Saintes-Maries-de-la-MerThere really is nowhere else like it in FranceAll listings featured on Condé Nast Traveller are independently selected by our editors Because there’s nowhere like it anywhere in France Rooms celebrate the unique local architecture — they're set in stylishly refurbed whitewashed gardian (bull herdsmen) cottages with thatched roofs Add to that an on-site equestrian center with wild white horses one kilometre away from the coastal village Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer you might mistake this recently opened 50-room retreat for another Camargue-style manade (cattle ranch) Spread across ten acres of marshland of the government-protected Camargue Regional Natural Reserve Les Bains Gardians is both a stylishly rustic four-star neo-resort — two pools an arena and stables housing twenty-five horses — and an idyllic spot to contemplate untamed nature Once you pick up your key at reception — a gorgeously reimagined Provençal mas with a bar where breakfast is served —you walk past three Comtais horses with platinum manes munching on hay on the way to your room The standout: this property boasts the largest concentration of restored lime-washed 18th century-built round cottages in the area aligned in rows on the grassy banks of small canals edged with bent weeping willows and tall reeds and you might surprise a purple heron or an egret perched outside your doorstep when the moss-green water’s reflections take on a Pre-Raphaelite dreaminess you can sip a glass of local gris-de-gris rosé on your porch and watch ducks and swans glide past as muskrat-like coypus splash about in search of aquatic plants to nibble on migrating flocks of pink flamingos come and go With 5 cottages that accommodate couples with two children, Les Bains Gardians is a thrilling for kids who love horses, whether it’s at the equestrian centre or a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Aside from bird-watching opportunities en famille, swimming and tennis (and a future spa in the making), you can also visit the nearby breathtaking pink salt flats and fortified medieval towns like Aigues-Mortes. A relaxed attentive young staff and expert local horse-riding instructors who grew up on ranches. LED lighting, water-conserving pressure reducers, organic cotton sheets, recycled glass and towels, locally sourced organic produce. The gardens were re-greened with local vegetation with no insect pesticides; there are no cars in the hotel area. Channel your inner cowboy and hoist yourself onto the saddle of one of the friendly white Camargue horses, well-trained for every level, whether it’s clip-clopping along on a path beside reed-lined lagoons or a glorious gallop at the water’s edge on a sandy beach. the Provençal town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer hosts a pilgrimage like no other drawing Romani people from across Europe to the wetlands and open horizons of the Camargue The festivities are a fitting tribute to one of France’s most singular regions This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).“Vive Saintes-Maries!” comes the rousing cry from a man in a fedora and green silk shirt his neck strung with silver pendants depicting hedgehogs “Vive Sainte Sara!” comes the bellowed reply from the crowd that’s gathered alongside me in the sun-beaten square in the French coastal town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer music and rhythm are everywhere here at the Pèlerinage Gitan a riotous pilgrimage that draws Romani communities from across Europe each May I round a corner into another square to find flamenco guitarists and singers entwined in a gleeful duel Each musical phrase is marked with handclaps and cries of “Olé!” from surrounding revellers Saintes-Maries is at the heart of the Camargue the delta of the Rhône — a strange land of swampy marshes wedged between Montpellier and Marseille along France’s southern coast Inhabited by vibrant flamingos and cowboys riding primeval these humid wetlands have the feel of an interzone; a place apart There can be no more fitting introduction to the region than the Pèlerinage Gitan which is a festival like no other — a homecoming for a people defined by their statelessness I can smell the paprika of Hungarian goulash and the saffron of olla gitana (Andalucian Romani stew) jostling for olfactory dominance with shakshuka The sound of flamenco dissolves into strains of Balkan brass the ornamented cadences of Eastern European klezmer and the jaunty jig of Parisian gypsy jazz — a style of music pioneered by the legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt a regular attendee of the Pèlerinage until his death in the early 1950s I stop at a stall to take a face-scrunching shot of tuica a Romanian plum brandy that’s imbibed with great gusto throughout this week-long event Attendees dress in their best fineries for the Pèlerinage Gitan.Photograph by Jonathan StokesThe Church of the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer plays a central role in the annual Romani pilgrimage followed by a procession carrying a statue of Saint Sarah down to the sea.Photograph by Jonathan StokesI push my way through the crowds to the town’s honey-hued Romanesque Church of the Saintes Maries de la Mer where I’ve been granted an audience with Father Vincent Bedon the national chaplain for the Romani in France