Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer - Ideas for days out in Camargue, Alpilles and Cévennes

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Located 40 km from the hotel, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is a charming tourist resort on the Mediterranean near the mouth of the Petit Rhône. Before heading to the seafront, take the time to stroll around the traditional fishing village, also a popular pilgrimage site in southern France. On a clear day, you can admire the breathtaking panoramic view of Camargues from the rooftop of Saintes' church.

Our favourites:

The church at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a 12th century building devoted to Saint Sarah (patron saint of the Romani people, whose relics remain in the church). It is also home to a fresh water well and an ancient guard room known as « Chapelle Haute ».
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is also known for its bullfighting arena which was inaugurated in the 1930's (Camargue bull racing and bullfighting).
You can take a boat tour to discover Camargue on the Petit Rhône, departing from the marina in Saintes-Maires de la Mer.
Launes cabins (identical ranchers' cabins on stilts all facing the sea), architectural curiosities, unique in Europe!
Camargue Natural Regional Park, a great place for hiking and horseriding. A wide range of animal and bird species have taken up home in this area of vast, wild and flat expanses.