The 10 best places to go out in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Older arena where this barbaric "show" that is corrida is taking place. And what is the pleasure to attend these other races or games of Camargue cowhide or pool bull or people having fun at the animal's expense ? It is unthinkable that there are still such "shows" today. To experience pleasure in seeing a tortured animal then killed seems to be more psychiatry than a pseudo culture ! When will this bloody stain on the beautiful Camargue land be erased ? Tourists who go there out of curiosity, most of them leave the arenas before the end as they are disgusted by what they see, and those who brought their children to it even more !

The final four of the Maters of Petanque was played here. Fantastic venue for this event. Although in a big arena the playing terrain was big which provided easy viewing. All players easily approachable great friendly atmosphere. Would recommend.

Who am I to judge? I attended vachette dans la piscine & 🤡. I don't know, we went with children. Children 4&6 years old. They liked it. I was heartbroken. First vachette seemed in distress. All this noise for an animal who lives calmly in the Camargue field. Overall all this Camargue experience shows how different it can be from what I would think is normal. Overall very nice arena with very nice view from it.

What a brilliant evening,they put on such a good show and obviously care for there animals

Just happened by this arena on a day when they were playing “TAG the Bull” . The young men grabbing the tag from between the bulls horns were staggeringly brave or foolish -take your pick -but fantastic to watch. The bulls get to go back to their pasture on the Camargue after about 5 minutes in the ring .

This could so be a little gem, but the over all feeling is that it feels it has a right to be loved. Not helped at Arène front door, where they don't sell tickets but tell you to telephone.... OK if your French is good enough but (in June) you can just rock up and pay on gate- would have been nice to be told that! 🙄 Also timings delayed by an hour both nights. Went consecutive nights cos prices good... Saturday: "Bull School" €6/adult was teenagers/20's taunting bulls, running and jumping out of arena. "Authentic/traditional", but although no killing of bulls they were clearly wound up/distressed and the activity didn't hold us for two hours. OK we may have bern naive, obviously skillful but seen once and "not for me". Sunday "Camargue Riders Show". €10/ adult. Again v skilful, amazing horse handling but not really entertaining to watch horse being saddled up, then essentially "British bulldogs" with flowers, and musical chairs on horseback. The cattle skills were fantastic but didn't seem to go as planned a fair amount of the time. Cattle also noticeably less stressed/aggressive than previous night. One hour of each evening combined for €8-10 would suffice, and feel a "good deal"

This review is related to the Gipsy Kings concert on August 2, 2023. The concert was supposed to begin at 9pm but the band came on stage one hour later. The long wait time was filled by a DJ who tried to cheer up the audience with modern remixes of older and newer songs. With limited success imho. The show was not really special except for the final.

The worst meal have ever been presented with and tasted and I have travelled all over the world in the last 50 years.The food was cold and tasteless. Service was virtually non existent and if I could give zero stars I would. Even had to ask for water to be brought to the table...unheard of in France. The only good thing was that I managed to obtain a reduction of my bill by one third without any difficulty. I will NEVER go there again.

For all turists visiting Aigues Mortes: be aware that Le Minos at 21:09 IS CLOSED, does not accept any more gueats even it's clearly written that it is open till 22:00. Waiter really uneducated, unpolite and just able to repeat 'it's closed' (without 'sorry' at least). This is not the way to manage turists!

- okay price for the food - good service - would not go here again - took a while to pay - even tough the service and atmosphere was nice, the food is just bad, which takes it down to a 2-star. Honestly I have no idea how the other reviews averages 4-stars, they probably haven’t tasted some good restaurant food in their life.

Best unexpected dining experience we had in a long time. We were a bit afraid of getting in a tourist trap, but actually some of the best food I have ever had. Every single course was delucious, both mine, my wife's as our son's. Definitely recommended.

We had very tastefull meals - especially the 'gardiane de taureau' - but all dishes were garnished with the same products! That's a pitty. And if you go for a menu then everything may go a bit too slow...

It seems all restaurants in the area that serve steak or bull meat will serve up rubbish. stick to fish or go to pizzeria. Seriously, listen to this advice. We have tried them all on the Square and have been so dissapointed!!!!

One hour waiting, not even the menu of the day could be served; a plate of French Fries for children took more than 50 minutes; no more and never again!

Correct

(Translated by Google) Excellent restaurant with delicious dishes Very good food at Saintes Maries de la Mer (Original) Excellent restaurant avec des plats succulents Très bonne table aux saintes maries de la mer

(Translated by Google) Tip top! Direct reservations! Nice welcome! Fair value for money! What happiness! (Original) Tip top ! Reservations direct! Accueil sympa! Rapport qualité prix juste! Que du bonheur !

(Translated by Google) Very good address. A real restaurant with tablecloth and cloth napkins; beautiful dishes. The very professional staff and the excellent cuisine specifying whether it is homemade; frozen foods, fresh produce, etc. For a very reasonable price for a complete menu (35 euros): starter, main course, dessert, wine and coffee with tuiles and small chocolates. We serve you with professionalism and kindness. It is best to reserve. Thanks to this restaurant which makes you want to come back. (Original) Très bonne adresse. Un vrai restaurant avec nappe et serviettes en tissus; belles vaisselles. Le personnel très pro et la cuisine excellente précisant si c'est fait maison; surgeles, produits frais, etc. Pour un prix tres correct pour un menu complet (35 euros) : entrée, plat, dessert, vin et café avec tuiles et petits chocolats. On vous sert avec professionnalisme et gentillesse. Il est préférable de réserver. Merci a ce restaurant qui donne envie de revenir.

