Church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer — Attraction in Arles

This beautiful church, built in the 9th and 11th centuries on an old Gallo-Roman sanctuary, replaced an oratory that, according to legend, was erected by the Saints. This site was fortified in order to withstand attacks by the Saracens. Human figures can be seem emerging from the capitals decorated with plant motifs. The crypt (1448) houses Sarah, patron saint of Gypsies, covered with robes and coats. The boat of the Saints Marys is in the left alley of the church. The 4th BC century pagan altar in the crypt is also remarkable.

Church of Our Lady of the Sea is the soul of the village. Legend has it that Sara was a young black slave with mysterious origins. She is said to have accompanied Marie Jacobé and Marie Salomé on their arrival in the Camargue. The latter would have been the first to welcome Jesus on European soil, during his journey to Egypt. Saint Sara is thus considered the patron saint of all travelers and itinerants.

Today, the festival of Sainte Sara is one of Camargue’s must-see events. Every year, it attracts large numbers of visitors for the procession, mass and festivities. The chapel of Sainte Sara is located in the church of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. It is an important place of worship and meditation for gypsies and pilgrims. Sainte Sara, also known as Kali sara la noire, has thus become a symbol of Camargue identity. It bears witness to the richness and cultural diversity of this region of southern France. . The town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, is a Mecca for gypsy culture and the festival of Saint Sara each...

We visited the remarkable Church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a small town about an hour by bus from Arles station. My first impression of this town was truly special—it felt almost dreamlike. I felt as if I were stepping into the legend of the Three Marys, who, according to tradition, landed here 2,000 years ago.

Before my visit, I researched the church’s history and learned about the local Provençal poet and Nobel Prize winner, Frédéric Mistral, whose famous poem Mireio is deeply connected to this region. One of the most remarkable artists associated with this town is Vincent van Gogh. While living in Arles, he visited Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and painted several masterpieces inspired by its unique scenery.

The church holds all these incredible stories within its walls. I climbed to the rooftop, where I was rewarded with a breathtaking view of the town and the ocean in the background. If you’re a Christian or a Van Gogh enthusiast, this town is a must-visit. Even for travel bloggers, the experience is truly unforgettable, offering a journey through history,...

Let me start of by saying, the church overall was amazing. If you are conveniently in the city I would definitely recommend going. The inside was not as amazing. There was statues and an altar, but it was nothing you can't see in any other church. There is also a room filled with candles, which was way too hot and got my eyes burning. Concluding, you aren't going to be spending more than 5 minutes inside the church. The real attraction is the roof. For 3€ you can access the church's roof. It provides a stunning view, from whichbyou can see all of the city. Some of the sights include: the bull fight arena, the beach as well as the port and of course the swamps. The church is surrounded by cute little restaurants and shops that sell everything from jewelry to clothing. Visiting the church itself will probably take half an hour, but it is easy to loose your self in the city with all there is to explore. I planned to check it out around noon, but lost track of time and only left...