Exceptional heritage of the Camargue

The Camargue is a vast wetland where ancestral traditions, ponds, exceptional biodiversity, remarkable villages, salt marshes, museums, marshes, tourist circuits and fine sandy beaches meet. Discover its enchanting and exotic landscapes, with family, friends, couple or solo. The Camargue Regional Natural Park wishes to protect its fauna and flora, while allowing access and discovery to travellers. On horseback, on foot, by car or by bike, explore the richness and quality of the landscapes offered by the Camargue. Cradle of horse breeding, bulls and gypsy music, there is no shortage of festive events in Saintes Maries de la Mer.

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Capital of the Camargue, the town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is a land of legend, tradition and pilgrimage. Between Camargue and Provençal landscapes, you will not be disappointed with your visit to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. In the shade of its Romanesque bell tower, visitors stroll through the cobbled streets. From the roof of the church, gaze on the lookout, nose and hair in the wind, he lets himself be won over by the emotion of the great outdoors, future scenes of discovery and warm encounters with the herders who walk on horseback on the pastures. of bulls promised a glorious future.

The year unfolds to the rhythm of traditional events, pilgrimages, ferias and events of all kinds. Between the ponds, the marshes and the beaches, the sports activities and idleness you will not have time to get bored.

The Church of Our Lady of the Sea

Built near the mouth of the Petit-Rhône, the Church of Saintes Maries de la Mer had a strategic position. The church dominates the village and is visible 10 km from the land.

It is a real fortress, formed of a nave, without decoration and 15 meters high. The roof is surrounded by a walkway, with battlements and battlements. The choir and the apse are surmounted by a semicircular dungeon which contains the old room of the guardhouse called the "upper chapel". The walls of the church are equipped with loopholes. It served as a refuge for the population and there is even a fresh water well.

Today, the statue of Sara, an essential part of the heritage of the gypsies, is placed in the crypt. The sanctuary, dedicated to the Virgin Mary also known as Our Lady of the Sea, was built around a primitive church.

Contemporary historians place the construction of the church during the second half of the 12th century, while others date the nave to the 11th century and the part corresponding to the choir to the 9th century.

The traditional herd

To discover the cattle tradition of the Camargue, nothing better than to visit a herd. Go and meet these enthusiasts of bulls, Camargue races and traditions. Get to know the work of a herdsman by taking part in a discovery day in the heart of a herd. Workshops, exceptional encounters and typical dishes will be on the program.

The ornithological park of Pont de Gau

4 km from the hotel, in this ornithological reserve, called the Pont de Gau, observe the hundreds of pink flamingos and the exceptional Camargue fauna in its natural state. In the middle of nature, you can stroll on the many protected hectares of the ornithological park and go to meet many species of birds. Breathtaking landscapes and the sweetness of life in the Camargue will punctuate your walk.

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From the Dike to the Sea

Between the sea and the marshes, this walk connects Les Saintes Maries de la Mer to the Gacholle Lighthouse over 12 km.

A UNIQUE TRAIL

It was built in 1859 to protect the Camargue from marine intrusions. The exchanges between the sea and the ponds are done through valves.

The dike is accessible by bike, on foot or on horseback. It is an essential place in the heart of the National Reserve for nature lovers and hikers (24 km round trip). After the lighthouse, it is possible to continue to Beauduc and Salin de Giraud.

The dyke that isolates the Rhône delta from the influence of the sea, reveals astonishing wild expanses and beautiful lagoons where seabirds and brackish birds are active.

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