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Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Stes Maries de la Mer is at the southern edge of the Camargue, in southern Provence, on the Mediterranean. It can be reached most easily from Aigues-Mortes to the west or Arles to the north-east.
Well placed for exploring the Camargue region - indeed almost the only town of any significance in the whole camargue region - Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is a small town, dominated by its church, and surrounded by attractive streets of simple white washed houses, many of them now shops focussing on the tourist market
On a thin peninsula jutting into the Petit-Rhone delta region, the town is almost completely surrounded by water, and numerous beaches and dunes are to hand, as well as the possibilities of exploring the Camargue region.
There is a small active harbour in the town to amble around, with a couple of harbourside restaurants etc
Apart from the tourists who visit the town, it is also a pilgrimage town for Gypsies, who gather in great numbers in the town each May to commemorate Sara the Black.
The fortified church in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is very artfully lit with halogen lighting, and the stone interior not over-cleaned, making it very atmospheric. You can see the statue of Sara in the church - go to the rear of the church and descend the stairs
There is then a separate entrance to the side of the church where you can ascend to the ramparts and look out over the town and the Camargue (there is a charge for this part of the visit).
Saintes Maries de la Mer: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
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Places to visit - Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
- Aigues-Mortes Fortified town at 29 km
- Arles Provencal town at 33 km
- Roman Arles World Heritage Site at 33 km
- Camargue Natural Park at 3 km
Tourist Classifications for Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
- Listed as "Plus Beaux Detour" town in France (ie recommended stopover place)
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