Saintes-Maries-De-La-Mer lies between the Rhône and the Mediterranean. The entire commune is part of the Camargue Regional Nature Park and is classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Both designations apply to the commune as a whole. The Camargue thus provides a geographical setting for choosing where to stay, while the church, Festo Vierginenco, museums and a waymarked route offer specific cultural and landscape themes.
When choosing your stay, these points of interest may help: Would you mainly like to explore architectural history and religious heritage, learn about a local tradition, discover museum exhibits, or include a route into the Camargue National Reserve?
Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer: architectural history and heritage
Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer is a Romanesque-Provençal church dating from the 12th century. It was fortified in the early 14th century and served as a refuge for the population. The same building thus brings together two historical aspects: medieval architecture and its later function as a place of shelter.
The crypt houses the statue of Sara and her relics. The church roof can be reached from outside via a spiral staircase with 53 steps. The crypt and roof thus represent different aspects of the site: Sara's religious significance and a clearly described architectural route up to the roof.
The Festo Vierginenco
Saintes-Maries-De-La-Mer is the only village that has preserved and continues the tradition of the Festo Vierginenco. The program includes a service in Provençal and a procession of the young women with their godmothers and mounted Gardians.
Diplomas are also presented, foals are blessed in the arenas, and equestrian games are held. The religious celebration, procession and equestrian traditions give the festival several distinct focuses. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the exact event date in advance.
Museums: traditions and maritime history
The Musée des Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer has ethnographic collections about the figure of the Marquis de Baroncelli and the traditions of the Camargue. Another focus is the maritime history of the Camargue coast, which the museum presents through numerous underwater excavations.
Two different perspectives are presented here: ethnographic collections on an influential figure and regional traditions, and the history of the coast, explored through underwater excavations. This offers a practical guide if you would like to choose between cultural history and maritime themes for your stay.
A waymarked route into the national reserve
After 3 kilometres on waymarked paths, the La Digue à la Mer route enters the Camargue National Reserve. Unlike the church and museum, the focus here is on a specific route and its entrance into the protected area. You can therefore consider the route as a distinct landscape attraction alongside the town's cultural themes.
Discover more destinations: Allauch, Saint-Étienne-du-Grès, Rognes, Saint-Mitre-Les-Remparts, Cadolive, Saint-Antonin-Sur-Bayon, Auriol, Orgon.
For the overall travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.
