Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and painted several masterpieces inspired by its unique scenery. The church holds all these incredible stories within its walls. I climbed to the rooftop, where I was rewarded with a breathtaking view of the town and the ocean in the background. If you’re a Christian or a Van Gogh enthusiast, this town is a must-visit. Even for travel bloggers, the experience is truly unforgettable, offering a journey through history, art, and faith.

This beautiful church, built in the 9th and 11th centuries on an old Gallo-Roman sanctuary, replaced an oratory that, according to legend, was erected by the Saints. This site was fortified in order to withstand attacks by the Saracens. Human figures can be seem emerging from the capitals decorated with plant motifs. The crypt (1448) houses Sarah, patron saint of Gypsies, covered with robes and coats. The boat of the Saints Marys is in the left alley of the church. The 4th BC century pagan altar in the crypt is also remarkable. Church of Our Lady of the Sea is the soul of the village. Legend has it that Sara was a young black slave with mysterious origins. She is said to have accompanied Marie Jacobé and Marie Salomé on their arrival in the Camargue. The latter would have been the first to welcome Jesus on European soil, during his journey to Egypt. Saint Sara is thus considered the patron saint of all travelers and itinerants. Today, the festival of Sainte Sara is one of Camargue’s must-see events. Every year, it attracts large numbers of visitors for the procession, mass and festivities. The chapel of Sainte Sara is located in the church of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. It is an important place of worship and meditation for gypsies and pilgrims. Sainte Sara, also known as Kali sara la noire, has thus become a symbol of Camargue identity. It bears witness to the richness and cultural diversity of this region of southern France. . The town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, is a Mecca for gypsy culture and the festival of Saint Sara each year in May ...

Incredible historic church with inspiring shrines and unique history. The people of the Camargue and the Romani people cherish this place, famous for its statues related to the lore of the Trois Maries and Sainte Sara. Annual festival from May 24-26 honors the statues and saints with Mass, music, and processions to the sea. An amazing place to visit with so much history and heart.

It's definitely recommended to visit the church and go up to the roof. It's really fascinating that you can climb up on the steep roof. Also you have a nice view over the city and if you are really lucky you might also see a few Flamingos.

A really neat seaside village with tremendous atmosphere. Many restaurants and cafes. Quite a lot of Spanish food options which we unfortunately did not get a chance to try.

Beautiful little church that honors the memory of Saints Marie and also Sara, allows you to go up and see all of Saintes Marie de la mer, a really nice place. Inside then there are all the ex votos of past centuries that are remembered in the showcases. The story that encloses the well of baptism inside the church is interesting, which was the only source of fresh water for the whole city in the past.

Climb the bell tower to sit on the roof and admire the surroundings - must do! As well as go down to the crypt to look at St. Sarah

Well kept and easily accessible place. could be more explanation of the things to do there as there are many but they dont really explain it/sign it.

Brilliant discovery of what was Paul Ricard's home. The museum about his life is well worth a visit. The restaurant was very accommodating when I arrived past serving time Google having lost me in rice fields... Recommended.

Personal point of view only: disappointed with the tractor journey. Positive point: the staff was friendly in general, especially Herve the driver of the small train. Negative point: 1) no card is accepted (only cash). 2) it is more like an educational tour on the agriculture than the sight seeing tour. During two hours, we only saw two flamingos, several horses and many toros (very interesting knowledge shared by the owner by the way - but under the sunshine for 20 mins was a little bit too much).

Amazing place. Saw a kingfisher, a sparrowhawk, a few egrets and a heron+ the occasional flamingo

We took the mini train to see the reserve. Definitely better than walking with the stroller through the heat.

Interesting place. Rode bikes from Arles to visit. Took the bike path and the walking path within the park, which were both well maintained. Saw some nice bird life, however, you can't get too close to the water.

Nice place to visit see bulls, flamingos and horses

I recently visited here and was quite disappointed with the experience. Over the past 30 years, it seems to have become extremely touristy, which has significantly changed its character. The area now feels more focused on commercial activities and making money rather than preserving its authentic charm and natural beauty. As a result, I found that the unique atmosphere that once attracted visitors has been lost. It felt more like a place designed for tourists rather than a destination with genuine local culture and charm. Overall, my visit left me longing for the authenticity that seems to have been overshadowed by tourism.

