Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, the 'Saint Marys of the Sea', is a small fishing village located on the south-central coast of Mediterranean France in the Camargue region of Bouches-du-Rhone. Dating from the mid-12th century, the fortified Romanesque church enshrines three wooden statues, themselves of lesser age, that hint at the early Christian sanctity of the site. According to one local legend, after the resurrection of Christ, Mary Magdalene, Mary Salome, Mary Jacobe, Lazarus and several other disciples were forced, in 45 AD, to flee the Holy Land by boat. Following a perilous journey across the Mediterranean Sea, the boat eventually landed near the present day village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, where the passengers went ashore.

The plain front of the church, with Christmas lights in the front.

From the center of the town it was a short walk to the beach.

Another look at the church from the beach area.

Most of the buildings, such as this city hall, were whitewashed and bright in the sunlight.

A statue in the center of town of a gardian on his horse rounding up one of the black bulls of Camargue.

After a busy day, we were happy to be able to board our barge.

As we cruised to the next town, we saw men fishing in the canal with large nets.

We arrived at Aigues-Mortes and could see the Constance Tower which we would visit the next day.

Tomorrow we will visit the fortress and other sites of Aigues-Mortes.