サント・マリー・ドゥ・ラ・メール

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is a beautiful town² located in the Var region of southern France. The town is the center of the Camargue region where the Rhone River meets the Mediterranean Sea, and its name means “Saint Marys of the Sea.

The town derives its name from the legend that three Marys (Marie Madeleine, Marie Salome, and Marie Jacobi), who visited the tomb of Christ, crossed the Mediterranean Sea in small boats to escape persecution and landed here.

In the center of the town is a fortified church built between the 9th and 12th centuries, in which the relics of Marie Madeleine are enshrined². The church was built on the site where Marie Madeleine is said to have first landed, and for this reason it attracts many pilgrims.

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is also known for the Gypsy pilgrimage that takes place every May and October². During this pilgrimage, the Gypsies carry a black statue of St. Sarah to the sea and then enter the sea². This is a reenactment of the legend that St. Sarah entered the sea to greet Mary and her companions.

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer offers inspiration and healing to all who visit due to the beauty and sanctity of the place and its deep history and traditions. The energy of the place will help you deepen your own spiritual journey and bring peace and harmony to your heart and soul. We invite you to visit Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. The beauty and sacredness of the place and its deep history and traditions will move and heal you. We hope your spiritual journey begins anew in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.