Easy to access and there is plenty of parking plus the chance to spot flamingos in the wild

Miles of silver sand, a gentle beach and gentle rollers. Limited beach amenities. Few changing facilities or beach bars or dedicated serviced beach areas as one might get in cote d'azour. The day we were there was hot and sunny but a mild breeze made sand stirms very unpleasant.

Lovely sandy beaches, with little showers to help you clean the sand off your feet👣. Plenty of parking, lots of shops to look around. Plenty of eateries with a wide selection of different foods to choose from. Tourist office staff very helpful.

Small beach, with not much shade. Not too crowded in the late afternoon, just enough for social distance. Showers to wash away the sand and free street parking if you’re lucky.

Pro: easy to park and showers on the beach side. Cons: no shadow, no nice landscape, no beautiful sea, no good for snorkeling. Quite boring

Had much Waves but it‘s a really nice beach. Super long and not to many people.

It was close... We traveled 50 min for nothing

Top!

To expensive for a train ride over the domain

Super

(Translated by Google) It's a place I go to often, and it means a lot to me. We celebrated our wedding night there—finally, after years of living together, we decided to take the plunge. It was magnificent. The dinner was delicious, varied from the start to the wedding cake, a real treat. We truly spoiled our guests, and we even offered them a little train tour through the Camargue… a wonderful memory. My children also have their own story with this place: they participated in the Camargue bullfight in the arenas, a real source of pride for us. And then there are the horseback rides, always a special moment, surrounded by nature. This place is only 15 minutes from our home in the Camargue. It's a place we love deeply, filled with memories and emotions. (Original) C’est un endroit où je vais souvent, et qui compte beaucoup pour moi. On y a célébré la soirée de notre mariage – enfin après des années de vie communes on a décidé de passer le pas. c’était magnifique. Le dîner était délicieux, varié du début à la pièce montée, un vrai régal. On a vraiment gâté nos invités, et on leur a même offert une petite visite en train à travers la Camargue… un super souvenir. Mes enfants aussi ont leur histoire avec ce lieu : ils ont participé à la course camarguaise dans les arènes, une vraie fierté pour nous. Et puis, il y a les balades à cheval, toujours un moment à part, en pleine nature. Ce lieu est à seulement 15 minutes de chez nous, en Camargue. C’est un coin qu’on aime profondément, rempli de souvenirs et d’émotions.

(Translated by Google) One-hour horseback ride at the end of April, very warm welcome on the phone and on site. Our guide Xavier gave us a lot of explanations about the region, the wildlife etc. with a lot of humor. We enjoyed it very much as did our daughters. (Original) Balade d’une heure à cheval fin avril, très bon accueil au téléphone et sur place. Notre guide Xavier nous a donné beaucoup d’explications sur le région, la faune etc avec beaucoup d’humour. Nous avons beaucoup apprécié ainsi que nos filles.

(Translated by Google) Superb place for a picnic, visit by little train, horseback riding, there are also arenas, on-site restaurant, refreshment bar, souvenirs.... (Original) Superbe endroit pour pique niquer visite en petit train, balades à cheval il y a aussi des arènes, resto sur place, buvette, souvenirs....

(Translated by Google) Beautiful calm walk on the Petit Rhône, between fauna and flora, it's very interesting, the herons, bulls, horses... Great encounters, worth seeing!!! (Original) Belle promenade calme sur le petit Rhône, entre faune et flore, c'est très intéressant, les hérons, taureaux, chevaux... De belles rencontres, à voir !!!

(Translated by Google) The Camargues love and everything that goes with well-being relaxation very good cuisine simple people a superb environment I love this place (Original) La camargues l'amour et tout ce qu'il vas avec le bien-être la détente la tres bonne cuisine des gens simpa un environnement superbe j'adore ce lieu

(Translated by Google) A bike ride. Uniquely beautiful. (Original) Eine Radtour. Einmalig schön.

(Translated by Google) A guided boat trip from Stes Marie de la Mer to discover the fauna, flora, herds and fishermen's houses. (Original) Une promenade commentée en bateau depuis les Stes Marie de la Mer à la découverte de la faune , de la flore , des manades et des maisons de pêcheurs.

(Translated by Google) Very pretty walk where you can admire the fauna and flora of our beautiful region, (Original) Très joli ballade ou on peut admirer la faune et la flore de notre belle région,

(Translated by Google) Very nice visit, we really like it, we often do this walk. ...magnificent Camargues landscape (Original) Très jolie visite nous avons beaucoup aimer nous faisons souvent cette balade . ...paysage de Camargues magnifique

(Translated by Google) Three more months and long live the holidays (Original) Encore trois mois et vive les vacances

(Translated by Google) One of its magical places to feel the soul of the Camargue with fabulous flora and fauna. (Original) Un de ses endroits magiques pour sentir l’âme de la Camargue avec une fabuleuse faune et flore.

