Harbour

Port Gardian

4.8Les saintes maries de la mer, France

Maximum length: 25 m
VHF channel: 9
Maximum draught: 2.5 m

Marina of 364 berths at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, on the Mediterranean coast of the Camargue delta, in the Rhône estuary area.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from seaward on a shallow coast. Entrance channel dredged to 2.5 m and balisaged by two jetty lights. Sand shoals extend several hundred metres offshore, keep strictly within the marked channel. The mistral blows strongly from NW and can close the entrance with swell. VHF 9.

Practical

364 berths with water and electricity. Fuel berth with diesel. Showers, toilets, laundry, and a harbour office open year-round. Shops, bakeries and restaurants of the village within 300 m around place de l'Église.

Ashore

Fortified church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer at 300 m, built from the 9th to the 12th century, crypt of the saints Marie Jacobé and Marie Salomé. Regional Natural Park of the Camargue starts at the edge of town, with flamingo reserve of Pont de Gau at 4 km. Horse riding ranches on the road to Aigues-Mortes.

History

The village takes its name from the legend of the Three Marys who landed on this shore after the crucifixion. The Roma pilgrimage to Sara the Black on 24 May has taken place here since the 15th century and is listed by the French Ministry of Culture.