Spirituality, flamingos and sea salt at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

To reach the starting point, go to Rue Camille Pelletan, 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Free parking is available on site.

(S/E) Start your route by heading north-west. At the stop sign, turn left onto Rue Joanin Audibert. At the roundabout called Crin Blanc (with a statue of a Camargue horse in the centre), continue straight on Avenue de la République. When you reach the bicycle shop, turn right onto the small pedestrian street Rue Marcel Cerdan. At the end of this street, you will arrive behind the church. Go around it on the right or left to reach Place de l'Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer.

(1) After admiring the fortified architecture, visit the church and, why not, climb up to the roof to enjoy a panoramic view of the white rooftops and salt flats. Then head towards the cross on the square, turn left to cross Place de l'Échelle, then right into the small Rue Victor Hugo. Cross Avenue Frédéric Mistral and continue along Rue Jean Aicard. You will arrive at the end of the street, facing the Étang des Launes.

(2) Turn left onto Chemin des Macreuses, then left again at the third intersection. Continue along Rue Maréchal Leclerc until you reach Port Gardian.

(3) Turn right onto Avenue Théodore Aubanel. Stroll past the shops, terraces and sea scents until you reach Avenue Riquette Aubanel. Turn left onto the footpath and follow it to the drinking fountain.

(4) Turn right and carefully cross Avenue Riquette Aubanel. Turn right, then quickly left to cross the Canal des Launes. You will arrive in front of the Croix de Camargue, which brings together the symbols of the three theological virtues: Faith (cross), Hope (anchor) and Charity (heart). Continue west, cross the D38 carefully, then follow the footpath to the right. Continue to the magnificent sculpture of the Camargue bull.

(5) Continue west on Chemin du Clos du Rhône, pass the Plage Ouest motorhome area, then continue to the tomb of Marquis Folco de Baroncelli.

(6) Retrace your steps to the roundabout where the Camargue bull sculpture stands.

(5) Cross to the left just before the roundabout to continue on the cycle/footpath, running alongside the D38. Continue to the Amarrée farm, then turn left onto the small path that leads to Port de l'Amarée.

(7) Retrace your steps and rejoin the D38. Follow it carefully to the left (north-north-west) for 1.3 km, until you reach the house with "Le Cabanon au bord de l'eau" written on the gate.

(8) After the Canal de Launes flows into the harbour, turn right (south-east) and rejoin the D38. Follow it carefully to the left (north-north-west) for 1.3 km until you reach the house with "Le Cabanon au bord de l'eau" written on the gate.

(9) Turn right (northeast), pass in front of the Ame Bohémienne, where you can admire caravans, each one as beautiful and decorated as the next (feel free to stop and discover the life of travellers). Continue on Chemin Bas de Dromar until you reach the fork at the intersection with a PR®.

(10) Continue right along Chemin Bas de Dromar, then turn right in front of No. 191 to cross a stream. On Chemin Bas des Launes, walk between farmhouses, estates and properties until you reach the stop sign at the intersection with Route d'Arles (D570).

(11) Cross this road carefully, then continue straight ahead on the path that runs alongside the departmental road towards the south-east. Pass in front of the restaurant Le Pont de Bannes, then walk alongside an enclosure of Camargue horses until you reach a gardian's hut.

(12) Turn left before the end of the paddock. Pass the gardian's hut, then go around the left side of the Hôtel Les Arnelles property. Continue to the Roubine de Barrachin stream.

(13) Walk along the stream on your right on Chemin Communal de la Terre Brulée, walk along Étang les Ezières before arriving at a stop sign at the intersection with the D85A.

(14) Turn right to enter Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, pass a crossroads (with a small fishing boat in the middle) and continue straight on until you reach the "Le Revivre" brasserie

(15) Turn left onto Rue Camille Pelletan to return to the car park and your vehicle (S/E).

Ideal in the late afternoon for the golden light on the marshes.

Bring binoculars and a camera: flamingos, herons, and sometimes bulls in the background.

This circular can be done by bike, which you can hire at the Wpt (1)

Spiritual and historical heritage

• Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer Church: a major pilgrimage site, steeped in legend and fervour.

• Tomb of Marquis Folco de Baroncelli: an iconic figure in Camargue culture.

• Sculpture of the Camargue bull: a tribute to the region's totem animal.

Natural landscapes and marshes

• Étang des Launes and Étang des Massoucles: refuges for flamingos and other migratory birds.

• Petit Rhône: a peaceful river lined with reeds, crossed several times.

• La Roubine de Barrachin stream: a typical canal in the Camargue hydraulic network.

Port and rural atmospheres

• Port Gardian and Port de l'Amarée: maritime atmosphere and traditional boats.

• Gardian huts: typical architecture, symbol of pastoral life.