Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, France 

Discover What You’ve Been Missing

By: Kayla

If you’ve been dreaming of swimming in the blue and warm waters of the Mediterranean, then visit Saint-Maries-de-la-Mer, France, and enjoy the perfect beach day.

The town has upheld its historical roots, but it has also embraced modern-day tourism and become a bustling city and tourist attraction. There are several long streets of shops, cafés, and restaurants where tourists walk around freely, as cars are restricted on these particular roads.

The “Breeze of the Sea” Beach

The beaches of France are full of beautiful, powdery soft, white sand that contrasts the true blue water to create a most picturesque moment.

The beach “Plage la Brise de Mer” is located in the center of the city and even has views of the church nearby which was built from the 9th to the 12th century and resembles a fortress.

It might be a bit crowded in the popular season, but you’ll certainly find the perfect spot to relax among the miles of coastline. Once you find a perfect patch of sand, enjoy the breeze off the Mediterranean and the Southern sun on your face.

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer beaches are kept very clean and there is a washroom facility to hose down after playing in the sand for a while. 

The beach is lined with a jetty on both sides that leads out over the ocean making for an adventurous walk to the edge. It creates a beautiful view of the town behind you or the sea ahead.

The jetty curves inward which creates an almost swimming pool-like experience because you’ll feel encompassed by the part of the ocean you’re swimming in. It’s great for children and it stays shallow for a good distance. Each beach in the area varies in size and is lined with a jetty to protect against erosion. 

The “White Mane” Beach

“Plage Crin Blanc” is a popular beach for horseback riders to gallop along the shore. Just driving or walking by this beach gives you the most picturesque experience to enjoy the view of horses and the water. You can also choose to swim and relax on this beach and spend your day among the horses. 

Hotel Le Méditérranée

Plan to stay at Hotel Le Méditérranée which is located only 350 feet from the beautiful Church of Saintes Maries and it’s also only a two-minute walk to the beach. Enjoy breakfast on the terrace before a day of adventuring around this quaint coastal town. This hotel on average costs $88 a night but there are less and more expensive options in the town depending on your lifestyle. 

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (which stands for Saint Mary of the Sea) is away from the city with the perfect mix between historically kept and modernly facilitated.

Here you will experience some of the clearest and bluest water that French beaches offer and have an unforgettable swim in the ocean. 

It’s not a very large town but if you’d like to experience France in a different light, Sainte-Maries-de-la-Mer is definitely the place to go.