We stopped for a while on the way back from Spain to Italy at the pretty French seaside town of Les Saintes- Maries-de-la-Mer on the recommendation of our friend Maria, whose suggestions are always excellent.
Known as Villo de la Mar in the Middle Ages, it was on the site of a Roman fort that, according to legends, the Saints Mary Jacobe, Mary Salome, Martha, Mary Magdelene and their black servant Sarah, accompanied by Maximus, Lazarus and Sidonius, were shipwrecked on the wild shores of the Camargue.
Mary Salome, Mary Jacobe and Sarah remained after the other left to pursue different things. The spot where they were buried became an important site of worship and Christian pilgrimage.
The current church was built at the start of the 12th century, apparently on the ruins of a shrine. Then later it was fortified to provide the inhabitants with protection against the Corsairs.
A well was dug within its precincts to provide water in time of siege. It is still in the church.
The 2 Marys can be seen in their little boat.
Sarah can be found in the crypt where she receives homage from pilgrims each year, especially gypsies who have adopted Sarah as their Patron Saint.
We climbed the winding steps to the roof of the church for some great views of the town.
The town is very popular in the warm months. There is a long, white sand beach and inviting blue water.
The town is very quaint and the main streets are lined with pretty shops, houses and cafes.
On our way back to the car we came across an enthusiastic games of boules.
It is easy to see why so many people flock to the seaside and the Saintes Maries.
The Camargue area is full of rice paddies…I had no idea. We passed several on our way back to the highway.
Camargue is a beautiful and diverse area…don’t miss it if you come to the south of France.
We were luck to visit Saintes Maries-de-la-Mer when the Annual Gypsy Festival was on. The city streets were crammed with caravans and people. It was very colourful.
By: Kerry & Jim on August 4, 2015
at 11:40 pm
We just missed it…next time.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 4, 2015
at 11:46 pm
Interesting place. It looks like a bit of a time warp.
By: Lyn on August 5, 2015
at 12:26 am
It is a bit old fashioned, part of its charm.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 6, 2015
at 10:17 pm
Old churches provide so many interesting visuals.
By: aFrankAngle on August 5, 2015
at 1:32 am
This one certainly did.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 6, 2015
at 10:16 pm
I loved the market images of Camargue.Would love to go there! 🙂
By: asthaguptaa on August 5, 2015
at 5:15 am
The whole area is great, there is lots to see and do.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 6, 2015
at 10:15 pm
What gorgeous photos!
By: andreapollard on August 5, 2015
at 5:42 am
Thank you, it is a very pretty place.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 6, 2015
at 10:15 pm
Thank you for the beautiful photos, Deb! As you know, we love that town. We always spend a day or two there on our way back from Bagni di Lucca to Spain.
Van Gogh, Hemingway and Picasso were also regular visitors. Also the Vikings and the Saracens, who used to raid the area. This is why there is this incredible water well inside the church, so that people could survive the long sieges protected by those huge walls.
It is a wonderful place to visitation!
By: Mulino Dominillo on August 5, 2015
at 6:23 am
I can see why you like to stop here, it is a lovely place to spend a few days.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 6, 2015
at 10:14 pm
That Sarah is a sight! She can hardly breath. The coast is lovely.
By: The Daily Cure on August 5, 2015
at 6:37 am
Smothered with love I think, lucky Sarah.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 6, 2015
at 10:13 pm
I love a beautiful seaside village. This one is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.
By: sheilasunshine on August 5, 2015
at 7:10 am
It would be a cute place to stay for a while and enjoy the beach.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 6, 2015
at 10:12 pm
Another place to visit! I think we need to hire a car and take about three weeks off and travel in your footsteps. Thank you for the photos.
By: janetknight57 on August 5, 2015
at 7:43 am
You really need a car to get to many of these out of the way places.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 6, 2015
at 10:11 pm
How lovely. I’d love to ‘happen’ upon that and mooch and I daresay, munch, as well.
By: Jan on August 5, 2015
at 8:52 am
It was a very pretty little place. A delicious gelato was eaten.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 6, 2015
at 10:10 pm
You visit such gorgeous places, many of which I have never been to or heard of before! 😀
By: Lorraine @Not Quite Nigella on August 5, 2015
at 10:22 am
There is an endless supply of wonderful places to visit.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 6, 2015
at 10:09 pm
That’s the first time I’ve heard of rice growing in Italy
By: Mallee Stanley on August 6, 2015
at 7:58 pm
Camargue is in southern France, but rice also grows in Piedmont in the north of Italy as well.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 6, 2015
at 10:08 pm
[…] On the way home from Barcelona we stopped at the sea side town of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer. […]
By: A year of travel | Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on December 26, 2015
at 1:19 pm