Ste Marie de la Mer
 

Has anyone every been to the Gypsy festival at Ste Marie de la Mer in May? We were thinking of attending.

How far from Arles is it?

Thank you

Haven't been. It's about 38 km.

No, I have never attented.
It's only a half hour drive from Arles.

I've been to <b>Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer</b> a number of times but never during the festival, which is what would really make it worth it. Otherwise it is just a mildly pleasant but not excessively interesting seaside town.

(Note that the "Maries" are plural!)

I've been there but will never

again during a fete.So many pickpockets
and cars broken into, other wise I ppent a pleasant day there sunning on the rocks that gave a view of that weird village as shown in tati

We went in the early 90's and it was fascinating. It was packed but the greatest people watching and photo opportunities. Obviously, that was a long time ago but we really enjoyed it. We went early in the morning and spent the day. My biggest problem was standing in line for the loo.

It's definitely an event but not the kind I would personally like to experience - a lot of shady people and not very well organized. I would recommend the water jousting in Sète in July and August + beaches + good restaurants in a friendly and safe atmosphere.