Location: Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Top Things to do in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Top Restaurants in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Top 10 Things to do in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, France
This beautiful fishing town on the Mediterranean Sea glimmers with sunshine and charm—so much so that Vincent van Gogh captured the streets and seascape of Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer. In between lunching and shopping, visit the monolithic Church of Three Saints, a stone Romanesque church that was built in the 12th century. That, plus museums and bullfight arenas, will stimulate your cultural yens. Savor fresh fish and plump shellfish at any one of Sainte-Marie-de-la-Mer’s exquisite cafes and restaurants.
Restaurants in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
1. Le Parc Ornithologique de Pont de Gau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Charles F - Newtown, United Kingdom
Flamingo, heron etc in profusion but also can be seen on other etang nearby off the roadside, Charnier for example, and both ways along the coast, Hyeres by Toulon, Frontignan, you pay and thus ensure you see more in nice surroundings, receive information etc, but wildlife can also be free.
2. Eglise des Stes-Maries
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By iloveliguria59 - Geneva, Switzerland
A last-minute decision brought us 4 nights to this little town in the wildly beautiful Camargue region we visited about 20 years ago out of season. We found a wonderful Mas within walking distance of town (see separate review for Le Mas de Cocagne) and it was a stroke of luck because we were able to forget the car in the evening. The historic part of town has retained its charm but, apart from the square around the church ( must see), you have to look for it, away from the ubiquitous shops and glaringly decorated restaurants that line a few streets and squares. Again, lucky for us, the hotel manageress sent us to a handful of really good restaurants ( see separate reviews for "La Casita", "Casa Romana" and "Le Canard de Bois") so we had some good experiences. To get to the Beaches you need a car: for the family-friendly Beaches near the "Farniente" private beach (we didn't bother with this, at €18 per person we decided to "slum it" on the wonderful sandy beach instead!), there is free ample car-parking. The coastal protection that has been built has created calm lagoons where you can swim, do stand-up paddling, wind-surfing etc. I fear that in July and August this beach must be very crowded and cars compete with the many camping-cars that swarm here. A must-do is a bike ride along la "digue à la mer" to get to the East Beaches. We did 26km and saw plenty of flamencos and salt! Huge landscapes where you feel more like on the Atlantic Beaches than the Med. You can easily hire bikes in town (or even get them delivered at your hotel or apartment for no extra cost! ). You can also take the car some way up the digue and park it to access these wonderful Beaches - €5 a car. You are guaranteed no neighbours here but be prepared to lug everything at least 500m to the sea! We chickened out of taking a horse Promenade but regretted it so go for it! This place has got a lot going for it but I would not want to come in mid summer.
3. L'Eglise Notre Dame de la Mar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By CalBristol - Weston super Mare, United Kingdom
You can't miss this church - it rears up from the centre of the little town, looking like a fortified tower of a castle! It dates back to the 4th Century but has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. Being a fortified church, it has very small windows which means that the interior is very dim to say the least - it is also very hot! The walls are covered with centuries of soot from the hundreds of candles and apart from the items in the crypt, there isn't much else to see. You can pay a fee and climb up to the roof and gaze over the town and the flat Camargue countryside.
4. L'ecurie de l'Auberge Cavaliere
Overall Ratings
5 based on 71 reviews
The stables of the Auberge Cavalier are a FFE(French horse federation) equestrian center located in the grounds of a hotel 4 *. We offer excursions on horseback (from 8 years) in a small group. You can choose different types of outputs whose output "coucher de soleil" during which will be served a Camargue appetizer and the return to the stables to the glow of the setting sun. We also offer lessons and for children from 4 years we can rent a pony. We work primarily with respect for our horses. They only come out two times per day with at least one day of total rest, we avoid high heat for their good slots be. In this context we offer you a quality saddlery. Finally the outputs are commented to allow you to discover our beautiful region, in french or English.
Reviewed By bia d
The ride is normal you will not see anything amazing.
The horses are ok. The guide is not good and Have no attention to guests that are afraid of horses . Don't return money even if you cancel or don't go on the ride. Bad service . Lost my money and time .
5. Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 713 reviews
Reviewed By Karel K - Stary Plzenec, Czech Republic
This is a nice sand beach, a bit overcrowded, but there are plenty of place for everybody. I would strongly recommend you to arrive there asap, because parking could be a issue later ...
6. Le Petit Train Camarguais
Overall Ratings
4 based on 244 reviews
Reviewed By gerardWiltshireUK - Chippenham, United Kingdom
45 minute journey on this land train taking you to see some of the lakes with flamingos feeding as well as the many Horses s and bulls. Useful commentary throughout. The driver( and commentator) was well used to taking carrots( for visitors to feed the horses) and bread thrown into a carp pond. Herons abound- including a heronry in some trees. Well worth going- popular and somne trips fully booked. We waited nearly an hour for the Kiosk to open to ensure we got a seat as the later trips were fully sold out
7. Phare de la Gacholle
Overall Ratings
4 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By Eliselev - Paris, France
The Digue de la Mer is really a great bicycle ride to go to the Lighthouse. It is about 13km from the town Saintes-Maries de la Mer. The view is super nice and you can see some pink flamingos along the way...
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED thing to do! Especially with a bicycle :-)
8. Chateau d'Avignon
Overall Ratings
4 based on 76 reviews
Set on the western edge of the Rhône delta, the Chateau d'Avignon is an unexpected combination of green landscapes, technology and architecture, created by the innovative mind of Louis Prat-Noilly.In 1893, this rich merchant from Marseille purchased a chateau built in the 18th century by the Avignon family. The innovative mind of the new owner contributed to a radical transformation of the former country house, which became a beautiful hunting pavillion.Ancré à la limite occidentale du delta du Rhône, le domaine du château d’Avignon constitue un ensemble inattendu de verdure, de technologie et d’architecture, né de l’esprit novateur de Louis Prat-Noilly.En 1893, ce riche négociant marseillais se porte acquéreur d’un château bâti au XVIIIe siècle par la famille d’Avignon. L’esprit novateur du nouveau propriétaire contribue à une transformation radicale de l’ancienne bastide, qui devient à son initiative un précieux pavillon de chasse.
9. Manade Cavallini
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By NBCTeacher - Chicago, IL
I visited as part of a Road Scholar program. First, we went on a hay ride to the fields where the guardians (cowboys) gave us a demonstration of their work. It is amazing in that they are very calm and gentle in herding the bulls. These bulls do not go to bull fights. They participate in games where men try to take ribbons off their horns. They are not harmed. Then the guardians played a game which demonstrates the agility of the horses. We had a wonderful lunch at the ranch including mussels and other dishes for starters and tender stewed bull for the main course. Dessert was delicious as well. It was a perfect day!
10. Port Gardian Capitainerie
Overall Ratings
4 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By 1AnnieEliza - United States
The marina area is beautiful, enough said! The blue, blue water and the amazing skies overhead. Walk through and enjoy...this is the life!Dear Annie Eliza, thak you so much for your comment. We are so happy you enjoyed Port Gardian and that you felt so good in Saintes Maries de la Mer. Be back soon !!! Regards.
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