Church of Notre-Dame in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer visitor guide

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Visit Church of Notre-Dame in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, France

The Church of Notre-Dame is the principal historic monument in the town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, on the coast in the Bouches-du-Rhone department of Provence, and dominating views of the town.

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France This Way review: the Church of Notre-Dame in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is a good example of early fortified churches in France, and from the rooftop terrace there are lovely views across the town and sea, so it merits a visit as you explore the town

The first church was built in this location from the 9th century, although it has been suggested that a temple dedicated to Artemis stood here in ancient times.

By the middle of the 10th century the church had been abandoned, due to constant attacks by Saracens and Vikings, and was only reclaimed in 973, when Count William of Provence (also known as 'the liberator') drove the Saracens from the region.

The church was rebuilt in the second half of the 12th century. Its architecture is principally in the Romanesque style, although the gothic style had also started to influence church architecture by this time. The typical church architecture was modified because the church needed to be fortified - hence the rather sombre facade.

At this time the town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer was also surrounded by defensive ramparts, but these were destroyed at the time of the Revolution.

Further modifications were made later, and the church that we see today was completed in the 14th century.

The tessellations along the top of the wall, a simple square tower on the right and a small door are the only decorative elements on the facade and the sides of the church are high stone walls with blind arches.

At the rear of the church you can see a round apse, typical of early churches in the roman style, but here at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer it is a high wall of red stone, below an defensive watch tower, so very untypical of the roman style churches you will see elsewhere.

Inside the church there is a single nave, with little decoration except the large stone pillars. The apse is more interesting, with eight stone columns supporting various carvings: some are of simple foliage while others represent Biblical stories such as the Passion of Christ.

You can also see statues of the saints in a boat, following the legend that the Saints Mary arrived here in a boat from the Holy Land. Below the church you can visit the crypt, which contains a shrine to Saint Sarah the Black, servant to Mary Magdalene and an important saint for the gypsies.

After visiting the interior, you can pay a small charge to climb the stairs of the tower, to a terrace with views across the rooftops of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and the Mediterranean. We recommend you do this, the views are very impressive and you will likely think it the highlight of your visit!

The church is also a destination for pilgrims to the town, called the Gypsy Pilgrimage. This pilgrimage has been popular since the 14th century, and the time when the Pope lived in nearby Avignon.

A large festival now takes place in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer on the 24th and 24th May each year. As well as a pilgrimage this has also developed into a popular tourist attraction for the town. The Gypsy procession to the sea takes place the day before the religious procession.

Attractions nearby

Elsewhere in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer you can enjoy the lively seaside atmosphere and stroll along the seafront.

The natural environment plays a large role with visitors, with the flamingos and bird park at Pont de Gau Ornithological Park and safaris in the Camargue region among the highlights.

Among other places of interest near the town, there are several interesting Roman monuments in Arles and the fortified town of Aigues-Mortes still retains its original fortifications.

See more churches in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Bouches-du-Rhone guide and the Provence guide.

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Places to visit near Church of Notre-Dame in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

On the edge of the Camargue region, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is a very pleasant coast town well known for its gypsy festival

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer guide

Camargue

The Camargue region of marhes, with flamingoes and semi-wild horses and an unusual natural environment, make it very popular with nature lovers

Camargue guide

Pont de Gau Ornithological Park

The Pont de Gau Ornithological Park in the Camargue is home to many wetland birds including a large population of flamingos

Pont de Gau Ornithological Park guide

Aigues-Mortes

The remarkable town of Aigues-Mortes is a fortified town that retains its entire medieval defences and an interesting historical centre

Aigues-Mortes guide

Saint-Gilles

Saint-Gilles is a small town with an impressive 12th century abbey church

Saint-Gilles guide

Le Grau-du-Roi

Le Grau-de-Roi is one of the most eastern, and one of the most popular, beach resorts in Languedoc-Roussillon

Le Grau-du-Roi guide

... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Bouches-du-Rhone

The French version of this page is at Church of Notre-Dame in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (Francais)