White horses running through the water, giant pink flamingos on the wing, bulls grazing at the river's edge -- these are just some of the sights you'll see during a visit to Saintes Maries de la Mer. At the southernmost tip of France, at the mouth of the Rhone River delta, this former fishing village has its own marina, a lively shopping scene, plenty of tourist attractions and a host of cafes and restaurants serving up traditional local dishes.
Hit the Beach
- In the summertime, the boardwalk of Saintes Maries is lined with tourists and locals alike, all eager to wiggle their toes in the soft sand and wade into the warm Mediterranean waters of the jetty-protected bay. A walk along the marina offers a choice of sightseeing boats, deep-sea fishing charter vessels or personal kayaks. Take a cruise up the Petit Rhone in the Tiki III for a look at gypsy caravans, fishing shacks, giant pink flamingos, swans, majestic bulls and a herd of white Camargue horses nibbling on river grasses. For an added treat, visit the ornate two-story carousel for a ride on a Camargue bull or in a pumpkin carriage.
Honor the Bulls
- Bullfighting in France is unlike the form practiced in other countries. To begin with, the bull is never harmed. Those most likely to be injured are the razateurs; these are the brave young men who dress in white and leap over the heads of the Camargue bulls to snatch a bit of ribbon or a paper rosette suspended between the lethally sharp horns. These agile, unarmed athletes do their best to outrun the bull and leap up into the stands before being gored. In the end, it is the bull who receives the prize of the golden bull statuette. If he is particularly brave, he may be honored with a statue in town.
Shop Till You Drop
- Saintes Maries de la Mer is a resort town and thus has the usual amount of touristy souvenirs in the village shops, but there are many treasures waiting to be discovered. Polka-dotted gypsy skirts, fancy fans, beautiful hair combs and intricate leather work can be found in the side streets. In the shops that line the town square, you can buy cowboy boots, saddles and Camargue Guardian -- cowboy -- shirts. Monday and Friday are market days and you can pick up unique locally made arts and crafts items along with fresh produce, cheese, seafood and snacks. Bargain hunters will thrill to the Tuesday brocante market, the French equivalent to a vintage flea market.
Gathering Gypsies
- The annual gathering of the gypsies takes place on May 24 and 25, when hundreds of gypsies from different parts of Europe make a pilgrimage to Saintes Maries de la Mer to pay tribute to their patron saint Sara. According to legend, Sara -- known as the Black Madonna -- accompanied the town's two namesake Saint Marys when their boat drifted in from Palestine. They camp on the beach, park their caravans and, with help from the local Camargue cowboys, they carry the statue of Sara to the sea to the accompaniment of cheers, weeping and lots of music. After that, Sara is returned to her crypt in the church and the party begins. You'll see some amazing flamenco dancing and hear music ranging from Hungarian accordion to Spanish guitar. Finish your night with a hearty bowl of bouillabaisse at a sidewalk cafe.