(Translated by Google) Very poor welcome, we arrived with a stroller (4 month old baby in the middle of a nap) and before even having been installed by the waiter the head of the room arrived and made us understand that it did not suit him to push a few chairs. We left without having consumed anything or sitting down. No cooking experience but just for the welcome we do not recommend. (Original) Accueil très mauvais, nous sommes arrivés avec une poussette (bébé de 4 mois en pleine sieste) et avant même d'avoir été installé par le serveur le chef de salle est arrivé et nous a fait comprendre que ça ne l'arrangeait pas de pousser quelques chaises. Nous sommes partis sans avoir rien consommé ni nous êtres assis. Pas d'expérience de la cuisine mais rien que pour l'accueil nous ne recommandons pas.

(Translated by Google) Pleasant and well located restaurant. (We can see a little bit of sea over the sea wall.) We ate there for lunch during the week. The dishes are sufficient in quantity and well cooked. Bottled beer (and no there is no draft) is a bit expensive. I recommend this restaurant. (Original) Resto agréable et bien placé. (On arrive à voir un petit peu de mer par dessus la digue.) Nous y avons mangé un midi en semaine. Les plats sont suffisants en quantité et bien cuisinés. La bière en bouteille (et non il n'y a pas de pression) est un peu cher. Je recommande ce resto.

(Translated by Google) Surprise ! Just a couple eating. so like all the sheep that we are, we said to ourselves... Well, what do we do... but we've been there. Well, you are served with class and respect. A menu at 16.90, the one in the photos. Main course and dessert in addition, half a bottle of super good IGP white wine at 12 euros! Just the vegetables a little salty otherwise very good! So don't hesitate if you're hungry at lunchtime! Thanks to the helpful waiters and cooks. Great! (Original) Surprise ! Juste un couple entrain de manger. du coup comme tout les moutons que nous sommes , nous nous sommes dit ... Bon on fait quoi .. mais nous y avons été . Bah vous êtes servit avec classe et respect. Un menu à 16.90 , celui sur les photos . Plat et dessert en supplément une demi bouteille de vin blanc IGP super bon à 12euros ! Juste les légume un peu salé sinon très bon ! Donc n'hésitez pas si vous avez faim le midi ! Merci au serveurs et cuisto serviable . Top !

A lovely small hotel in a great setting. Rooms arranged around a very nice pool with an infinity edge onto a small etang. Stables for [white] horses which graze on adjoining fields abut the hotel building. The level of service from all of the staff is self-consciously high with managers openly and frequently (but always pleasantly) guiding and pointing junior staff on their attention to detail. Our room was a junior suite and was comfortable, well maintained with a spacious bathroom and private garden. Sitting around the pool or in the hot tub or the outdoor lounge area overlooking the etang with a cool drink are pleasant ways to spend an afternoon. Sitting on the stone flagged terrace by the pool, a lovely place for breakfast. Saint Marie is a busy sea side beach town about ten minutes drive away with a huge array of bars and restaurants and even an arena for bullfights. The sole criticism, and really it's not a huge one, is that perhaps the chef who was on duty during our stay is not quite at a level or quality commensurate with the rest of the hotel nor, to be blunt, the price on the menu. The food is fine. There is nothing offensive. But in an hotel described as five star and with the levels of service and amenity it offers, the menu and food are a little uninspired and uninspiring. Still a lovely place for a relaxing and luxury break. A genuine top line chef would be the icing the cake deserves.

Perfect place, highly recommended. Staff is friendly, very supportive and mostly effective. There was a problem with understanding the word "butter", you'd better learn it in French if you definitely want to get it. Also, the architecture of the room was quite strange: a toilet with no sink by the entrance, and sink, shower and bath on the opposite side of the room. However, you have a terrace by a little picturesque lake which pays for all this.

My rate is due to the fact the only thing we found that belongs to a 5* hotel was the price. Everything else was below average. Food, service, room, breakfast, nothing was at the level of a 5* unfortunately. It is really a 3* treatment in my opinion

Fantastic food and super attentive service - highly recommended for a special meal with wonderful surroundings, wonderful fresh produce cooked to perfection with excellent presentation. A unique experience - will return!

Amazing location, very friendly staff. The food is excellent and spending time by the pool and jacuzzi is really nice.

Excellent ☺️

A wonderful group lunch in a fascinating area

We have been visiting this hotel for the past 25 years, sometimes even twice a year. After the pandemic, we had not returned until now, and it was an absolute pleasure to experience firsthand that their quality remains exactly as exceptional as it was from the very first day. Top-quality service in every aspect — from the food, reception, and room service to the warmth and professionalism of every team member, including the management staff. They truly make you feel like part of their family. Prepare your palate for an unforgettable culinary experience, as they offer the finest cuisine in the region, accompanied by the best selection of wines and champagnes. From my point of view, this place deserves far more than just five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — it is truly exceptional.

A fabulous place to stay and eat. Exceptionally clean, very courteous and helpful staff, and delicious food. Reception was more than happy to book trips for us, and make recommendations.

We enjoyed our stay here, located just outside town, maybe 10 min walk. Staff were friendly and the service was good. Nice breakfast and restaurant meals were great. Lots of parking on site.

The whole setting is calm and food is excellent. The room however (we booked a suite) was old fashioned and needs renovation (carpet, furniture, lights)

Great for couples and horseback riding

Super!

Very helpful staff!

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

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.

(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) 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.