At the end of the road that crosses the Camargue, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer gathers around its fortified church, between the Mediterranean and the lagoons. White houses, a bullring by the beach, horses and bulls in the nearby fields: the whole Rhône delta is here, in just a few streets.
Choosing where to stay in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer comes down first to deciding between the practical, lively village and the surrounding countryside, where country houses sit in splendid isolation among the marshes. This guide will help you decide, with places we have hand-picked.
The accommodation ranges from small hotels and B&Bs to self-catering places and caravans. See all our picks on the places to stay in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer page.
How to choose an area
The commune is one of the largest in mainland France, but almost all the accommodation is in the village or along the few roads leading to it:
- The village: the church, bullring, harbour and beaches are all within walking distance; the obvious choice without a car, and livelier in summer and during festivals.
- The immediate outskirts: the first country houses and hotels with gardens are just a few minutes from the centre, reachable by bike on perfectly flat ground.
- The Camargue countryside: along the road to Arles, towards the Pont de Gau Ornithological Park, and on the Petit Rhône side, you’ll find places surrounded by marshes and pastureland, where a car is essential.
For a weekend or a first visit, the village has the advantage: enjoy tellines and bull stew for dinner, then walk back. For a week of relaxation, a country house with a pool more than makes up for the daily journeys. Bear in mind that in summer, mosquitoes become noticeable after dark, even some distance from the seafront. Here are our picks.
Small hotels with pools
These three hotels offer the services of a traditional hotel, with the added bonus of a garden and pool for hot afternoons.
Hôtel du Pont Blanc
A three-star hotel centred around a leafy garden, with an outdoor pool and rooms opening onto a terrace. The spa is a welcome way to unwind after a day at the beach or a horse ride. Pets are welcome, a plus for those travelling with a dog; it’s still best to confirm the conditions before booking.
Mas Des Salicornes
A three-star hotel where the rooms open onto the garden through private terraces. The pool and continental breakfast make it a simple, comfortable base for exploring the beaches and lagoons. It’s a versatile choice, equally suited to couples and families.
Hotel Mas des Lys
Set in the flat, open landscape of the Camargue, this three-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with terraces facing the garden, arranged around an outdoor pool. Free private parking and a pet-friendly policy make it a practical base for a driving trip around the delta.
Peaceful country houses and B&Bs
The pace changes here: just a few rooms, gardens and lagoons in the background. Two of these places are adults-only, making them reliable choices for a romantic getaway.
Mas des Cabidoules
This B&B has a saltwater pool in the middle of the garden. The air-conditioned rooms each have a terrace, while free private parking makes trips to the beaches and bull ranches easy. An intimate place, made for slowing down rather than going out in the evening.
Mas Fandelou Adult Only
This adults-only country house is all about tranquillity, with an outdoor pool, garden and rooms overlooking the lagoon. It’s the place for couples who want to read by the water and watch the sun set over the marshes. Families with children will need to look elsewhere.
L'Oustau des Palunettes Concept Adult only
A small adults-only hotel with air-conditioned rooms opening onto the garden and a terrace for summer evenings. Pets are welcome. The pool is open only during the season; outside the warmer months, guests come mainly for the peace and quiet and proximity to the lagoons.
Caravans and self-catering accommodation
For a change from a traditional hotel, the Camargue has some more unusual places to stay: caravans at the back of a garden, quirky accommodation and studios with kitchens, for those who like their independence.
Roulotte Lou Gregau
An air-conditioned caravan in a garden near the Pont de Gau Ornithological Park: you can go and see the flamingos early in the morning, before the heat sets in. Free private parking is available on site. Space is limited, making it ideal for two but less suitable for those travelling with lots of luggage.
LA ROULOTTE DE MOUCHOU
An unusual 25 m² place to stay, with the luxury of its own pool and hot tub, plus a terrace facing the garden. Parking is free. The space is better suited to a couple than a family, but you won’t have to share the pool with anyone.
Studio 40m2 avec terrasse LE MAS DE LAURIANE
Two self-contained units, including a 40 m² studio, each with a terrace overlooking the garden and a fully equipped kitchen. This is the option for longer stays and travellers who prefer to shop at the market and cook Camargue rice themselves. There’s no hotel service, but you do get free private parking and complete freedom to come and go as you please.
What to see in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Start at the Church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer, a listed historic monument whose crenellated silhouette is a reminder that it once served as a fortress against incursions from the sea. In the crypt, the statue of Sara, venerated by the Roma, is hidden beneath coats donated by pilgrims. You can also climb onto the roof, where the view stretches from the Mediterranean to the lagoons.
