Private beaches Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Nestled between the wild marshes of the Camargue and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is a destination with authentic charm. This **village at the world's end** enchants with its whitewashed streets, its bohemian atmosphere imbued with gypsy and Camargue traditions, and its southern sweetness of life. Here, you can stroll on foot or by bike, breathing in the sea air, lulled by the sound of seagulls and the waves. Between fine sandy beaches, local folklore, and preserved nature inhabited by flamingos, the atmosphere is both exotic and friendly. A true little seaside paradise, which has nothing to envy to the chic resorts of the French Riviera, except more authenticity and tranquility.

Discover the best private beaches of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Let's start by discovering together the top private beaches in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. These **Camargue beach clubs** combine idyllic settings and festive ambiance for a day of relaxation with your feet in the sand.

Farniente Plage

A true local reference, **Farniente Plage** is the private beach not to be missed when visiting Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Located facing the Big Blue, this beach hut created in 2013 by the Ubeda family offers a paradise setting for relaxation. Sheltered from the mistral, on a fine sandy beach, traditional sunbeds have been replaced by large beds under magnificent palm trees for maximum comfort. The service is attentive: the team of beach attendants brings homemade cocktails and gourmet tapas directly to your sunbed. In terms of cuisine, Farniente offers a gourmet restaurant highlighting regional products (Provençal aioli, bull meat, etc.) in a lounge atmosphere by the sea. In the evening, the establishment organizes themed evenings to prolong the magic until nightfall. Count about **€30 per day for a sunbed**, a justified price by the high-end services offered (comfort, service, entertainment).

Other iconic private beaches in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

• Bambou Palm Beach: an exotic-style private beach located near the center. Enjoy its **welcoming staff**, its friendly atmosphere, and its varied menu of dishes and cocktails at reasonable prices. Perfect for sipping a drink with your feet in the sand to the sound of lounge music.
• La Playa… en Camargue: this friendly beach hut is renowned for its **cuisine with local products**. Fresh fish, seafood, and seasonal vegetables make up gourmet and authentic dishes. On the beach, comfortable beds and sunbeds await you, and the team can even organize private events (weddings, birthdays) with a view of the sea.
• Seven Plage: located on Crin Blanc beach, just steps from the port, it welcomes you in a **relaxed and friendly** atmosphere in an idyllic setting. You can enjoy simple Mediterranean cuisine (salads, tapas, ice cream) between swims. Ideal for a relaxing afternoon with family or friends.
• Le Sundeck by L’Estelle en Camargue: the exclusive private beach of the 5★ luxury hotel L’Estelle en Camargue. This elegant **beach club** offers a refined atmosphere by a natural pond, away from the hustle and bustle. High-end sunbeds, premium service, and signature cocktails make it the must-visit address for those seeking a chic and intimate experience, worthy of the luxury hotels of the Côte d'Azur.

So, ready to book your sunbed on one of the private beaches of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer? It’s simple, choose your favorite private beach on MySunbed and make your reservation in just a few clicks!

Discover the best private beaches near Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Want to explore other seaside horizons? Here is our selection of the most beautiful private beaches around Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, to vary the coastal pleasures.

L’Oyat Éco-Plage (Le Grau-du-Roi – Espiguette)

On the long wild beach of Espiguette, west of the Camargue, **L’Oyat Éco-Plage** is a beach hut with unique charm. A real oasis planted in the middle of the dunes, it surprises with its driftwood decor and end-of-the-world atmosphere. Here, you have lunch under the huts savoring local products, before sunbathing in complete tranquility away from the crowd. The establishment is also committed to an eco-responsible approach, respecting the exceptional natural setting of Espiguette.

Bamboo Beach (Le Grau-du-Roi – Rive Droite)

Located on Boucanet beach in Le Grau-du-Roi, **Bamboo Beach** offers a friendly and relaxed seaside experience. You will find a **family-friendly and cheerful atmosphere**, without fuss, with smiling and attentive staff. The cuisine is simple but tasty, highlighting grills, salads, and regional specialties at an excellent value for money. Sunbeds and parasols can be rented for the day, allowing you to enjoy the Languedoc sun in complete comfort.

Carré Mer (Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone – Montpellier)

About an hour's drive west of Saintes-Maries, near Montpellier, **Carré Mer** is a trendy beach club run by renowned restaurateurs. Located on the wild beach of Maguelone, this chic spot mixes bohemian spirit and glamorous touches worthy of the French Riviera. Teak terrace, VIP beds, champagne bar, and DJ sets at sunset make it a popular address in the region. Ideal for a festive interlude after exploring the Camargue while keeping your feet in the sand.

What to do in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Nature activities, cultural discoveries, or thrilling sensations – Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer offers a multitude of unforgettable experiences during your stay.

Horseback riding in the Camargue

It's impossible to stay in the Camargue without going on a **horseback ride** on an emblematic white horse of the region! Many stables and local manades offer rides for all levels, from beginners to experienced riders. In the early morning or late afternoon, you can ride along the wild beaches of the Sunset or through the salt marshes, observing flamingos and bulls in semi-freedom. A magical experience, especially at sunset, that will plunge you into the authentic soul of the Camargue.