and also the priest in charge of the pilgrimage a small man with glasses and a shirt as grey as his hair He gives me a conspiratorial grin and lifts a sleeve to reveal a tattoo of the Camargue cross (an anchor intertwined with a heart and a crucifix) on his wrist Running the festival is no small task — there are around 60,000 people here “Tradition says that the four women who were the first to see the risen Christ (Mary Magdalene Sarah) floated here across the Mediterranean in a boat with no sails or oars during the first century,” says Vincent The ceremonial centrepiece of the Pèlerinage Gitan is a mass in the church followed by a procession carrying a statue of Saint Sarah down to the sea The annual festival takes place around 24 May (Saint Sarah’s feast day) and there’s a smaller autumnal reprise on the Sunday closest to 22 October.“ Sarah is depicted as dark-skinned and was said to be from Egypt,” Vincent explains “When the first Romani arrived in France in the 15th century had come from Egypt — hence the word ‘gypsy’ [short for ‘gyptian’] Sarah became their patron saint.” In actual fact genetic and linguistic studies suggest the Romani originated in Northern India seems to lend credence to this — the word ‘kali’ meaning ‘she who is black’ in Sanskrit The statue of Saint Sarah (the maid of Mary Magdalene Mary Jacob) is flanked by white Camargue horses while it is carried down to the sea.Photograph by Jonathan Stokes“Just wait until tomorrow,” Vincent adds alluding to the culmination of the festivities and the procession The faith of the faithful — it’s a powerful thing.” (Meet Sara-la-Kali, the patron saint of displaced people.) Each sandbank is dotted with splashes of hot-pink — flamingos are another of the Camargue’s charismatic animals. We stop to watch them for a while. I’m struck by their poise and grace on one leg, perfectly balanced even while their heads scan underwater like searchlights, filtering the water for feasts of algae. The illusion of elegance is swiftly shattered, however, when they take to the air, resembling giant flying stick insects in colourful jackets.  On the way back to town, we pass a strange thatched cottage — squat, long and whitewashed, it resembles a loaf of bread topped with a pilgrim hat. “The traditional cottage of the gardian,” Marine explains. “That’s what we call cattle herders here in the Camargue. Our version of the cowboy.”  “People come to stay for a while, to ride a horse, brush it, build a relationship with it,” she says. “It’s harder and harder to access the natural world; people relish it.” The farm’s cosy gîtes (rural holiday cottages) are centuries-old stone buildings, one a former dovecote; pigeons were once a mainstay on the menu here, Laure tells me. While we’re looking at the bulls, a battered silver Citroën pulls up and out steps a wiry, silver-haired man in a dark floral shirt and blue jeans, his gait somewhat bandy-legged from decades in the saddle. His keen blue eyes dissect me icily from deep within a face of rawhide leather, tanned and grooved from a life spent beneath the searing Camargue sun. Laure introduces him as Christian Culetto, explaining that he often stops here to look at the bulls and to tell passers-by his story. He was a razeteur, he tells me, for 13 years, from 1979 to 1992. “I was gored three times,” he adds insouciantly, pointing in turn at his knee, his calf and his behind. I wince. Does he feel the bulls are his enemies? “Au contraire,” he replies. “I love them. They’re my friends. I come here to look at them every day.” Christian explains that the sport’s most famous razeteurs become local celebrities, but they’re always secondary to the real stars of the show: the bulls. Art may not be preeminent among the thoughts of razeteurs such as Christian, but it shaped the life and legend of one of the Camargue’s most famous inhabitants, Vincent van Gogh. Today, Arles — with its 50,000 inhabitants — claims the modest title of ‘capital of the Camargue’ and is the gateway to the region for many travellers. It’s rather grander than Saintes-Maries, with impressive Roman ruins and Romanesque churches looming above its medieval streets. Van Gogh lived in Arles for just a year, but it was here he developed the unique painting style that would eventually make him a legend. The city is just a 25-minute drive from the Mas Saint Germain farm, and soon I’m heading out on a walking art tour with guide François Carre. We meet beside a bronze bust of Van Gogh in Jardin d’Été, a serene public park in central Arles. Mounted in a stone block, the artist’s face bears a suitably tortured expression.  “Van Gogh came to Arles in 1888,” says François. “He was a machine — he produced 100 paintings in 15 months here.” Our tour is punctuated with stops at illustrated information boards marking spots he once painted, including the river harbour and the Roman forum, where van Gogh produced the first of his Starry Night paintings, and a serene colonnaded garden — depicted in his work Hospital in Arles — where he was sent after cutting off an ear following an argument with his friend Paul Gauguin. Painters often visit Arles where Van Gogh lived for a year and produced the first of his Starry Night paintings.Photograph by Jonathan StokesStanding in that very garden, in front of an information board that displays a copy of the work, I’m struck by the how the painting’s sense of peace contrasts so starkly with its violent origins.  