36 kilometers of sand, a turquoise Mediterranean and wild landscapes as far as the eye can see: the beaches of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer have something to surprise you!
But with so many beaches to choose from, how do you choose the one that’s right for you? Supervised or unsupervised, lively or quiet, with or without facilities… This guide will help you make up your mind!
And if you’re looking for a campsite in the Camargue that’s just right for you, our Les Jardins de Tivoli campsite is just waiting for you!
Downtown beaches: lively and convenient
It’s the most popular area, and for good reason! The beaches in the town center have everything you need for a carefree day at the water’s edge: supervised bathing during the summer season, well-spaced first-aid posts, and water quality regularly monitored by the regional health agency.
The Arènes beach is undoubtedly the best known. It’s within walking distance of the village, making it a convenient stopover for families.
Please note: the eastern part of this beach is classified as smoke-free, good news for those who want to enjoy a breath of fresh air by the sea!
Dogs are prohibited on most of these beaches during the bathing season, except on the western beaches between the port and Petit-Rhône.
Our advice: if you want to enjoy the beaches of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer on the downtown side, it’s best to arrive early in July and August: crowds can be high, and the best places go quickly.
Eastern beaches: between dunes and wide open spaces
East Beach stands out clearly from the downtown beaches. Less crowded, lined with dunes and rich in protected species, it attracts those seeking space and calm.
It’s also one of the few beaches in Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer where you can watch traditional horse shows. A cultural aspect unique to the Camargue, found nowhere else on the coast.
The downside is that regulations are stricter than elsewhere. Dunes and local fauna are protected, and some areas are inaccessible. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it’s best to consult the local by-laws before heading out.
Our tip: access the east beach via the digue à la Mer, a pedestrian walkway with cycle path. This avoids parking problems and takes you straight to the wildest part of the coastline.
The Grand Radeau beaches: a confidential spot to discover
The Grand Radeau beaches are unlike any other in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Located on the other side of the Petit Rhône, far from the hustle and bustle of the town center, they offer stretches of fine sand, a stone dike facing the sea and driftwood huts. It’s an area that few tourists know about, and not by chance.
Access is strictly regulated. The site is partly managed by the Conservatoire du Littoral, and a guard is present on site. Without a pass, you won’t get through. This authorization is issued at the Mairie des Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, mainly to residents of the commune.
The site has neither a reliable mobile network nor a first-aid post. It’s not a developed beach, it’s a raw natural space, to be treated as such.
Our tip: if you’re not a resident, leave your vehicle at the guard gate and continue on foot. You’ll need to allow for a further 3 km, but pedestrian access is still possible in accordance with current regulations.
The beaches of the Réserve nationale de Camargue: nature at its purest
Here, the setting changes completely. The beaches of the Camargue National Reserve are classified as a protected site, which says a lot about what you can find and do there.
No entertainment, no shops, no parasols for hire. The beach at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in its purest form: dunes, sand, sea and wildlife living side by side with visitors. Pink flamingos, Camargue horses, endemic species… the national reserve is a different pace, a different way of being at the water’s edge.
Regulations are strict and non-negotiable. The site is protected by municipal by-law, and the rules in force should be consulted before visiting. Certain areas are inaccessible, and certain behaviors are prohibited.
Our tip: the Gacholle lighthouse, accessible from the sea wall on foot or by bike, runs for several kilometers along the reserve’s beaches. It’s the best way to discover them without a car, and without the risk of getting lost on unauthorized paths.
La Comtesse beach in Beauduc: the end of the world in the Mediterranean
Beauduc is the beach you’re looking for when you really want to let go. Long known for its wide-open spaces and total freedom, this beach in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer attracts a loyal following who return year after year, precisely because it’s like nothing else.
No facilities, no surveillance, no neighbors just a stone’s throw away. Just a wild stretch of sand, classified as a protected natural area, where walkers, swimmers, fishermen and sports enthusiasts live together in rare calm.
As with other protected beaches in the area, strict regulations apply. The site is fragile, as the town hall clearly reminds us, and municipal by-laws should be consulted before visiting.
Our advice: the access road to Beauduc is in very poor condition, unpaved and not recommended for ordinary vehicles. Find out about the condition of the runway before you set off, and make sure your vehicle has good ground clearance to avoid unpleasant surprises on both the outward and return journeys.
At Les Jardins de Tivoli, our campsite near Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, you can reach the coast in just a few minutes. Check availability and Book your stay in the Camargue!