The essentials of the Camargue

The Camargue is characterized by a varied landscape, including reed beds, salt marshes, sandy beaches and wetlands. It has been classified as a regional natural park since 1970 and was recognized as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1977. It is also a mecca of Provencal culture, famous for its equestrian traditions and its breeding of bulls and horses.

The Camargue, located in the south of France, is a unique region known for its wild nature, traditions and rich biodiversity. Here is a list of the essentials to see and do during your visit to the Camargue:

The Regional Natural Park of Camargue

It is one of the largest protected areas in France, covering about 100,000 hectares of marshes, lagoons, meadows, and rice fields. This park is a true sanctuary for wildlife and flora, housing more than 400 species of birds, including the famous flamingos.

• Hiking and cycling: Sarted trails cross the varied landscapes of the park, allowing you to discover the diversity of the ecosystems of the Camargue. The walks are often accompanied by an unparalleled visual richness, with wild horses and rare birds.

• Bird watching: The ponds and marshes of the park are renowned spots for birdwatching, especially in the Vigueirat Marshes or the Pont de Gau Ornithological Reserve.

• Boat or canoe visits: To explore the Camargue from the water, opt for a guided cruise on the Petit Rhône or a canoe ride through the marshes.

Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Capital of the Camargue, this picturesque village is famous for its unique atmosphere, its white houses, its narrow alleys, and its lively port. It is also an important place of pilgrimage for the Gypsies, who come to celebrate Saint Sara every year.

Aigues-Mortes

Fortified city founded in the 13th century by Saint Louis to be a starting point of the crusades, Aigues-Mortes is surrounded by remarkably well preserved medieval ramparts.

• Walking on the ramparts: A walk on the 1.6 km of ramparts offers impressive views of the city and the surrounding salt marshes.

• Visit the Tower of Constance: Used as a prison for Protestants after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, the tower offers a dive into the religious history of the region.

• Discover the historic center: Stroll through the cobbled streets, visit the art galleries, and stop in the local cafes and shops.

• Taste local specialties: Don't miss the fougasse d'Aigues-Mortes, a sweet brioche flavoured with orange blossom.

The Vaccarès and the Étangs de la Camargue

The Vaccarès is the largest pond in the Camargue, forming the humid heart of the region. Surrounded by marshes and reed beds, it is a vital area for local biodiversity.

Les Salins de Giraud

These impressive salt marshes, with their expanses of pink water and mountains of white salt, offer a unique and photogenic landscape.

• Guided tour of the salt pans: By car, on foot or by bike, discover the salt harvesting process, the trades of the salt pan, and the incredible landscapes of the salt basins.

• Photography: The changing colors of the marshes, especially at sunrise and sunset, are perfect for photography enthusiasts.

• Flamingo observation: The salt flats are also an important habitat for flamingoes, which you can observe in large numbers.

Discovering the Camargue traditions

The Camargue culture is unique, marked by the breeding of bulls and horses, local festivals, and rich gastronomy.

• Visit a herd: Explore a traditional breeding of bulls and horses, participate in cattle sorting demonstrations, and learn more about the life of the gardians.Attend a

• Camargue race: This type of bullfight without killing is a local tradition. The rasers try to remove attributes fixed on the bull's horns.

• Enjoy local specialties: Try the taureau gardianne, a bull stew simmered in red wine, or tellines, small shellfish cooked with garlic and parsley.