It’s easy to see why he found refuge in this part of the world. The Camargue is many things — a place of riotous festivity, religious fervour, majestic wildlife and eerily atmospheric landscapes — but at every turn it feels like nowhere else, a world apart between the Rhône and the Mediterranean Sea.   a gaucho is a skilled horse rider and a prominent folk figure throughout South America.","ttl":"Gaucho Horse Riding","rchDsc":{"markup":"In Argentina travellers can get a taste of the Western cowboy lifestyle with a ranch stay one is stretching","crdt":"Photograph by Natural Selection","dsc":"Onguma park is home to more than thirty different species and predators such as leopards.","rchDsc":{"markup":"Onguma park is home to more than thirty different species and predators such as leopards. "},"rchTtl":{"markup":""}},"sections":[{"name":"Travel","id":"432c4f83-2d55-3974-b95f-a221c87c0fd1","type":"sources","uri":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel"}],"headline":"5 game drive alternatives from cycling to horse-riding","link":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/game-drive-alternatives-from-cycling-to-horse-riding"},{"description":"Listed by UNESCO as Intangible World Heritage featuring an oversized wooden float.","crdt":"Photographs by INGUAT","dsc":"Semana Santa celebrations in Guatemala are notable for their scale and level of community engagement and feature processions and oversized floats.","ttl":"Semana Santa celebrations in Guatemala are notable for their scale and level of community engagement and feature processions and oversized floats.","rchDsc":{"markup":"Semana Santa celebrations in Guatemala are notable for their scale and level of community engagement and feature processions and oversized floats."},"rchTtl":{"markup":"Semana Santa celebrations in Guatemala are notable for their scale and level of community engagement On the occasion of the sixteenth anniversary of the death of Carlo Acutis a relic of the young Italian teenager who died at the age of 15 is installed on a reliquary fixed on a wall of the chapel of the Lycee Notre-Dame de la Galaure Many young students attend the installation mass celebrated by Monsignor Pierre-Yves Michel 2022-10-12.  "},"rchTtl":{"markup":""}},"sections":[{"name":"History & Culture","id":"b0c8dd52-23a8-34c0-a940-f46792bc9e70","type":"sources","uri":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history"}],"headline":"What does it take to become a saint in the modern age?","link":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/modern-saint-catholic-church"},{"description":"From wild ponies in Virginia to bison in Yellowstone this spring","link":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/wild-animals-safaris-united-states"},{"description":"So close to Europe yet so different in culture and customs Morocco is a slice of North Africa that deserves deep exploration AWL Images","dsc":"The Zawiya of Sidi Ahmed al-Tijani complex can be found within the old medina quarter of Fez one of Morocco's imperial cities.","ttl":"Morocco Fez Islamic complex","rchDsc":{"markup":"The Zawiya of Sidi Ahmed al-Tijani complex can be found within the old medina quarter of Fez Votre newsletter personnalisée pour faciliter vos déplacements et vos sorties pendant les Jeux Go for the best afternoon tea in London at the Belgrave’s restaurant We’ve written about the eminently stylish Belgrave Hotel and its excellent restaurant, Pont St., before, but had to go back when we heard what the place is doing with afternoon tea. Afternoon tea at a hotel might sound like nothing new, but with Pont St., nothing should be taken for granted: Cue the Marie Antoinette Afternoon Tea head chef Sophie Michell’s wonderfully French take on an English classic The obvious opportunity for “Let Them Eat Cake” related gags aside (come on the whole Marie Antoinette thing is really about capturing the sheer opulence of her court “I’ve always found Marie Antoinette an intriguing character; she was seen as a figure of decadence It’s debatable as to whether her famous quote ‘Let them eat cake’ was actually coined by her but it did get me thinking about what would be her perfect afternoon tea.” Whilst the real Antoinette’s life of excess and indulgence was somewhat ill-fated with subtly contemporary design throughout that’s what we’re all here for The menu includes some outrageously indulgent treats an absinthe choux bun (for those dissolute artist vibes) and something called ‘chocolate opera cake’: don’t worry it’s low on opera but reassuringly heavy on chocolate If you’re more of a savoury person – or enjoy a bit of everything – then there are decadent delights like hollondaise quail egg tartlets and even foie gras on brioche toast – because if there’s one thing foie gras needs if you’re out to treat yourself (which you should be) then plump for a glass of crisp Rulnart Champagne MontrealNewsHere are the Montreal-area weekend road closures, including on the Ile-aux-Tourtes BridgeBy Daniel J. RowePublished: November 01, 2024 at 12:07PM EDT Twitter feed ©2025 BellMedia All Rights Reserved Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Tuesday World Subscribers only In Zurich the leaf blower war or the anti-'woke' backlash World Subscribers only Germany's Friedrich Merz is embracing pragmatism World Subscribers only Trump-Carney meeting: Canada seeks reconciliation World Subscribers only Friedrich Merz bets on two private sector converts to revive the German economy and reform the state World Subscribers only Founder of Sant'Egidio community fears next pope could undo Francis's legacy Opinion Subscribers only 'Russian gas and Europe is an old story that ended badly Economy Subscribers only Europe's steel industry flattened by crisis World Subscribers only How European countries plan to fund defense efforts France Subscribers only Macron announces citizens' convention on school schedules France Subscribers only 21 charged over French prison attacks as investigation narrows in on drug traffickers France Subscribers only French mosque stabber was driven by 'morbid fascination,' prosecutor says France Subscribers only At the trial of Kim Kardashian's robbers Videos World expos: From Paris 1855 to Osaka 2025 Videos How the Trump administration is attacking scientific research in the US Videos Tesla cars set on fire in Las Vegas as calls to boycott Musk's company grow worldwide Videos Can France's nuclear deterrent protect Europe Opinion Subscribers only 'The American dream is dying' Opinion Subscribers only John Bolton: 'The term chaos is commonly used to describe the top of the Defense Department' Opinion Subscribers only 'It is pointless to imagine a significant wave of American academics leaving' Magazine Subscribers only Tracking down the pianos taken from French Jews during the Nazi Occupation Magazine Subscribers only Eve Rodsky the American helping couples balance the mental load Magazine Subscribers only Desecration or more glory Joan Didion's private diaries are revealed Magazine Subscribers only For Jewish cartoonist Joann Sfar 2025."> Pixels Subscribers only Golden Owl solution is revealed but leaves players of 31-year hunt disappointed Pixels Subscribers only Secrets of decades-long Golden Owl treasure hunt to be revealed Lifestyle Inside Chanel's French leather workshops Culture Subscribers only The marvelous bronzes of Angkor on display at the Musée Guimet in Paris From classic chocolate and hazelnuts to exotic mango and lime these 15 desserts provide a variety of tastes (and colors) to satisfy your cravings By Gilbert Pytel Here's Le Monde's tried-and-tested selection of the year's 15 best Yule logs having tasted over 140 of them from every corner of France Prices might be sometimes higher due to inflation MAIÌKYA STUDIO Le Kiosque à Pâtisseries at the Fleur de Loire hotel in Blois (central France) is part boutique and already one of the most popular destinations for lovers of exquisite cakes Created in July 2022 by double Michelin-starred chef Christophe Hay Winner of the Mondial des Arts Sucrés (International Confectionary Art Competition) this pastry chef favors uncluttered creations partly made with fruit grown sustainably in the estate's orchards recall the waves of the river that borders the establishment the cream with the exceptional frosted vanilla And what can we say about its cloud-light texture Its delicate interplay with the blackberry and raspberry flavors is of a rare subtlety only enhanced by a hint of Chambord liqueur with an intense berry flavor You have 93.37% of this article left to read Lecture du Monde en cours sur un autre appareil Vous pouvez lire Le Monde sur un seul appareil à la fois Ce message s’affichera sur l’autre appareil Parce qu’une autre personne (ou vous) est en train de lire Le Monde avec ce compte sur un autre appareil Vous ne pouvez lire Le Monde que sur un seul appareil à la fois (ordinateur En cliquant sur « Continuer à lire ici » et en vous assurant que vous êtes la seule personne à consulter Le Monde avec ce compte Que se passera-t-il si vous continuez à lire ici Ce dernier restera connecté avec ce compte Vous pouvez vous connecter avec votre compte sur autant d’appareils que vous le souhaitez mais en les utilisant à des moments différents Nous vous conseillons de modifier votre mot de passe. Votre abonnement n’autorise pas la lecture de cet article Pour plus d’informations, merci de contacter notre service commercial. most people will head to the beaches in the summer and you’ll have stretches of river all to yourself Here are our top picks of where to go and what to do The thing to remember about wild swimming is that it’s unsupervised and you are at your own risk always take a phone and always have water and snacks to hand as well as a towel and a spare change of clothes in a waterproof bag Remember that wild swimming places are off the beaten track so you’ll need practical footwear Sometimes hiring a kayak is the best way to go because it lets you travel fast to the best spots you can carry your stuff in them and more people generally use the same route Wild swimming is a wonderful way to see parts of France that (most) other people don’t see but be prepared to walk a little and make a little more effort to get the wonderful rewards which is built into the side of the mountain and shouldn’t be missed either Verdon Gorges Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips See privacy policy Swapped a hectic life in the city of London for an easy-going southern French vibe I still work just as hard but on my own terms and on my own time and of course meeting the amazing people and seeing the wonderful things this country has