Things to do in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Our most recommended things to do in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

From Arles: Half-Day 4x4 Camargue Safari

From Arles: Half-Day 4x4 Camargue Safari

Discover Camargue Natural Regional Park on an exciting 4x4 excursion with an experienced guide. See native wildlife like horses, bulls, and flamingos and stop in the charming village of Saintes Maries de la Mer. Meet your guide and embark on this incredible half-day 4 x 4 tour. Located between the arms of the Rhône River, the Camargue is a wind-swept land made of salt and water. Birds have made it their safe haven and people have managed to intermingle with biodiversity in this unique place, breeding bulls and horses, as well as developing the rice culture.   Camargue manages to seduce with its breathtaking landscapes and doesn't fail to impress. This territory, where water and alluvium, ponds, marshes and land all mix, has been the base of exceptionally rich human history. Discover the ponds and marshes, home to pink flamingos and many other birds. You will be welcomed on  private land to admire the famous Camargue bulls and horses. Discover the heart of the Camargue Natural Regional Park and learn about its nature and history from your guide.

Camargue: Safari from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Camargue: Safari from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Depart from the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and head out on a 2-hour safari around the scenic Camargue, southern France. Headed by a designated driver and guide, your group will discover the blossoming flora and fauna unique to this bucolic region.  See the famous white Camargue horses roaming freely in the fields from the heights of the convertible 4x4 motor. Snap shots of flamingos and different bird species flying around the edge of the ponds and bodies of water found in this serene area while listening to the story of the Camargue.  Travel to a bull farm where you will encounter black bulls and learn about the bull farming life from your informative guide.

From Avignon: Camargue Tour with Pont de Gau Bird Park Entry

From Avignon: Camargue Tour with Pont de Gau Bird Park Entry

After a 1-hour drive through rice fields and brackish ponds, during which your tour guide will introduce you to the peculiarities of the Camargue, you will be dropped off at the beautiful Bird Park of Pont de Gau (admission ticket included). Created by a family of nature lovers in 1949, the Bird Park is situated in the heart of the regional nature park of the Camargue, which is how we call the delta of the Rhône river. There's no better place to observe the iconic bird of the region. An easy walk along marshes and ponds, following a well-signed footpath, will allow you to get very close to pink flamingos, that cohabit here with hundreds of other bird species. The Camargue is also a country of traditions and history! Meet your driver again and head to the charming coastal town of Saintes Maries de la Mer. Discover the legend that led to the construction of the impressive fortified church Our Lady from the Sea, known in France for the celebrations it holds for each Mary's feast, in May and October. The feast held in May draws large numbers of Roma Catholics to the town for a week. They come here to worship the relics of Sarah, their patron saint. Don't miss a visit to the interiors of the church, dating back to the beginning of the 11th century, and enjoy a panoramic view from the sentry walk on the roof (4€/adult). Afterwards head to the beach, where you can go for a relaxing walk along the promenade, where reproductions of Van Gogh's paintings are exhibited, or for a swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Don't forget to taste some local specialties, like seafood, bull meat and rice (lunch not included). After lunch, meet your guide again and continue the journey through wild landscapes and picturesque farms, ranches and salt marshes. Your tour guide will stop along the way to observe and photograph Camargue horses and bulls. These animals are a fundamental element of the region's culture, where it is not unusal to come across a bull race or a folklore event involving horses. Before getting back to Avignon, discover Aigues Mortes, one of the highlights of the region, a wonderfully preserved walled city dating back in the 13th century. Funded by King Louis IX in 1240 as a starting base for the Crusades, Aigues Mortes comes out from nowhere among salt pans and rice fields. Its massive rampart shelters narrow paved streets and small squares, where you can do some shopping and taste delicious local desserts. You can also opt for a walk on the sentry walk atop the rampart, which is the best way to spot the neighboring salt marshes.

From Montpellier: Camargue and Salt Marshes Guided Tour

From Montpellier: Camargue and Salt Marshes Guided Tour

Enjoy an excursion to Aigues Mortes, a magnificent fortified city, classified as a Grand site Occitanie. In its downtown area, you will find a beautiful square where the famous statue of Saint Louis is located. Discover the "salins du midi" (by small train) and let yourself be seduced by the pink colors. Walk among the lakes to discover the birds of the Camargue Enjoy Saintes Maries de la mer and visit its emblematic building: its church with the statue of Saint Sara, the Black Virgin. On the way back, discover the Tour Carbonnière alone in the middle of the marshes and rice fields. This square tower of the 13th century impressed the travelers of the time. Take the beautiful stairs to enjoy a view of the whole region

Camargue, its secrets and its magic: an exclusive tour

Camargue, its secrets and its magic: an exclusive tour

A tailor-made tour, created specifically for the needs of our beloved visitors! Whether you want to visit a herd and drink a rosé with a bull herd, discover the magical world of pink flamingos, stroll the streets of Saintes Maries de la Mer to discover its fascinating thousand-year-old history, or be fascinated by Saint Luis and Aigues Mortes, we are ready to create the most suitable guided tour for you! In addition, we combine cultural visits with magnificent outdoor activities, such as a paddle ride on the Petit Rhône in the company of an instructor/guide, or a sand yachting session among the dunes of an endless beach. A perfect combination to discover the Camargue in its most authentic and original essence!

