Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Coastal commune in Bouches-du-Rhône, France
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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