On the seafront, the bullring hosts Camargue bull games in season. The raseteurs try to snatch the rosette attached between the bull’s horns, without killing it. In 1888, Vincent van Gogh spent a few days in the village after travelling from Arles, and painted the fishing boats pulled up on the sand.
The Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Museum, on Avenue Théodore-Aubanel, brings together finds from underwater archaeological excavations off the coast and ethnographic collections devoted to the Marquis Folco de Baroncelli, a passionate defender of Camargue traditions.
Nearby
- Pont de Gau Ornithological Park: 60 hectares of marshland on the road to Arles, with a marked trail and an observation point in the Ginès marsh; open every day, all year round.
- Digue à la mer: closed to cars, this dyke can be explored on foot or by bike between the lagoons and the coast, as far as the Gacholle lighthouse.
- Bac du Sauvage: this free ferry crosses the Petit Rhône about 6,5 km from the village and opens up the road to the Petite Camargue.
- Aigues-Mortes: the fortified town of Saint Louis is less than an hour’s drive away.
When to visit Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Spring and early autumn are the ideal seasons: the light is beautiful, flamingos are plentiful and the temperatures are comfortable for horse rides and cycling. Summer is hot and lively, and perfect for the beach, though mosquitoes are the downside in the evenings. Winter is quiet and sometimes windy.
Every year on 24 and 25 May, the Roma pilgrimage draws thousands of worshippers: the statue of Sara, followed by those of the Saintes Maries, is carried to the sea, accompanied by gardians on horseback. A second pilgrimage takes place on the weekend closest to 22 October. Book your accommodation well in advance for these dates.
Getting there and getting around
The village is about 40 kilometres southwest of Arles, along the road that runs beside the lagoons. The nearest SNCF train station is in Arles, with a coach service to Saintes-Maries; it’s best to check the timetable before setting off. The nearest airports are in Nîmes and Montpellier.
In the village, everything is within walking distance. The completely flat terrain and many tracks make cycling the best way to explore the surrounding area, as long as you’re prepared for the wind. For remote country houses and bull ranches, a car is still the easiest option. Find other places to stay in the region on our Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur page.
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is part of our guide to where to stay in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. To combine the Camargue with other stops, see also where to stay in Arles, the nearest city, where to stay in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, at the foot of the Alpilles, and where to stay in Cannes, for a very different side of the coast.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions that come up when planning a stay in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.
What is the best area to stay in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer?
It depends on how you like to travel. The village is the best choice for a first visit or if you’re without a car: the church, bullring, harbour, restaurants and beaches are all within walking distance. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, a pool and more space, the country houses and B&Bs in the surrounding area, along the road to Arles or towards the Petit Rhône, offer a wilder setting among the lagoons. You’ll need a car or bike to get around.
Can you stay in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer without a car?
Yes, as long as you stay in the village. The nearest SNCF train station is in Arles, with a coach service to Saintes-Maries; it’s a good idea to check the timetable before setting off. Once you’re there, everything is within walking distance, and you can cycle to the Pont de Gau Ornithological Park or along the Digue à la mer on entirely flat ground.
When do the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer pilgrimages take place?
The main pilgrimage takes place every year on 24 and 25 May. Thousands of worshippers, particularly from the Roma community, accompany the statue of Sara, followed by those of the Saintes Maries, to the sea, escorted by gardians on horseback. A second, smaller pilgrimage takes place on the weekend closest to 22 October. The village fills up quickly during both periods, so book your accommodation several months in advance.
What is the best season to visit Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer?
Spring and early autumn are the most pleasant times to visit: mild temperatures, beautiful light over the lagoons and plenty of flamingos make them ideal for walks, cycling and horse riding. Summer is best for beach lovers and those seeking a lively atmosphere, but it can be very hot, and mosquitoes come out in the evening, especially away from the seafront. Winter is quiet and bright, though the mistral sometimes blows.
Is Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer suitable for couples, families and travellers with a pet?
Yes, as long as you choose the right place to stay. Couples will find adults-only options, including a country house and a small hotel in our selection, in peaceful locations near the lagoons. Families will appreciate hotels with pools and self-catering accommodation with kitchens, which are more convenient for longer stays. Several of our picks welcome pets, including hotels with gardens and a small adults-only hotel. Always check the conditions before booking.
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