Richness of Provence in one day - customizable private trip

Richness of Provence in one day - customizable private trip

Discover various landscapes, experience local lifestyle & immerse in different ambiances in Provence without running. My goal is to make you happy & unwid. According to your expectations, pickup location, day energy & mood we will fix together the perfect itinerary selecting & mixing these visits: COUNTRYSIDE: peaceful nature, hilltop authentic villages, wine tasting, incredible landscapes, game of pétanque with regional appetizers..just like locals do ! (around Sainte Victoire mountain or Le Castellet) MARSEILLE: Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde basilica, amazing view over the sea & the city, walk in the vibrant Old Port AIX-EN-PROVENCE: little chic town, perfect for strolling & shopping CASSIS: boat ride to visit the incredible Calanques, strolling & lunch in the pictoresque port or beach time. Drive on Cap Canaille, the biggest cliff in Europe, a glass of wine with a stunning view there of all the Mediterranean.. Ready for this unforgettable day with Happy Day in Provence? :) Pickup locations : upon request in Provence: it can be a hotel, train station, cruise port in Marseille, Toulon or Seyne-sur-mer or the airport.

Visit Camargue and Espiguette Lighthouse from Montpellier

Visit Camargue and Espiguette Lighthouse from Montpellier

Enjoy an excursion to the Espiguette lighthouse where you can go to the top to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Mediterranean sea. Discover Aigues Mortes, a magnificent fortified city, classified as a Grand site Occitanie. In its downtown area, you will find a beautiful square where the famous statue of Saint Louis is located. Enjoy Saintes Maries de la mer and visit its emblematic building: its church with the statue of Saint Sara, the Black Virgin. On the way back, discover the Tour Carbonnière alone in the middle of the marshes and rice fields. This square tower of the 13th century impressed the travelers of the time. Take the beautiful stairs to enjoy a view of the whole region

From Avignon: Half-Day Camargue and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

From Avignon: Half-Day Camargue and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Depart Avignon and embark on a half-day tour of the beautiful wetlands and other landscapes of the Camargue by air-conditioned minivan. See wild horses and different bird species in their natural habitat, and learn more about the region from your driver/guide. Hear all about the local culture of the Roma people and get the chance to have your fortune read. Pass the historic city of Arles and see the wild horses and bulls unique to the region roaming freely as you make your way to the coastal town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Get some free time to explore the town center and soak up its charms. Use the time to look inside the Romanesque fortress-church and follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims who gather yearly for a religious festival in honor of Saint Sarah.

Montpellier: Personalized Day-Tour of the South of France

Montpellier: Personalized Day-Tour of the South of France

Discover exceptional destinations such as Camargue Regional Natural Park, Unesco Biosphere of the Causses-Cévennes, Great Sites of France, historic towns (Avignon, Arles, Nîmes, Montpellier, Marseille, Uzès, Aigues Mortes, Saintes Maries de la Mer), typical villages of Provence and Occitania, unusual sites (Le Pont du Gard, Les Baux de Provence, Saint Guilhem le Désert, Cathars castles, Calanques of Cassis), museums (Camargue or Cévennes), exceptional local winegrowers, and the best breeders of wild bulls or horses of Camargue.

Saintes-Maries de la mer: At the heart of Camargue history

Saintes-Maries de la mer: At the heart of Camargue history

Discover the Camargue region with a local guide. Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh and Frédéric Mistral, who enriched the culture of the village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Admire the local flora and fauna. Meet your guide, Clara, and go on a tour of the village. Listen to stories, anecdotes and secrets from the village of Clara, a native of the Camargue region. Discover the incredible local flora and fauna that you won't find anywhere else in the world. Flamingos, bulls and horses will be your new friends.

