AMADEUS Story
Sara-la-Kali and the spirit of faith
Sometimes, the less visible stories leave the deepest mark. In the Camargue region of southern France, you can discover its living treasures - the iconic white horses, semi-wild bulls, and graceful pink flamingos - set against a backdrop of centuries of history.
According to legend, nearly 2,000 years ago a small boat drifted ashore in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Aboard were four women, said to be early Christian refugees fleeing persecution in Judea: Mary Salome, Mary of Cleophas, Mary Magdalene - the devoted companion of Jesus - and Sara, an Egyptian servant of Mary Magdalene. Their fabled arrival has long been celebrated as the beginning of Christianity in Southern France.
The story tells that, as food grew scarce, Sara walked the Camargue, knocking on doors to ask for alms. Along the way, she shared her deep faith, and the locals - moved by her humility and wisdom - began calling her Gitane, the gypsy.
Every year, la Camargue pilgrimage, also known as the Gitan Pilgrimage, is an annual celebration, ending on May 24th. The town bursts into a sea of color as statues of the four women are carried to the sea and blessed with water. During your excursion on a Rhône cruise, step into the church and discover the remarkable story of Sara-la-Kali for yourself.
Follow the footsteps of Sara-la-Kali:
