Cycling day trip from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer to Arles

If you’re craving an authentic Camargue ride, this relaxed 42 km route takes you from the seaside charm of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer to the Roman splendor of Arles. Start your journey where the Rhône meets the Med—Saintes-Maries is known for its whitewashed church, wild beaches, and flamenco-fueled gypsy festivals.

The ride itself is delightfully flat and mostly paved, weaving through quiet roads and long, open tracks. Expect to roll past rice paddies, flocks of flamingos, grazing horses, and the shimmering marshes of the Camargue Regional Park. There's a bit of gravel here and there, so wider tires are a plus, but nothing too wild for any adventure-seeker.

As you reach Arles, you’ll enter a city bursting with history—think Roman amphitheater, winding old streets, and the famed yellow café made iconic by Van Gogh. Take a break, grab a café au lait, and soak up the Provençal vibes. This one’s perfect for those who love big skies, wild nature, and a slice of French history at both ends.