Provencal Authenticity and Hospitality
Bouches du Rhône 
Alpilles - Saint Rémy de Provence - Baux de Provence - Aix en Provence - Arles - Tarascon - Camargue - Saintes Maries de la Mer - Marseille - Cassis - Calanques - Sainte Baume - Sainte Victoire - Côte Bleue
Located on the coastline of the Camargue, Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is a charming small town, 35 kilometers south of Arles in the Bouches-du-Rhône. This is the heart of the Camargue, where historical heritage, traditions, and nature come together.
During the tourist season, the population of this usually peaceful seaside resort grows dramatically, attracting visitors who come to enjoy its sandy beaches and unique atmosphere.
The origins of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer date back to Antiquity. Roman chronicles already mention the existence of a settlement at this location. Its Romanesque church, built between the 11th and 12th centuries, also served as a fortress and stands as a testimony to its turbulent past.
According to legend, after their exile from Palestine, Mary Magdalene, Mary Jacobe, and Mary Salome landed on this beach, accompanied by their servant, Saint Sarah, known as the "Black Virgin." Saint Sarah is now venerated by the Roma people, who gather every year from all over Europe for a vibrant pilgrimage on May 24 and 25.
Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is a major venue for the Course Camarguaise, a local bullfighting tradition that showcases the agility of raseteurs in front of bulls. These spectacles take place in the town's arenas, with bulls raised in the surrounding manades.
Between legends, traditions, and seaside pleasures, Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer offers a unique immersion into the authenticity and cultural richness of the Camargue. Whether for a historical getaway or a seaside holiday, this town will charm its visitors.