5 days in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer & Arles Itinerary

Engulfed in the Provençal culture, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer has many literary, artistic, and musical references from master artists due to its location where the Rhône meets the Mediterranean and as the pilgrimage destination for Romany people, sometimes called gypsies.

Start off your visit on the 7th (Mon): steep yourself in history at Salin d'Aigues-Mortes and then admire the landmark architecture of Tours et Remparts d'Aigues-Mortes. Keep things going the next day: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Notre Dame de la Mer - Église fortifiée, trot along with Les Arnelles, and then look for all kinds of wild species at Le Parc Ornithologique de Pont de Gau.

To find more things to do, maps, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer trip planner.

Arles to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is an approximately 1-hour car ride. You can also take a bus. In September, daily temperatures in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer can reach 29°C, while at night they dip to 18°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Arles.

Remote, uneventful, but definitely not a waste of time, Arles is absolutely steeped in Provençal culture.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Palais des Papes and Paul Cezanne’s Studio. Take a break from the city and head to Ile De La Barthelasse and Plage du Verdon. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Arles: Avignon Les Halles (in Avignon) and Aix-en-Provence (Fondation Vasarely & Farmers' Markets). Next up on the itinerary: hunt for treasures at Le Marche d'Arles.

To find photos, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, read our Arles trip planning app.

You can drive from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer to Arles in an hour. Another option is to take a bus. In September, daytime highs in Arles are 29°C, while nighttime lows are 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Fri) early enough to travel back home.