to offer See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in October Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in December See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in September Guides & Tips This Is Europe's Ultimate Road Trip See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in July Guides & Tips Beat the Crowds with these Alternative Summer Destinations Guides & Tips Scenic Road Trips to Take From Biarritz See & Do 10 French Theme Parks You Should Be Visiting Instead of Disney Architecture A Brutalist Architecture Tour of Marseille Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in November See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Autumn See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Summer US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd Nous mettons tout en œuvre pour rétablir le service dans les meilleurs délais La Rédac' Sud-OuestVous connaissez la renommée de Bordeaux et sa région pour ses vignobles et son patrimoine culturel Mais savez-vous que de nombreux films y ont été tournés Que ce soit dans la ville-même ou dans d'autres coins du Sud-Ouest plusieurs réalisateurs ont décidé d'utiliser comme décors les mille et uns paysages qui nous entourent 1) Nos 18 ans de Frédéric Berthe (2008) : Régler ses comptes avec un professeur avant le bac peut paraître assez fun .. sauf quand c'est ce même prof qui vous fait passer les oraux  lycéen,pour couronner le tout est tombé amoureux de la fille de ce même professeur .. Cette comédie légère est principalement tournée à Bordeaux On peut y apercevoir le lycée Sainte Marie Grand Lebrun On y voit même Michel Blanc attablé dans le Bistrot des Quiconces 2) Lola et ses frères de Jean-Paul Rouve (2018) : Le film suit la vie de Lola (Ludivine Sagnier) et de ses deux frères Benoit (Jean-Paul Rouve) et Pierre (José Garcia) dans leurs bons et leurs mauvais moments Certaines scènes ont été tournées dans le hall A de l'aéroport de Mérignac 3) Jappeloup de Guillaume Canet (2013) : L'histoire vraie d'un cheval champion de saut d'obstacles : Jappeloup de Luze Avant de s'envoler pour les Jeux Olympiques de Séoul en 1988 le cavalier Pierre Durand avait emmené sa monture au stade Lescure (aujourd'hui stade Chaban-Delmas) Guillaume Canet a profité d'une rencontre de football entre Bordeaux et Nancy en décembre 2011 pour tourner dans ce même stade la scène mythique de l'histoire de Jappeloup 4) Les Petits Mouchoirs de Guillaume Canet (2010) : décidément très attaché à la région C'est l'histoire de plusieurs amis de longue date qui décident de partir en vacances malgré le récent accident d'un de leurs proches les hauts et les bas de cette bande d'amis ont pour décor le Bassin d'Arcachon et la région bordelaise exerce ce métier dans la vraie vie  intitulée "Nous finirons ensemble",  a également été tournée sur le Bassin d'Arcachon 5) Les Fugitifs de Francis Weber (1986) : Film culte qui relate l'histoire de François Pignon (Pierre Richard) qui va tout mettre en œuvre pour sauver sa fille malade Il va alors prendre en otage Jean Lucas (Gérard Depardieu) et ira jusqu'à braquer une banque Plusieurs scènes se déroulent dans le centre de Bordeaux notamment place Meynard (quartier St Michel) où est tourné le fameux braquage ou encore dans la bijouterie Mornier qui existe encore aujourd'hui rue Ste Catherine 6) Camping de Fabien Onteniente (2006) : Certainement l'une des comédies françaises les plus connues des années 2000 on peut y suivre les aventures de Patrick Chirac (Franck Dubosc) éternel enfant et surtout archétype du beauf bien lourd Le film se déroule principalement sur le Bassin d'Arcachon notamment dans le camping des Flots Bleus situé au Pyla-sur-mer ou à la Teste de Buch pour les scènes de plage 7) Le Pacte des Loups de Christophe Gans (2001) : joué par un excellent Samuel Le Bihan est missionné pour enquêter sur une série de meurtres commis dans le Gévaudan et que l'on attribue à une bête mystérieuse La majeure partie du film est tourné en Dordogne mais aussi en Gironde et plus précisement à Mazères dans le décor médiéval du Château de Roquetaillade 8) Brice de Nice 1 et 3 de James Huth (respectivement 2005 et 2016) : Le célèbre «surfeur» niçois quitte sa côte d'Azur natale pour réaliser son rêve et participer à une compétition internationale de surf à Hossegor dans les Landes Le deuxième opus a également été en partie tourné dans le sud ouest puisque des scènes se déroulent à Naujac-sur-mer dans le Médoc mais aussi dans Bordeaux avec des séquences tournées rue Porte de la Monnaie ou sur le Miroir d'eau  9) Thérèse Desqueyroux de Claude Miller (2012) : Adaptation du roman éponyme de François Mauriac le film présente la vie de Thérèse (jouée par Audrey Tautou) une jeune femme mariée par convenance qui tente de vivre sa vie hors des carcans et des traditions établies De nombreuses scènes ont été tournées en Gironde 10) Le Corniaud de Gérard Oury (1965) : On a tous en tête la scène mythique de l'accident de voitures entre un Bourvil un peu bébête et un de Funès gangster bien plus malin qui profitera d'ailleurs de sa naïveté pour lui faire transporter de la drogue de Naples jusqu'à … Bordeaux  C'est pourquoi à la fin du film vous pouvez apercevoir la place la Comédie (le Grand Théâtre) la rue Vital-Carles ou encore la place Jean Moulin 11) Les Misérables de Robert Hossein (1982) : le film aurait pris