I am thinking of a week in Saintes Marie de la Mer in June for beaches, horses and relaxation. Has anyone spent time there? Any recommendations for where to stay? I like small hotels or gites or B&Bs rather than fancy hotels. Also should I be worried about mosquitos in June?? Thanks sue
Posted by
WA State
3961 posts
Sue, several years ago we took the RS Loire to the South of France Tour. One of the many unexpected surprises was visiting the amazing Camargue to see the incredible white horses and the Flamingos. We were there the month of September. Can't recommend a B & B, but we were based in Arles for a couple days. We enjoyed this charming town loaded with history, great cuisine and Van Gogh Art, etc.
You may want to check about Mosquitos in June. We experienced an abundance of Mosquitos in September! We always bring repellent anytime we travel. Enjoy your planning.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10605 posts
I stopped there for a few hours while driving from Provence to the Perpignan area. It's a nice little town with a sandy beach. Will you have a car? A week would be a little long for me, but I'd happily stay a few days.
Posted by
Washington DC
28092 posts
No B&B tips from me, either, but do want to mention that I enjoyed a half-day wandering around the fortified town of Aigues-Mortes. It is extremely touristy, however.
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3281 posts
Sainte Marie is a small tourist town. I think spending more than 1 or 2 nights there would be very boring unless you want to lay on the beach a get a tan. The Camargue is a unique area but a whole week there IMHO would be overdoing it especially when there is so much more to see and do in the south of France.
Beaches, white horses, black bulls, pink flamingos. It is a great short visit. Consider driving down the east side on D36D to Plage de Piemanson. Desolate beauty on the Rhône delta and the Mediterranean.
Posted by
Paris
2466 posts
There's a rocky beach, instead of sand.
There are an abundance of mosquitoes in June.
EDIT: there is a rocky beach where sunbathers go semi-nude.
I don't know about Canet-en-Roussillon.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10605 posts
A rocky beach? I thought it was sandy, but it was 7 years ago and I know that the beaches were sandy in the area where I stayed, in Canet-en-Roussillon. I stand corrected.
Posted by
OP
girdwood, ak
165 posts
I will have a car. I have been to the south of France and Provence twice in the last 5 years. I understand that this is not at top of the list for france travelers, but I think a week to relax there in a 3 week trip woud be fun. thanks for your help. sue
Posted by
11 posts
Sue, I think it's a wonderful idea. In fact, my daughter and I are heading to the Camargue to ride horses in June. It is an area I do not have experience with but my research (and helpful posts on trip advisor) lead me to the following places to stay with horse riding options. There are many more to be found on trip advisor. I filtered reviews by "horse" and found helpful information. My understanding is that mosquitos are definitely an issue in June so repellent will be necessary.
As for Saint Marie de la Mer, we will definitely visit but our main focus is horse related. These places are very close to Saint Marie de la Mer.
Les Arnelles
https://www.lesarnelles.com/en/special-offers.html
Mas de Cocagne (not sure if they have horses but they do arrange rides)
http://www.mas-cocagne.com/en/home
http://www.mas-cocagne.com/en/camargue-horse-riding
Mas Des Barres
https://www.mas-des-barres.com
Have a great trip!