Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and the Camargue beaches: the essentials by van or motorhome

Discover the wild treasures of the Camargue, with endless beaches, Gypsy traditions and breathtaking landscapes, perfect for a getaway in a van or motorhome.

Welcome to the Camargue, a land of light and wind where pink flamingos dance to the rhythm of the waves and Gypsy history has been written for centuries. Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, the beating heart of this wild region, is the ideal starting point for exploring unique landscapes of fine sand, salt marshes and emotion-filled monuments. Ready to hit the road? Here are the must-see spots, all accessible by van or motorhome, for an authentic and free-spirited adventure.

Plage de Piémanson

A vast stretch of wild, untouched sand, perfect for a walk or bike ride from your van. The dunes and Mediterranean waves here are rolling and ideal for lovers of unspoilt nature.

Where to sleep nearby

Paul Ricard domain parking Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Parking ★ 4.2 Large free car park in the Camargue, flat and spacious. 5 minutes by car, absolute peace. › Quiet parking Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Parking ★ 4 Small natural grassy car park, ideal for an overnight stay. 7 minutes by car, guaranteed silence. › Parking near Paul Ricard manade Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Parking ★ 3.5 Quiet roadside car park, near the manades. 5 minutes by car, nature on your doorstep. › Aire des bruns, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Parking ★ 2.7 Picnic area by a canal, tables available. 8 minutes by car, rustic atmosphere. ›

Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer

This Gypsy sanctuary, with its boat-shaped roof, is the most iconic pilgrimage site in the Camargue. Its mystical atmosphere and colourful frescoes will transport you to the heart of local traditions.

Where to sleep nearby

Mas Espelly Campsite ★ 4.6 Authentic equestrian farm in the Camargue, 4 km from the centre. Peaceful, views of the horses, 11-12 spacious pitches. › chemin du clos du Rhône, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Motorhome area ★ 3.6 Site at €16 per night, full services, 24 minutes’ walk from the beach. Flat, gravelled ground, close to amenities. › Tarmacked parking Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Motorhome area ★ 3.1 €16 per night, tarmacked car park 4 minutes’ walk from the centre. Large pitches, water and electricity services. › Quiet season parking Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Parking ★ 3.4 Free, by the sea, 19 minutes’ walk from the village. Toilets, bins, flexible barrier (1.90 m). › Parking by pond with flamingos Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Parking ★ 3.4 Free, facing a pond with flamingos. Tarmacked ground, open access, 17 minutes’ walk. ›

Parc naturel régional de Camargue

A paradise for wildlife and plant lovers, where flamingos, bulls and white horses roam freely. The park’s roads are perfect for exploring by van, between marshes and ponds.

Where to sleep nearby

Flamingos waterfront parking Arles Parking ★ 4.6 Étang de Vaccarès 7 km away, stunning views of the Camargue nature. Free, spacious and rarely busy at night. › Domaine Sainte Cécile Campsite ★ 5 5-star campsite under olive trees, absolute peace. 5 km from the park, 5/5 rating, warm welcome. › Paul Ricard domain parking Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Parking ★ 4.2 Large free car park in the heart of the Camargue. Flat ground, 5 minutes by car, guaranteed peace. › Mas de Valériole Campsite ★ 4.9 3 free pitches in a vineyard. Peaceful atmosphere, 6 km from the park, no services. › Pondside parking Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Parking ★ 4.2 Views of Étang de Vaccarès and its flamingos. Free, 6 km away, quiet roadside location. ›

Salins d’Aigues-Mortes

Discover lunar landscapes and endless pink basins, where salt is still harvested by hand. A must-stop for stunning photos and a dive into Camargue history.

Where to sleep nearby

Chemin bas de Peccais, Aigues-Mortes Motorhome area ★ 5 Secure site with water and electricity, 2 km from Aigues-Mortes. €15 per night, quiet and highly rated (5/5). › Les Calèches d’Élodie Campsite ★ 4.8 Campsite in the heart of a Camargue horse manade. 4.8/5 rating, 4 km drive away. › Ferme aquacole Les Poissons d'Argent Motorhome area ★ 4.3 Spacious natural site in the Camargue, €13 per night. 74 pitches, full services. › Paid parking in front of public toilets Le Grau-du-Roi Parking ★ 4.4 Free seaside car park in Vila, close to beach and centre. 6 minutes away (5 km). › Parking along marina Le Grau-du-Roi Parking ★ 3.9 Free car park facing the beach, public toilets. 7 minutes away (6 km). ›

Château d’Aigues-Mortes

This medieval fortress, surrounded by impressive ramparts, offers a breathtaking view of the salt pans and the Camargue. Its robust architecture and captivating history make it a cultural stop not to be missed.

Where to sleep nearby

Chemin bas de Peccais, Aigues-Mortes Motorhome area ★ 5 Secure site with services (water, electricity) 2 km from the castle. €15 per night, quiet and highly rated (5/5). › Les Calèches d’Élodie Campsite ★ 4.8 Unique campsite in a horse manade, 18 minutes’ walk. Authentic Camargue atmosphere, self-sufficient. › Aigues-Mortes train station parking Parking ★ 4.4 Free car park in front of the station, 5 minutes’ walk from the centre. Perfect for a quick, practical stop. › Ferme aquacole Les Poissons d'Argent Motorhome area ★ 4.3 Natural site in the Camargue, spacious and €13 per night. 31 minutes’ walk, full services. › Camping la Petite-Camargue Campsite ★ 4.1 5-star shaded campsite in the Camargue, 34 minutes’ walk. Pool, comfort and proximity to Grau-du-Roi. ›

Plage de l’Espiguette

One of the most beautiful fine-sand beaches in the Camargue, bordered by pines and wild dunes. Perfect for a relaxing break or a picnic by the sea, with your motorhome parked nearby.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping de l'Espiguette, Le Grau-du-Roi Parking ★ 3.6 Free car park 500 m from the beach, spacious and quiet at night. Quick pedestrian access, ideal for waking up to the ocean. › Abrivado Ranch Campsite ★ 4.4 Unique campsite in the Camargue among the horses, authentic atmosphere. Secure pitches, water and electricity 33 minutes’ walk away. › Camping-Car Park Le Grau-du-Roi Motorhome area ★ 3.5 Paid site facing the beach (50 m), full services. €21 per night, port and shops 5 minutes by car. › Pretty viewpoint parking Le Grau-du-Roi Parking ★ 3.8 Free roadside car park, views of port or marina. Easy access, flat ground (22 minutes’ walk). › Les Jardins de Tivoli Campsite ★ 3.3 4-star campsite with private sanitary facilities per pitch. Water park, 600 m from the beach (42 minutes’ walk). ›

See all spots on the map