4x4 Safari at the heart of the Camargue

To get closer to the Camargue's fauna and flora, opt for a **4x4 safari** accompanied by a naturalist guide. For 2 to 3 hours, you will take secret tracks between ponds and sansouïres, inaccessible to regular cars. The opportunity to admire flights of ducks and waders, spot coypus swimming in the canals, or get close to impressive black bulls in the meadows. The guide will share their knowledge about rice fields, salt farming, and local traditions. Guaranteed sensations and a change of scenery during this off-the-beaten-path excursion.

Pont de Gau Bird Park

Just 4 km from the village, this natural and educational park will delight bird lovers. Created in 1949, the **Pont de Gau Bird Park** offers trails along ponds and marshes, allowing close observation of a multitude of local and migratory species. Hundreds of flamingos, grey herons, little egrets, mallards, birds of prey, and even some coypus await you in a preserved environment. Observatories and explanatory panels line the route to learn all about the Camargue's fauna. Plan for a 2-hour walk (accessible to children) to fully enjoy this unique natural spectacle in France.

Climb to the roof of the fortified church

In the heart of Saintes-Maries, the imposing Romanesque church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer has watched over the village since the 9th century. After admiring its thick fortress walls and visiting the crypt housing the statue of Sainte Sara (the patron saint of the Gypsies), don't miss climbing to the roof terrace of the church. An ancient staircase will lead you to the top of this historic building, where the panoramic view is breathtaking. You can take in the entire village, the surrounding marshes, the endless beaches, and the blue horizon of the Mediterranean. An exceptional viewpoint for photography enthusiasts, especially in good weather.

_During a walk, you might even spot free-roaming Camargue horses grazing in the surrounding marshes. These proud white horses, a living symbol of the Camargue, are an integral part of the landscape of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Whether on a horseback excursion or simply by car on the small roads, encountering these semi-wild herds remains a delightful sight. With a bit of luck, you will also witness the graceful ballet of flamingos in the lagoons – enough to make your stay unforgettable, close to wild nature._

Need more ideas for activities in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Want even more? Here are some useful resources to discover other activities and better prepare your visit to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

• - Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Tourist Office: official site full of practical information, addresses, and outing ideas (event calendar, equestrian centers, nature excursions, etc.).
• - TripAdvisor: reviews and recommendations from travelers on the best activities, visits, and excursions to do on site, to help you plan your days according to the highest-rated experiences.
• - Generation Voyage: guide article listing **15 must-see things** to see and do in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and the Camargue (natural sites, heritage, tips…), ideal not to miss the region's treasures.

Iconic places of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

From religious heritage to bullfighting arenas, through museums, here are the must-see sites that make the soul and history of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer Church

The spiritual and historical heart of the village, the church of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is an impressive monument due to its fortress architecture. Built between the 9th and 12th centuries in a pure Romanesque style, it once served as a defensive refuge against Saracen pirate invasions. Inside, you will find the revered statue of Sainte Sara (the “Black Madonna”), the object of an important Gypsy pilgrimage every May. Don't miss climbing to the church's roof (accessible to visitors) to enjoy once again the exceptional panorama over the sea and the surrounding marshes. Classified as a historical monument, this fortified church is undoubtedly the number one emblematic site of Saintes-Maries.

The Arenas

Located by the beach, the arenas of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer embody the Camargue bullfighting tradition. Inaugurated in 1932, they can accommodate up to 4,500 spectators in their white concrete stands. Every summer, these human-sized arenas become the stage for countless events: Camargue races (bull games without killing where the raseteurs challenge the agile bulls), equestrian shows with the famous guardians and their horses, open-air concerts during festivals, and even a few bullfights on occasion. An adjoining bullfighting museum provides more information on the local history of arena sports. Attending a folkloric evening in these open-air arenas, facing the sea, is a typical cultural experience of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

Baroncelli Museum (Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Museum)

Located a stone's throw from the church, this small municipal museum – named in honor of Marquis Folco de Baroncelli, an emblematic figure of the Camargue – unveils **30 centuries of local history to discover**. It traces the rich past of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer through collections of underwater archaeology (Roman wrecks and treasures discovered offshore), objects related to Camargue folklore (traditional costumes, guardians' tools, relics of the Gypsy pilgrimage), and regional art works. Educational exhibitions help understand the village's evolution, from Antiquity and the legendary arrival of the Saintes Maries in the 1st century to the rise of seaside tourism in the 20th century. A visit to the Baroncelli museum perfectly complements the discovery of the unique heritage of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

The best municipal beaches of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

In addition to private beaches, the village has beautiful free and well-maintained municipal beaches. Here is our selection to enjoy the sun and sea in all simplicity:

Plage des Arènes

As its name suggests, this beach is located just behind the arenas of Saintes-Maries, right in the city center. It is one of the most central and busiest beaches, ideal for families. **Monitored in summer**, it has a lifeguard station, showers, and an access ramp for people with reduced mobility. The Plage des Arènes forms two coves on either side of the arenas: on the right, a wide ribbon of blond sand stretches to the marina (a perfect area for swimming with breakwaters that calm the waves), while on the left of the arenas, a narrower sandy cove offers a sheltered alternative on windy days. A large paid parking lot is available nearby. Entertainment, beach volleyball, and snack vendors add to the attractions of this very popular urban beach.

