Saintes Maries de la Mer Vacation Rentals
Tips on renting in Saintes Maries de la Mer
Getting Around
What to Pack
Must-Try Activities
Smart Spending Tips
Saintes Maries de la Mer, the capital of Camargue, offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and adventure for families. Begin at the Église des Saintes Maries, a fortified church with panoramic rooftop views. Stroll the Place des Gitans and explore the Musée Baroncelli for local history. Book a Camargue Safari with Camargue Autrement or Safari Camargue Découverte to see wild white horses, black bulls, and pink flamingos. Enjoy horseback riding with Les Arnelles or take a boat tour with Tiki III along the Petit Rhône. Relax on the Plage des Saintes Maries, a family-friendly beach perfect for swimming and sandcastles. Dine at La Table d’Uzès or Le Bruleur de Loups for regional cuisine. Don’t miss the Parc Ornithologique de Pont de Gau, where kids can spot flamingos up close. End your day with an ice cream from Glacier des Saintes and a sunset walk along the sea wall.
Nearby cities
Saint Laurent d’Aigouze
Discover Saint Laurent d'Aigouze in Camargue—where your family can picnic by sparkling lakes, bike wildflower trails, and watch flamingos under sunny skies.
Aigues Mortes
Discover Aigues Mortes in Camargue—explore medieval walls, family bike rides by pink salt lakes, and picnic under sunny skies for an unforgettable getaway.
Port Camargue
Discover Port Camargue in Camargue, France—where your family can sail, bike, and play by sparkling lakes, sandy beaches, and sunlit harbors all season long.
Le Grau du Roi
Bring your family to Le Grau du Roi in Camargue for sunlit beaches, gentle lake breezes, and bike rides along sparkling shores—perfect for fun and relaxation together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Saintes Maries de la Mer has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The Camargue Regional Nature Park, just outside Saintes Maries de la Mer, offers a mesmerizing landscape of shimmering salt flats, wild white horses, and flocks of pink flamingos wading through expansive wetlands. Visitors can explore the Étang de Vaccarès, the region’s largest lagoon, where the interplay of light and water creates an unforgettable scene. Horseback rides along sandy trails and boat tours through reed-fringed marshes reveal the unspoiled beauty and unique biodiversity of this remarkable area.
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Getting around Saintes Maries de la Mer with kids is a breeze thanks to its compact size and flat terrain. The town’s charming streets are easily walkable, leading you from the lively Place des Gitans to the historic Church of the Saintes Maries. Biking is popular, with rental shops offering family-friendly options and scenic routes along the Camargue’s marshes. Local buses connect nearby attractions, ensuring you can explore the region’s wild beauty with minimal hassle.
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In Saintes Maries de la Mer, many accommodations cater to travelers seeking extended stays, especially in self-catering apartments and holiday residences near the Camargue Regional Nature Park. While charming hotels around the Église des Saintes Maries typically focus on comfort and Provençal ambiance, it’s the rental apartments and gîtes that most often provide fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities, making them ideal for visitors who want the convenience of home while exploring the vibrant markets and wild landscapes of the Camargue.
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During a weekend in Saintes Maries de la Mer, immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of the Camargue region by exploring the historic Church of the Saintes Maries, where legends of Mary Magdalene come alive. Wander the lively waterfront lined with seafood restaurants, then venture into the nearby Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue to spot wild flamingos and white horses. Cap off your evenings with a sunset stroll along the sandy Plage des Saintes Maries, savoring the Mediterranean breeze.
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For a perfect sun tanning spot or a peaceful beach day near Saintes Maries de la Mer, head to Plage de l’Amarée, a serene stretch of sand just outside the lively village center. Here, you can relax by the gentle waves of the Mediterranean Sea, away from large crowds, and enjoy the expansive views of the Camargue’s wild landscapes. The nearby Étang de Vaccarès adds a unique touch, with flamingos often visible in the distance.
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While Saintes Maries de la Mer is famous for its Mediterranean beaches and wild Camargue landscapes, beginner skiers and families can find great options by heading northeast toward the Alps. The closest family-friendly ski resort is Les Orres, about three hours away, which offers gentle slopes, a dedicated beginner area, and ski schools. The charming village atmosphere and panoramic views of the Serre-Ponçon Lake make it a rewarding destination for those new to skiing.
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In Saintes Maries de la Mer, a family of four can expect to pay between €120 and €200 per night for comfortable accommodations during the high season, with options ranging from charming boutique hotels near the Church of the Saintes Maries to family-friendly apartments close to the Camargue beaches. Prices tend to be lower in the shoulder seasons, and staying near the Place des Gitans offers convenient access to local restaurants, the vibrant waterfront, and the town’s famous whitewashed streets.