place dans Bordeaux suite à une phase du célèbre auteur qui aurait écrit « prenez Versailles ainsi que plusieurs rues bordelaises pavées et sombres car les façades n'étaient pas encore ravalées et claires comme aujourd'hui  Un spectacle gratuit de 500 drones en lumières va éblouir le ciel bordelais cet été Ce musée emblématique fermé au public depuis des mois va rouvrir sur les quais de Bordeaux 3 jours d'animations culturelles et festives à Darwin pour célébrer la littérature à Bordeaux it was not a crisis meeting that was held at the town hall Le Pont-Sainte-Maxence but indeed a work meeting intended to further improve the daily life of the Maxipontains sub-prefect of the district of Senlis chaired this meeting alongside Arnaud Dumontier Lieutenant Bosquet and of course the Colonelle Julie Parent commander of the gendarmerie company of Senlis The purpose of this signing of contract aims to implement many means and in particular financial The action “Small towns of tomorrow” is approaching in many points of the action “heart of the city” but these are all the same three billion euros (on the national territory) which are devoted to this renewable operation every year and therefore in the present case the City did indeed apply to be eligible for the system The “Small Cities of Tomorrow” program is in fact aimed at cities of the same stratum as that of Pont-Sainte-Maxence If it is a question of formalizing a document which will make it possible to further strengthen work already focused on the security and protection of the territory this is accompanied by many actions and additional aid relating to existing or planned projects the coordination of the town hall and the police have made it possible to divide by two damage to goods over the last ten years and to lower vehicle flights by 300% over the same period It is indeed not nothing for a municipality which was strongly impacted before work on better communication between services work together and therefore further strengthen this coordination link Taking the basis of everything that can affect the municipality of more than 12,000 inhabitants to proper functioning In view of the proximity of significant delinquency basins the town hall and the police have strengthened their coordination for several years Thanks to the efforts made and a common desire to tackle security problems damage to goods in 2023 were divided by two compared to 2013 but also to fight against drug trafficking “Security is a priority in the territory and the objective remains to allow everyone to live in all serenity” this is what the first magistrate advocates which gives itself the means to achieve this objective few cities This stratum presented files on the territory “We are aware that this contract gives results It will be offered and effective at least until the next presidential elections but it is clear that it works perfectly in cities of this stratum in particular by mixed patrols of municipal police and gendarmes Prevention actions with downtown merchants Establishment of a merchant alert system in the event of shopping for businesses the use of counterfeit tickets or any other offense via the local communal application “illiwap” An information loop specific to traders will be created from the application Awareness of the population on intelligence sharing through a specific communication on the municipal application “illiwap” The municipality already informs the inhabitants of the difficulties encountered in the territory (roads traffic or other problems) and subscribed fellow citizens can also make reports from the mobile application (downward and ascending communication) Maintaining the “Operation Tranquility Vacances” system (implemented since 2015) this free service allows citizens to benefit from increased surveillance from their home in the event of prolonged absence are made near the home or within the garden enclosure (if the owners choose to leave their gate key) to carry out a visual check to check that the doors and windows are properly closed and that they have not been forced Theme being the subject of a common diagnosis between the amazing referent of the gendarmerie brigade and the municipal police with the support of the Senlis research brigade and the CROSS60 (operational intelligence cell on narcotics located in Beauvais) to detect possible deal points supported by the Senlis cynophile investigation group in the city center and at the SNCF station and in any place of the municipality which will be identified in the aforementioned common diagnosis Prevention actions on the “dangers of addictions” targeted in schools and/or associations bringing together young adolescents the Beauvais MPF and anti -Drogue relay trainers (FRAD) Implementation of coordinated checks between the municipal police and the Chantilly mobile brigade targeted on heavy goods vehicles Reinforcement of surveillance in the sector of the Pont-Sainte-Maxence station by joint operations between the brigade and the municipal police of Pont-Sainte-Maxence in particular in order to secure pendulum trips especially in the station sector by the security correspondent for the Senlis gendarmerie group in connection with the Chantilly Mobile Brigade Continuation of the “Knowing how to ride” system provided in municipal schools (school and/or extracurricular time) which teaches children from 6 to 