Plage des Amphores (known as Plage de la Brise)

Extending to the east of the city center, towards the Brise-de-Mer district, Plage des Amphores is a beautiful fine sandy beach ideal for relaxation. Equipped with nearby parking, a beach restaurant, and a pleasant adjoining campsite, as well as a lifeguard station in season, it offers a very convenient setting for vacationers. Less crowded than the central beach, it charms with its family-friendly atmosphere and shallow waters on the shore, ideal for children's swimming. There is also a water sports base in summer (paddleboarding, sea kayaking…) and the possibility of renting sunbeds from the nearby campsite. In the evening, the spot is popular for admiring the colors of the sky reflecting on the water in a peaceful atmosphere.

East Beach (towards Clos du Rhône)

If you are looking for **vast space and a change of scenery**, head to East Beach, which begins after the village towards the Gacholle lighthouse. This immense natural beach stretches for kilometers of untouched sand, bordered by dunes and typical Camargue coastal vegetation. It is also known for regularly hosting riders – you can see horses galloping along the water – and even traditional shows during some local festivals. Here, there are no buildings or roads along the beach: you are in the heart of nature, with only the sounds of the wind, waves, and seagulls. The **ecological richness** of East Beach is remarkable, being part of the Camargue Regional Natural Park (presence of nesting birds, halophilic plants, etc.). Access is partly on foot or by mountain bike via the sea dyke, or by car to the Clos du Rhône parking lot at the eastern end of the village. Bring water and an umbrella, as there is no shade or refreshment stand once there. In return, you will feel like you are alone in the world facing the Mediterranean.

How to get around Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is a human-sized village that is easy to explore. Various modes of transport are available to get around and explore its surroundings:

On foot

The village is easily discovered **on foot**. Most of the points of interest (beaches, church, port, shops) are grouped in the center and accessible within a few minutes' walk. Strolling on foot allows you to fully enjoy the pedestrian streets, the atmosphere, and the typical architectural details. Walking along the seafront on the pedestrian promenade, you can go from the arenas to the end of East Beach without constraint. Additionally, some areas (such as the Place des Gitans around the church) are pedestrian-only or have very limited traffic, enhancing the pleasure of the stroll. In short, walking is the simplest and most pleasant way to get around Saintes-Maries and enjoy every corner.

By bike

The **bicycle** reigns in the Camargue! Many visitors choose this gentle mode of transport, ideal for getting around the village. Cycle paths and marked trails allow you to follow the **sea dyke** for over 20 km towards the Gacholle lighthouse, crossing splendid landscapes (between sea and ponds). On-site, several rental shops offer mountain bikes, city bikes, or electric bikes for half a day or a week. By bike, you can easily reach slightly more remote sites like the Pont de Gau Bird Park or some nearby manades. Just remember to bring water, a hat, and sunscreen, as the sun beats down hard on the paths without shade.

By car

Using a **car** can be practical, especially for accessing more remote areas of the Camargue or transporting equipment (surfboards, picnic, etc.). The village has several parking lots (free or paid depending on the season) on the immediate outskirts of the center – it is advisable to park there and then walk around the heart of the resort. The car will be useful for going to distant wild beaches (Beauduc beach to the west, or beaches towards Salin-de-Giraud on the other side of the Rhône) or visiting other Camargue sites (Aigues-Mortes, Arles 38 km away, etc.). The D570 is the main road connecting Arles to Saintes-Maries. Be careful in summer: traffic can be dense on weekends, and you may need to be patient when entering/exiting the village during peak hours. Outside these times, the car remains a comfortable way to get around, as the Camargue is quite an extensive territory.

By public transport

Although isolated, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is served by **public transport**. From Arles, the A50 bus line (Envia network) directly connects Arles station to the village for just €1 per trip. In high season, several daily round trips are available (about 1 hour's drive). This bus is an economical and practical option if you don't have a car. Additionally, specific shuttles may be set up during major events (Gypsy pilgrimage at the end of May, votive festivals) to transport visitors. Within the village, there is no urban bus network – but given the short distances, it's not needed. Finally, to cross the Petit-Rhône and explore the neighboring Gard Camargue (towards Aigues-Mortes/Le Grau-du-Roi), you can take the **Bac du Sauvage**: this small car ferry shuttles all day for a few euros and avoids a long road detour.

Other modes

Why not take advantage of more original modes of transport? For example, a **small tourist train** runs in summer through the streets of Saintes-Maries, offering a 30-minute narrated tour of the village and its natural surroundings – ideal for families. You can also explore the marshes and ponds by **boat**: boat trips departing from the port (or guided kayaking) will take you on the Petit-Rhône or along the coast, offering another perspective on the Camargue. Finally, the more adventurous can opt for a guided **quad** or **horse** excursion (see above) to get around in a fun way while exploring areas otherwise difficult to access. In summary, in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, all modes of transport lead to discovery and escape in the heart of exceptional nature.