(Translated by Google) Silence in the middle of a wild and natural park where the days often end with magnificent sunsets... A place on the path of migratory birds (geese, storks, cranes, etc.) which offer us beautiful and good times... (Original) Le silence au milieu d'un parc sauvage et naturel où les journées se terminent souvent avec de magnifiques couchés de soleil... Un lieu sur la trajectoire des oiseaux migrateurs (oies, cigognes, grues etc ) qui nous offrent de beaux et bons moments...

(Translated by Google) A magical place that is wild and so calm! Ideal for observing local wildlife and admiring the beauties of nature. @yan_trav3ls (Original) Un coin magique sauvage et tellement calme ! Idéal pour observer la faune locale et pour admirer les beautés de la nature. @yan_trav3ls

(Translated by Google) One of the most peaceful places in the Camargue.. Nothing to complain about 💞 (Original) L'un des endroits des plus apaisant de la Camargue.. Rien a redire 💞

(Translated by Google) Magnificent, great show! (Original) Magnifique, du grand spectacle !

(Translated by Google) Little corner of our sunny Camargue for relaxation (Original) Petit coin de nôtres Camargue ensoleillé pour une detente

(Translated by Google) Beautiful and relaxing place. Easy observation of Pink Flamingos (Original) Endroit magnifique et reposant. Observation facile de Flamands roses

(Translated by Google) Dogs welcome, clean, owners are respectful. Unsupervised swimming. (Original) Chiens acceptés, propre, les maîtres sont respecteux. Baignade non surveillée

(Translated by Google) The sea is calm because it's a bay, clear and clean. I went there during the week of August 15th, and to my surprise, it wasn't crowded, so it was comfortable with well-spaced umbrellas. Convenient and inexpensive parking is available. The beach is completely free. I was very impressed. (Original) Mare tranquillo perché è una baia, limpido e pulito. Ci sono stata la settimana di ferragosto e con mio enorme stupore non era pieno di gente per cui si stava bene con ombrelloni ben distanziati. Parcheggio comodo non caro. Spiaggia completamente libera. Mi ha colpita molto favorevolmente.

(Translated by Google) Plenty of beach and sand, clean water, and hardly any swimming at the beginning of June. Perhaps the water was still too cold for many guests. Very shallow entry into the water and a nice beach bar with an outdoor area where you can enjoy a drink or two. (Original) Viel Strand und viel Sand, sauberes Wasser und Anfang Juni kaum Badebetrieb. Vielleicht waren vielen Gästen das Wasser noch zu frisch. Sehr flacher Zustieg ins Wasser und ein nettes Strandlokal mit Außenbereich, wo man zwischendurch den ein oder anderen Drink nehmen kann.

(Translated by Google) Parking €6 Please note: access to the seawall is closed to vehicles. To reach a wild beach, you have to walk at least 30 minutes, so bring a backpack and don't overpack. You can always go there by bike. (Original) Parking 6 € Attention, l'accès à la digue est fermée aux véhicules. Pour se retrouver sur une plage sauvage, il faut marcher minimum 30 minutes, donc prévoir sacs à dos et pas trop chargé. Il y a toujours la possibilité d'y aller en vélo.

(Translated by Google) The beaches are becoming a mess for people who come with dogs and cats, like children. It's not the ideal place to be in peace and quiet, with dogs running around on the beach and barking. The beach is accessible either on foot from the promenade or by car, but there's a toll barrier, and yes, false ecology has a name: money. The beach is supervised, and a beach restaurant can be useful. The water is clear. Depending on the season, the clay patches in the water can be exposed as sand. The parking lot by the lock is salty, very dusty, and without any shade. This beach is mainly intended for camping at La Breze, which is just across the street. It's the starting point for a beautiful nature walk along the sea wall, perhaps not in summer because it's too hot, too crowded, and there's no drinking water along the way. It's not a great fishing spot because it's shallow and sandy. (Original) devient n'importe quoi les plages des gens qui viennent avec chiens et chats comme des enfants. Pour être tranquille c'est pas le coin idéal chiens qui court sur la plage et abois. La plage est accessible soit à pied depuis la promenade soit en voiture mais là la barrière de péage et oui la fausse écologie à un nom : argent. La plage est surveillée et un restaurant de plage peut être utile. L'eau est claire. Suivant les périodes les plaques d'argiles dans l'eau peuvent être découvertes de sable. Le parking au bord de l'écluse est salé, très poussiéreux et sans aucune ombre. Cette plage est surtout destinée est camping la brise qui est juste en face. C'est le point de départ d'une belle balade en pleine nature le long de la digue à la mer peut être pas en été car beaucoup trop chaud , trop de monde, et pas d'eau pour boire en cours de chemin. C'est un coin de pêche peu intéressant car peu de fond et sableux.

