Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Coastal commune in Bouches-du-Rhône, France
Description
Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is a coastal commune in Bouches-du-Rhône, located where the Petit Rhône meets the Mediterranean. White sandbars and reed belts frame low rows of houses, while behind the beach brackish pools and wide grazing pastures begin.
History
The settlement began in the fourth century under the name Ra and was later called Notre-Dame-de-Ratis. In 1838 it received its current name, which refers to the tradition of two biblical companions of Jesus.
Culture
The name honors two Marys who, according to legend, came ashore here, and this story still shapes the townscape with votive plaques and processions. On pilgrimage days the lanes fill with riders and musicians heading to the church, renewing old rituals.
Practical
The tourism office offers guidance on horseback tours, jeep excursions and rides on the little train through the surrounding wetlands. Most trips start at the edge of town, where parking on firm ground makes entering the marsh landscape easier.
Did you know?
The local arena hosts the course camarguaise, where men try to snatch rosettes from the foreheads of bulls. The animals leave the sand unharmed and enjoy special respect as participants in the region.
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Camargue Regional Natural Park
17.3 km
Church of the Saintes Maries de la Mer
26 m
Parc Ornithologique de Pont de Gau
4.7 km
Domain of the castle of Avignon
12 km
Bac du Sauvage
5.3 km
Parc ornithologique de Pont-de-Gau
134 m
Fort de Peccais
15.1 km
Mas de Méjanes
14.4 km
Réserve naturelle nationale de Camargue
12.5 km
Phare de la Gacholle
11.5 km
Bullring of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
215 m
Plage de Sainte Marie de la mer
446 m
Méjanes bullring
14.5 km
Chapelle de Montcalm
16 kmAbbaye de Sylveréal
12.5 km
Méjanes cross
14.5 km
Plage Est
4.1 km
Phare de la Gacholle
11.5 km
Draille des Cinq Gorges
5.2 km
Baroncelli Museum
58 m
Observatoire du Mas Neuf
16.2 km
Mirèio
81 m
Camargue
7.9 km
Pont de Sylvéréal
12.3 km
Plage des Arènes
350 m
La Petite Camargue
15.4 kmScenic viewpoint
4.3 kmObservatoire
14.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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