Our selection of the 8 most beautiful churches and chapels in the Camargue

The Camargue is a region in the south of France, stretching across the departments of Bouches-du-Rhône and Gard, between the two arms of the Rhone delta and the Mediterranean Sea. This vast region of 145,300 hectares is famous not only for its unique landscapes and cultural traditions, but also for its rich religious and architectural heritage, with magnificent churches and chapels that bear witness to the region's history and culture.

1. The Church of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

TheChurch of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is one of the most famous churches in the Camargue. This 9th-century church is dedicated to the Holy Maries of Jacob and Salome, the patron saints of the Camargue. Pilgrimages are held here several times a year. The Church of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is a fine example of Romanesque architecture, with its pointed arches and Romanesque bell tower.

2. Saint-Trophime Church and Cloister

The Église Saint-Trophime in Arles was built in the 12th century on late Antique remains. The Saint-Trophime Cloister, adjoining the church, was built partly in the 12th century and partly in the 14th century. These are also remarkable examples of both Romanesque and Gothic architecture, as the Cloister boasts two Romanesque and two Gothic galleries. The church is much appreciated by visitors to the region for its magnificent medieval frescoes.

3. Notre-Dame-des-Sablons church

The Church of Notre-Dame-des-Sablons in Aigues-Mortes is considered one of the region's major pilgrimage centers. It is the oldest monument in the town of Aigues-Mortes. This Gothic church is decorated with medieval frescoes and is famous for its exceptional stained-glass windows.

4. La Chapelle des Pénitents gris

The Chapelle des Pénitents Gris de Villeneuve-lès-Avignon is a fine example of Baroque architecture in the Camargue, and one of the region's major cultural centers. It was built as a place of worship for the Pénitents Gris de la Miséricorde de Villeneuve-lès-Avignon brotherhood, founded in 1610.

5. Chapelle des Capucins

The Chapelle des Capucins in Aigues-Mortes is renowned for its beautiful stained glass windows. It is also an important cultural center in the region, hosting numerous free exhibitions of photography, painting and sculpture. These include

6. Notre-Dame-de-la-Major Church

The Notre-Dame-la-Major church in Arles is a former Romanesque-Gothic collegiate church. The building was constructed in the 12th century on top of a structure dating back to 452 AD, and became a collegiate church in the 16th century. The church underwent some repairs after the 1944 bombing. Many visitors flock to the church at Christmas time, when it is said to house the finest nativity scene in Provence!

7. Chapel of the Trinitarians

The Chapelle des Trinitaires in Arles was rebuilt in 1630 on the site of the 13th-century Trinitaires convent. Of the convent built at that time, only the nave of the chapel remains today, after most of the buildings were sold as national property during the Revolution. This late Gothic nave is particularly original and well worth a visit. 

8. Saint-Julien-Saint-Antoine church

Église Saint-Julien-Saint-Antoine d'Arles is an ancient 12th-century church rebuilt in 1622 in the classical and late Gothic styles. Listed as a Monument Historique since 1941, it houses Baroque-style furnishings, only part of which unfortunately survived the 1944 bombardment. Following its destruction during the war, the original Stations of the Cross were replaced by a contemporary work, Guy Renne's Stations of the Cross.

The Camargue is a region with a rich religious and architectural heritage that can be enjoyed all year round, particularly from spring to autumn. Make the most of your stay in the Camargue to spend a day or more in the Réserve Nationale de Camargue, home to 277 species of birds, including the famous pink flamingos!

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