Saintes Maries de la Mer is the capital of the Camargue. It is named after the three saints Mary Magdalene, Mary Salome and Mary Jacobe.  A French legend has it that the ladies sailed to France and made landfall in the Camargue.

Every year the Roma gipsies gather here for Saint Sarah festival.

 

Presently th town is a tourist magnet and the old town is "invested" with tourist shops and restaurants.

 

The fortified church dates from the 12th century and was a refuge in difficult times.

For a small fee you can negotiate the narrow winding staircase to the top and enjoy the panorama.

 

We visited Saintes Maries de la Mer on a cloudy day in May 2015.