11 years old to acquire the skills necessary to circulate by bicycle independently Prevention actions with interventions by the family protection house (MPF) of the Oise gendarmerie group particularly on the theme of harassment and violence Specific actions within the priority district of “Les Terriers” linked to family workshops offered within the framework of parental guidance Taken into account by the municipal police of suction cup vehicles and removal by the pound etc.) which participate in attacks on public tranquility and implementation of adapted administrative and judicial sanctions actions in connection with the sub-prefecture and the TJ of Senlis Proposal for an incivility management training for elected officials from the municipality by the negotiators of the Senlis Company Establishment of coordination with all donors with housing in Pont-Sainte-Maxence in order to share information on security problems and recovery to be considered (local rehousing charter) Implementation of preventive and repressive coordinated coordinated actions on the environmental theme to combat the problems of unsanitary conditions with the commitment of environmental referents of the Pont-Sainte-Maxence Brigades community and the Senlis research brigade by seeking the support of the OFB (French office of biodiversity) Develop the safety and training security partnership Organize crisis management exercises involving all of the security forces led to intervene in the town especially in training sites offered by the town hall Allow the municipal police to participate in instructions in the field of professional intervention organized within the Brigades community of Pont-Sainte-Maxence by monitors and monitors in professional intervention by the units of the company of Senlis Source link Last Updated on 13th March 2024 by Sophie Nadeau this tranquil pocket of peace is often overlooked by its neighbouring island Île de la Citê Known for its architectural gems and abundant with beautiful doorways Île Saint-Louis offers a quieter setting to that of the rest of the city Here’s an insider’s guide on the best things to do in Île Saint-Louis IÎle Saint-Louis is the smaller of two natural islands which are located within the Seine and is technically considered to be part of the 4th arrondissement There is a third island still surviving on the Seine too it has a population of approximately 4,400 people (recorded as of September 2023) this is generally a no driving and no parking district In the 13th century Île Saint-Louis was originally divided in two by a canal and went by two different names Île des Vaches (island of cows) which also happens to be the name of another island further down stream due to the fact it was owned by the cathedral’s jurisdiction Mostly used for grazing cattle and on occasion a site for duelling the island(s) then became destined for real estate development In 1616 developers Christophe Marie and Poulettiere Le Regrettier commenced the project filling in the canal that divided the two plots of land and laying out the plots for residential buildings The urbanisation of the island was pretty quick within a period of 15 years it was completely built up with beautiful imposing Haussmann architecture and solid stone banks entirely surrounding the island.  The next task was the building of the new bridge which would connect the island to that of the Île de la Citê (home to the Notre Dame) the first stone of the bridge was laid by the young king himself Today the name of the small natural island as it is now dates back to 1725, derived from that of King Louis IX, the son of Louis XIII, who was nicknamed Saint Louis. Legends say that the king had a habit of coming to the island often and praying. During the French Revolution the island was briefly named Île de la Fraternité In 2000 Île Saint-Louis earned its status, going on the UNESCO World Heritage List. For more information about the history of the island, check out our full guide to the islands of Paris Today the island is dreamy and sought after neighbourhood due to its serene ambience and abundance of gorgeous mansions adorned with balconies that boast of stunning views overlooking the River Seine Home to many celebrities over the years and foreign multimillionaires…if you have a couple million spare The island is located in the River Seine right next to Île de la Citê (they’re connected by the pedestrian only bridge you’ll have to take the metro to Pont Marie and walk across the bridge to reach the island don’t come to the island expecting to see lots of monuments and attractions and quintessentially Haussmannian architecture Charming and unique this pocket of calm is a true gem of Paris In 2000 this small natural island made it onto the UNESCO World Heritage List Situated in the historic quarter of the city it’s famed for its abundance of magnificent architecture Once coined as being the “Island of Palaces” as its home to many mansions some of which have been preserved for over four centuries one of the joys of a visit to Île Saint-Louis is simply to stroll around and allow the island to reveal itself to you There are lots of little cobbled lanes and wandering around this part of Paris will feel like you’ve been transported straight back into the 17th-century This is home to one of the most romantic views in Paris a quiet cobbled terrace that