(Translated by Google) The place is lovely for a stroll. Unfortunately, the town and everything surrounding it have deteriorated considerably. The large amount of sand around the roundabout and the beach promenade was more orderly a few years ago. But it's always worth a visit. (Original) Der Ort ist schön zum bummeln. Leider hat der Ort mit allem drum herum sehr nachgelassen. Der viele Sand wo am Kreisverkehr und der Strandpromenade liegt war vor ein paar Jahren ordentlicher. Aber eine Reise immer wert.

(Translated by Google) Great place to discover, very quiet location. (Original) Super lieu a decouvrir endroit très calme.

(Translated by Google) Haven of Peace.. A pose in sublime flora where time seems to stand still...sublime🌸 (Original) Havre de Paix.. Une pose dans une flore sublime où le temps semble se figé..sublime🌸

(Translated by Google) Walk on a dirt road that can only be traveled on foot, bike or horse. Very suggestive with the possibility of seeing salt pans, horses, flamingos and other animals. Only 2 things are essential to know... to enjoy the colors of the salt pans you need a sunny day. And equip yourself with a powerful mosquito repellent because walking in a swamp is full of them. (Original) Passeggiata su strada sterrata percorribile solo a piedi o bici o cavallo. Molto suggestiva con la possibilità di vedere saline cavalli fenicotteri e altri animali. Solamente 2 cose sono fondamentali da sapere..per gioire dei colori delle saline si necessita di un giorno soleggiato. E munirsi di un potente antizanzare perché camminando in una palude ne è pieno.

(Translated by Google) Sublime place! Good spot for bird watching! There are also horse riders passing by. Very nice place to take photos. However, there are a lot of mosquitoes. Bring mosquito repellent! (Original) Endroit sublime ! Bon spot pour observer les oiseaux ! Il y a également des cavaliers qui passent. Très bel endroit pou prendre des photos. Néanmoins, il y a beaucoup de moustiques. Prévoir un anti moustique !

(Translated by Google) Visit this afternoon, a magnificent and deserted place but be careful invasion of small “Chironomids” flies, after 10 minutes of walking we had to turn around and run.. we were covered in animals 😝 (Original) Visite cette après-midi, un endroit magnifique et désert mais attention invasion de petites mouches « Chironomes », après 10 minutes de balade nous avons dû faire demi tour en courant .. nous étions couverts de bêtes 😝

(Translated by Google) A beautiful and quiet piece of nature that can also be wonderfully explored by bike. (Original) Ein wunderschönes und ruhiges Fleckchen Natur, das sich wunderbar auch mit dem Rad erkunden lässt.

(Translated by Google) Visit the salt mines with the shuttle train. The train is ideal in this heat. (Original) Visite des salines avec le train navette . Idéale le train sous cette chaleur .

(Translated by Google) Very nice area for a bike ride. You should arm yourself against mosquitoes beforehand 🦟 (Original) Sehr schöne Gegend für eine Radtour. Man sollte sich vorher gegen Mücken wappnen 🦟

(Translated by Google) Great course! Numbered places so no worries about getting seated! The driver takes his time. The lady at reception is super friendly. Flamingos, bulls and horses! Thank you so much (Original) Super parcours ! Places numérotées donc pas de soucis pour s’asseoir ! Le conducteur prend bien le temps. La dame de l’accueil est super sympathique. Flamant roses, taureaux et chevaux ! Merci beaucoup

(Translated by Google) Let's move on to the average journey, the very unfriendly lady issuing the tickets and the fact that with 6 in a carriage, the walk quickly becomes painful! The worst thing was having to pay €5 for a cocker spaniel who was only allowed to be trampled on since he was forbidden from a wheelchair despite having paid for his seat! I've taken the little train many times with my dog, and this is the first time I've been made to pay for a seat for him! (Original) Passons sur le parcours moyen, sur la dame délivrant les billets très peu aimable et sur le fait qu'à 6 dans un wagon, la promenade devient vite pénible ! Le pire a quand même été de faire payer 5 € pour un cocker qui n'a eu le droit que de se faire piétiner puisque interdit de fauteuil malgré le fait d'avoir payé sa place ! J'ai pris à de nombreuses fois le petit train avec mon chien c'est bien la première fois qu'on me fait payer une place pour lui !

