Car boot sale of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

A Car Boot Sale in Camargue Country

Every summer, the Vide-Grenier de Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer transforms the town center of this emblematic commune in the Bouches-du-Rhône into a vast second-hand market. Exhibitors, both individuals and professionals, set up in the streets and squares of the village to offer a varied selection: clothing, tableware, toys, books, furniture, trinkets, and decorative items at low prices. The atmosphere is one of conviviality, with permanent residents, summer visitors, and bargain hunters from all over Provence.

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Capital of the Camargue

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (13460) is a coastal commune in the Bouches-du-Rhône, located in the heart of the Rhône delta, in the Camargue Regional Natural Park. With its 374 km² area, it is the second-largest commune in mainland France after its neighbor Arles. The municipal territory extends between the Vaccarès and Impériaux ponds, the salt marshes, and the long sandy beaches of the Mediterranean coast. It is a unique landscape, populated by pink flamingos, white Camargue horses, and black bulls raised in herds.

The Fortified Church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer

At the heart of the village stands the fortified church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer, built between the 9th and 12th centuries. This Romanesque monument, classified as a Historic Monument, served as both a place of worship and a refuge against Saracen invasions. Its terrace offers a 360° panorama of the village rooftops, the sea, and the marshes. In its crypt lies the statue of Saint Sara, patron saint of the Gitans, an object of centuries-old devotion. The church also houses the relics of Marie Jacobé and Marie Salomé, the patron saints of the town, who are said to have landed on these shores around 45 AD.

The Gitan Pilgrimage

Every year in May, thousands of Roma, Manouches, and Gitans converge on Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer for the famous Gitan Pilgrimage, one of the most important religious gatherings in Europe. The statue of Saint Sara is carried in procession to the sea, accompanied by songs, music, and popular fervor. This age-old tradition makes the commune a unique meeting place for cultures and spiritualities.

Bargain Hunting in the Heart of a Living Heritage

Participating in the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer car boot sale is also an opportunity to discover an authentic village where Camargue traditions remain vibrant: Camargue races in the bullring inaugurated in 1931, votive festivals, abrivados in the streets, and equestrian shows. The narrow streets of the town center, lined with whitewashed houses, invite leisurely strolls between flea market stalls.

Wild Nature at the Village Gates

A few minutes from the town center, the wild Camargue unfolds its grandiose landscapes. The Pont de Gau Ornithological Park, located 4 km away, allows for close observation of pink flamingos and dozens of other bird species in their natural habitat. Horseback riding in the marshes, boat trips on the Petit Rhône, and hikes on the dikes offer complete immersion in this unique European ecosystem.