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Our most recommended things to do in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

From Arles: Half-Day 4x4 Camargue Safari

From Arles: Half-Day 4x4 Camargue Safari

Discover Camargue Natural Regional Park on an exciting 4x4 excursion with an experienced guide. See native wildlife like horses, bulls, and flamingos and stop in the charming village of Saintes Maries de la Mer. Meet your guide and embark on this incredible half-day 4 x 4 tour. Located between the arms of the Rhône River, the Camargue is a wind-swept land made of salt and water. Birds have made it their safe haven and people have managed to intermingle with biodiversity in this unique place, breeding bulls and horses, as well as developing the rice culture.   Camargue manages to seduce with its breathtaking landscapes and doesn't fail to impress. This territory, where water and alluvium, ponds, marshes and land all mix, has been the base of exceptionally rich human history. Discover the ponds and marshes, home to pink flamingos and many other birds. You will be welcomed on  private land to admire the famous Camargue bulls and horses. Discover the heart of the Camargue Natural Regional Park and learn about its nature and history from your guide.

Camargue: Safari from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Camargue: Safari from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Depart from the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and head out on a 2-hour safari around the scenic Camargue, southern France. Headed by a designated driver and guide, your group will discover the blossoming flora and fauna unique to this bucolic region.  See the famous white Camargue horses roaming freely in the fields from the heights of the convertible 4x4 motor. Snap shots of flamingos and different bird species flying around the edge of the ponds and bodies of water found in this serene area while listening to the story of the Camargue.  Travel to a bull farm where you will encounter black bulls and learn about the bull farming life from your informative guide.

From Avignon: Camargue Tour with Pont de Gau Bird Park Entry

From Avignon: Camargue Tour with Pont de Gau Bird Park Entry

After a 1-hour drive through rice fields and brackish ponds, during which your tour guide will introduce you to the peculiarities of the Camargue, you will be dropped off at the beautiful Bird Park of Pont de Gau (admission ticket included). Created by a family of nature lovers in 1949, the Bird Park is situated in the heart of the regional nature park of the Camargue, which is how we call the delta of the Rhône river. There's no better place to observe the iconic bird of the region. An easy walk along marshes and ponds, following a well-signed footpath, will allow you to get very close to pink flamingos, that cohabit here with hundreds of other bird species. The Camargue is also a country of traditions and history! Meet your driver again and head to the charming coastal town of Saintes Maries de la Mer. Discover the legend that led to the construction of the impressive fortified church Our Lady from the Sea, known in France for the celebrations it holds for each Mary's feast, in May and October. The feast held in May draws large numbers of Roma Catholics to the town for a week. They come here to worship the relics of Sarah, their patron saint. Don't miss a visit to the interiors of the church, dating back to the beginning of the 11th century, and enjoy a panoramic view from the sentry walk on the roof (4€/adult). Afterwards head to the beach, where you can go for a relaxing walk along the promenade, where reproductions of Van Gogh's paintings are exhibited, or for a swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Don't forget to taste some local specialties, like seafood, bull meat and rice (lunch not included). After lunch, meet your guide again and continue the journey through wild landscapes and picturesque farms, ranches and salt marshes. Your tour guide will stop along the way to observe and photograph Camargue horses and bulls. These animals are a fundamental element of the region's culture, where it is not unusal to come across a bull race or a folklore event involving horses. Before getting back to Avignon, discover Aigues Mortes, one of the highlights of the region, a wonderfully preserved walled city dating back in the 13th century. Funded by King Louis IX in 1240 as a starting base for the Crusades, Aigues Mortes comes out from nowhere among salt pans and rice fields. Its massive rampart shelters narrow paved streets and small squares, where you can do some shopping and taste delicious local desserts. You can also opt for a walk on the sentry walk atop the rampart, which is the best way to spot the neighboring salt marshes.

From Montpellier: Camargue and Salt Marshes Guided Tour

From Montpellier: Camargue and Salt Marshes Guided Tour

Enjoy an excursion to Aigues Mortes, a magnificent fortified city, classified as a Grand site Occitanie. In its downtown area, you will find a beautiful square where the famous statue of Saint Louis is located. Discover the "salins du midi" (by small train) and let yourself be seduced by the pink colors. Walk among the lakes to discover the birds of the Camargue Enjoy Saintes Maries de la mer and visit its emblematic building: its church with the statue of Saint Sara, the Black Virgin. On the way back, discover the Tour Carbonnière alone in the middle of the marshes and rice fields. This square tower of the 13th century impressed the travelers of the time. Take the beautiful stairs to enjoy a view of the whole region

Camargue, its secrets and its magic: an exclusive tour

Camargue, its secrets and its magic: an exclusive tour

A tailor-made tour, created specifically for the needs of our beloved visitors! Whether you want to visit a herd and drink a rosé with a bull herd, discover the magical world of pink flamingos, stroll the streets of Saintes Maries de la Mer to discover its fascinating thousand-year-old history, or be fascinated by Saint Luis and Aigues Mortes, we are ready to create the most suitable guided tour for you! In addition, we combine cultural visits with magnificent outdoor activities, such as a paddle ride on the Petit Rhône in the company of an instructor/guide, or a sand yachting session among the dunes of an endless beach. A perfect combination to discover the Camargue in its most authentic and original essence!