(Translated by Google) Absolutely a bargain, very nice visit well commented by the guide and driver of the little train at the same time. We went to places that we wouldn't necessarily have found on our own, it was really superb. THANKS. We had booked our ticket 2 hours in advance. (Original) Affaire absolument, très belle visite bien commenté par la guide et conductrice en même temps du petit train. Nous sommes passés dans des endroits que nous aurions pas forcément trouvé tout seul, c'était vraiment superbe. Merci. Nous avions réservé notre billet 2 heures à l'avance.

(Translated by Google) It's like I've been ripped off. It's a good thing the tour has a commentary because there's nothing to see except two flamingos, a few gulls, and a grey heron. The TWO 🤣 birds that are supposed to be in semi-freedom aren't really, since they're actually penned in... Where are the bulls??? And the best part is that we had just taken the train ride by car 😅. It's a tourist trap, nothing more, nothing less. We don't recommend this walk. If you want to be amazed, go to the Pont de Gau nature reserve. (Original) Comme un sentiment de s'être fait arnaquer. Heureusement que la visite est commentée car il n'y a rien à voir à part deux flamands, quelques goéland et un héron cendré. Les DEUX 🤣 cheveux censés être en semie liberté ne le sont pas vraiment puisqu'il sont réellement parqués... Les tauraux où sont ils ??? Et le pompon c'est que le trajet effectué avec le train nous venions de le faire en voiture 😅. C'est un attrape touriste ni plus ni moins . Nous ne recommandons pas cette balade. Si vous voulez en avoir plein les yeux , allez à la réserve naturelle du Pont de Gau.

(Translated by Google) The seats were simply too narrow. Three adults couldn't sit comfortably. The tour simply wasn't worth the money. I would definitely advise against it. (Original) Einfach zu enge Sitze . Drei Erwachsene können ganz schlecht sitzen. Die Tour war einfach ihr Geld 💰 nicht wert. Kann man getrost abraten.

(Translated by Google) A sardine-can-like ride through a tight space!! Honestly, the discomfort was so great that we didn't enjoy it at all. It's definitely not worth the trip. I don't recommend it!!! (Original) Parcours dans un espace serré en boîte à sardine !! Franchement l’inconfort est tel que nous n’avons eu aucun plaisir. Ca ne vaut vraiment pas le détour Je ne recommande pas !!!

(Translated by Google) Very good visit with a guide with good explanations. (Original) Très bonne visite avec une guide avec des bonnes explications.

(Translated by Google) According to his wishes, his ashes, buried in the grave of his ancestors in the Avignon cemetery, were transferred to Saintes Maries de la Mer on July 21, 1951, to a grave on the site of the ruins of the Mas du Simbèu. Marquis Folco de Baroncelli (1869-1943) is credited with creating and maintaining the traditions of the Camargue: shepherd games, codification of the traditional shepherd's costume, revival of the shepherd's profession. He is committed to the preservation of the Camargue horse and Camargue bull breeds. In his time he was able to recognize the possibilities that the vast territory of the free and wild Camargue offered. (Original) Seine Asche, die im Grab seiner Vorfahren auf dem Friedhof von Avignon begraben wurde, wird seinem Wunsch entsprechend am 21. Juli 1951 nach Saintes Maries de la Mer in ein Grab auf dem Gelände der Ruinen des Mas du Simbèu überführt. Marquis Folco de Baroncelli (1869-1943) wird zugeschrieben, die Traditionen der Camargue geschaffen und gepflegt zu haben: Hirtenspiele, Kodifizierung der traditionellen Hirtentracht, Wiederbelebung des Hirtenberufs. Er engagiert sich für die Erhaltung der Camargue-Pferde- und Camargue-Bullenrassen. Er konnte zu seiner Zeit die Möglichkeiten erkennen, die das weite Gebiet der freien und wilden Camargue bot.

(Translated by Google) The story of the marquis deserves to be known 😀 (Original) L'histoire du marquis mérite d'être connue 😀