rests at the tip of Île Saint-Louis boasting of panoramic views of the River Seine and its bridges or taking a seat on one of the nearby benches be sure to bring a bottle of wine and baguette to share at this truly magical spot I recommend visiting at golden hour for prime time to see the architecture soaked in yellow hues as reflections dance over the Seine One of the best things to do while visiting Île Saint-Louis is marvel at the fabulous doorways Arguably one of the most concentrated areas of unique doorways in Paris each of them full of character and intricately carved from wood As it only takes around an hour to walk the whole of the island you could take yourself on a mini walking tour of these gorgeous doors and pick out your favourite one Home to the original store of the famed Berthillon ice cream iconic and so good that it easily rivals any ice cream in the world This iconic tea room and ice cream shop is said to have rose to fame in 1961 when French restaurant guide wrote about how “astonishing” this place was The Berthillon family have been serving their delights for over 70 years priding themselves on using the highest quality ingredients their ratio of ingredients used for this indulgent treat remains a hidden secret Truly a memorable french dessert this Parisian delicacy is an absolute must-try when visiting The delicate notes and fruity texture means that the sorbet quite literally tastes just like the fruit itself my favourite flavours of Berthillon sorbet are lemon and raspberry.  because of its size there’s not a huge range of places on Île Saint-Louis the options that are here are some of the best spots in the city you are in one of the chicest districts in all of Paris you should definitely wander around and take a peep at the independent boutiques of the island With a growing population came the need for a church to be built on the island this gorgeous Roman Catholic church is dedicated to King Louis IX of France The first stone for the church was lay in 1664 by the Archbishop of Paris but building wasn’t actually complete until 1725 due to various mishaps and funding shortages Originally constructed in the French Baroque style of the 17th century much of the interior decoration was taken or destroyed in the French Revolution so the church had to be extensively restored and redecorated in the 19th century Free to visit, the church also provides a guided tour of its interior in both English and French one Sunday a month at 3pm. Check opening times and more information for visiting on their official website here. The Pont Saint-Louis links Île Saint-Louis with Île de la Cité and is a vibrant pedestrianised footbridge where there’s always something going on This bridge also provides excellent views onto the river Seine and towards Hôtel de Ville Note of caution: Pickpockets in Paris are known to take advantage of crowds who are distracted by street performances so just be sure to keep a close eye on your belongings Île Saint Louis is connected to the mainland by four different bridges: You can get a panoramic view of all these bridges at the tip of the island One of the easiest ways to access the quays from the island is to head down the set of stairs which is hidden to the side of Square Barye. During the summertime, relaxing on the quays with a picnic is the perfect way to end a day exploring Paris There’s only one public garden on the island This small relaxing green space is filled with sculptures and park benches An enchanting spot to take a leisurely afternoon stroll or sit on one of the benches and read as you soak up the tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the busier streets in Paris so if you want to have a picnic and drink wine late into the night If you want to stay close to all of the action but like a quiet vibe and ambiance then Île Saint-Louis is a great compromise There’s not a huge deal of choice on the island due to its small size but there are still a handful of hotels you can check out: Hotel Du Jeu De Paume: This four-star hotel is nestled against the backdrop of a converted 17th-century royal tennis court and boasts amenities such as baggage storage and air conditioning Hôtel L de Lutèce: This well-reviewed four-star hotel lies in the heart of Île Saint-Louis, meaning that it’s just a short walk away from Notre Dame and Hôtel de Ville. Highlights include a 24 hour front desk, an airport shuttle for an extra charge, and a turndown service. Check prices and availability here. Enjoyed reading about The Best of Île Saint-Louis When she’s not curled up on the sofa with her newest knitting project (and Rico her cat!) you can find her out and about on long walks Currently living in the magical city of Edinburgh she looks forward to travelling and seeing more of the world and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. I started this site back in 2015 with one mission in mind: I wanted to create useful travel guides with a historical and cultural focus Today it has blossomed into my full time job and together with a small team of writers (including my husband and sister) we craft articles to help you travel better throughout Europe © 2015- 2025 Sophie Nadeau. Nadeau Pasquier LTD. All Rights Reserved. solosophie participates in various affiliate marketing programs. solosophie is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Privacy Policy