Richness of Provence in one day - customizable private trip

Richness of Provence in one day - customizable private trip

Discover various landscapes, experience local lifestyle & immerse in different ambiances in Provence without running. My goal is to make you happy & unwid. According to your expectations, pickup location, day energy & mood we will fix together the perfect itinerary selecting & mixing these visits: COUNTRYSIDE: peaceful nature, hilltop authentic villages, wine tasting, incredible landscapes, game of pétanque with regional appetizers..just like locals do ! (around Sainte Victoire mountain or Le Castellet) MARSEILLE: Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde basilica, amazing view over the sea & the city, walk in the vibrant Old Port AIX-EN-PROVENCE: little chic town, perfect for strolling & shopping CASSIS: boat ride to visit the incredible Calanques, strolling & lunch in the pictoresque port or beach time. Drive on Cap Canaille, the biggest cliff in Europe, a glass of wine with a stunning view there of all the Mediterranean.. Ready for this unforgettable day with Happy Day in Provence? :) Pickup locations : upon request in Provence: it can be a hotel, train station, cruise port in Marseille, Toulon or Seyne-sur-mer or the airport.

Visit Camargue and Espiguette Lighthouse from Montpellier

Visit Camargue and Espiguette Lighthouse from Montpellier

Enjoy an excursion to the Espiguette lighthouse where you can go to the top to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Mediterranean sea. Discover Aigues Mortes, a magnificent fortified city, classified as a Grand site Occitanie. In its downtown area, you will find a beautiful square where the famous statue of Saint Louis is located. Enjoy Saintes Maries de la mer and visit its emblematic building: its church with the statue of Saint Sara, the Black Virgin. On the way back, discover the Tour Carbonnière alone in the middle of the marshes and rice fields. This square tower of the 13th century impressed the travelers of the time. Take the beautiful stairs to enjoy a view of the whole region

From Avignon: Half-Day Camargue and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

From Avignon: Half-Day Camargue and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Depart Avignon and embark on a half-day tour of the beautiful wetlands and other landscapes of the Camargue by air-conditioned minivan. See wild horses and different bird species in their natural habitat, and learn more about the region from your driver/guide. Hear all about the local culture of the Roma people and get the chance to have your fortune read. Pass the historic city of Arles and see the wild horses and bulls unique to the region roaming freely as you make your way to the coastal town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Get some free time to explore the town center and soak up its charms. Use the time to look inside the Romanesque fortress-church and follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims who gather yearly for a religious festival in honor of Saint Sarah.

Montpellier: Personalized Day-Tour of the South of France

Montpellier: Personalized Day-Tour of the South of France

Discover exceptional destinations such as Camargue Regional Natural Park, Unesco Biosphere of the Causses-Cévennes, Great Sites of France, historic towns (Avignon, Arles, Nîmes, Montpellier, Marseille, Uzès, Aigues Mortes, Saintes Maries de la Mer), typical villages of Provence and Occitania, unusual sites (Le Pont du Gard, Les Baux de Provence, Saint Guilhem le Désert, Cathars castles, Calanques of Cassis), museums (Camargue or Cévennes), exceptional local winegrowers, and the best breeders of wild bulls or horses of Camargue.

Saintes-Maries de la mer: At the heart of Camargue history

Saintes-Maries de la mer: At the heart of Camargue history

Discover the Camargue region with a local guide. Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh and Frédéric Mistral, who enriched the culture of the village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Admire the local flora and fauna. Meet your guide, Clara, and go on a tour of the village. Listen to stories, anecdotes and secrets from the village of Clara, a native of the Camargue region. Discover the incredible local flora and fauna that you won't find anywhere else in the world. Flamingos, bulls and horses will be your new friends.

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What people are saying about Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Overall rating

4.6
(803 reviews)

Veronica is the perfect guide: friendly, punctual, a great driver, informative, excellent English, helpful and personable. She took us to some interesting places. We would have liked more time in Aigues Mortes...we walked the walls but didn’t have time for tea and cake as well! Never mind...we had a great day in all!

We had the added bonus of being the only English speakers so we had a private tour and an excellent guide who was very knowledgeable about the region and its activities.

Wonderful guide who spoke perfect English and was enthusiastic and knowledgeable.

The guide was really nice and good in telling us stories about camargues

everything was perfect. specially our guide fabritcio