| This huge alluvial plain ,covering some 750 km², forms a triangle with Arles at its apex and a line along the coast from Les Saintes Maries de la Mer to Salins de Giraud forming its base. The Camargue is a mixture of atmospheres and cultures, where people love to party. Férias, festivals, pilgrimage, rice festival, horse festival, corsos, corridas, etc. There flamenco, gypsies, guitars and the tzigane atmosphere blend with traditions where bullrings, ranchers and herdsmen grab every opportunity to look their best. The ideal way to explore the Camargue is on horseback, discovering the remotest corners of this wild and poetic land. It is also perfect for walking and cycling; there are no hills and nearly 20 km of roads are closed to motor vehicles, from Saintes Maries to Salins de Giraud. |
WHAT TO SEE IN CAMARGUE ?
THE “MARAIS DU VIGUEIRAT” NATURE RESERVE
| Preserved natural site of 1200 hectares at the junction of two remarkable ecosystems that are the Rhone delta and the stony desert-like Crau, the Vigueirat Marshes are one of the most remarkable properties of the Conservatoire of the Coast in the Camargue. You can discover the reserve in different ways: on foot on the “Etourneau” trails (the “Cabins trail” and the “Palunette trail” which are free access or with a guide or in horse-drawn carriages. For nature and bird lovers, 5km hike in the heart of the nature reserve where hides and observation towers facilitate the observation of wildlife. |
THE PIEMANSON BEACH
| The real luxury on the Mediterranean coast is the space, the serenity and the nature offered by the beach of Piémanson with its seven kilometres of fine sand in Camargue.
Piémanson is one of the few beaches located in a protected area, in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of Camargue. |
AIGUES-MORTES TOWERS AND RAMPARTS
| Aigues-Mortes used to be a port and then a prison of the kingdom. A canal links the town to the Mediterranean. Indeed, Saint Louis was the first French king to have a port on the south coast. It was used to hold Protestant prisoners after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. |
PARC ORNITHOLOGIQUE DE PONT DE GAU
| The ornithological park is the ideal site to discover, observe and photograph a plethora of bird species, which include hundreds of pink flamingos in their natural habitat. Ponds, swamps, lawns, channels, reed beds, saltmarshes all form this vast 60-hectare area, entirely devoted to the discovery of nature and birds of Camargue. This park is open every single day of the year. |
SAINTES MARIES DE LA MER
| Situated on the Mediterranean coast in the Heart of Camargue’s Natural Park. Surrounded by endless plains filled with ponds and wild lands the city has many activities to offer all within the framework of a protected environment. St. Maries is famous especially for its oldest tradition which consists in being the meeting place for the gypsy people. Their rich folklore and music attract many visitors all throughout the year. And last but not least for those devoted windsurfers, there is a speed canal waiting for you right next to the port... for the fearless only! |
SOME UNIQUE EXPERIENCES AND SPECIAL PLACES IN CAMARGUE
MANADES (RANCHES)
| There are many ranches (called manades) where both bulls and horses are bred. These ranches welcome visitors and will be glad to put you up in some cases. It is an excellent way to get to know the famous Camargue cowboys and their livestock. |
THE LAUNES POND (ETANG DES LAUNES)
| At the time, the goal was to allow Saintois (locals from the Saintes) fishermen to exploit this important part of water.
Since then, fish has become scarce and fishermen too. Today, because of its proximity and its beauty, the pond of Launes constitutes a splendid case which confers on the marine village its typically Camargue character in a natural decoration. Then, take a walk along the fishing and boating port of St. Maries. |
MUSEE DE LA CAMARGUE
| At the time, the goal was to allow Saintois (locals from the Saintes) fishermen to exploit this important part of water.
Since then, fish has become scarce and fishermen too. Today, because of its proximity and its beauty, the pond of Launes constitutes a splendid case which confers on the marine village its typically Camargue character in a natural decoration. Then, take a walk along the fishing and boating port of St. Maries. |
ST SARAH’S CRYPT
| The Church of St Maries knows hours of intense fervour on the occasion of Pilgrimages several times a year. Roma, Manouches and Gypsies come from all over Europe and even other continents to worship their Saint, “Sara the Black”. They settle in the streets, squares, at the edge of the sea. For eight to ten days, they are there at home.
The pilgrimage is also the occasion of reunion and most of the children are baptized in the church of the Saintes. |
ARENAS
| In arenas of Saintes Maries several traditional events takes place involving Camargue bulls and horses like the Camargue races, equestrian shows and variety shows. |
ABOUT GASTRONOMY
| In Camargue, the cuisine is refined in a vintage setting. The establishments take care to source fresh, seasonal produce locally. Menus combine texture, flavor and taste.
Gourmet restaurants also await you, with their unique ambience and refined cuisine. You will also find seafood restaurants specializing in fish and shellfish dishes, all in a warm and friendly atmosphere. |
| The Little Train, offers to discover the flora and fauna. Commented walk of 50 min are offered in full nature with bordering ponds and marshes, skirting routines and reedbeds, to discover the reign bulls, horses and flamingos.
Pour toute demande de devis rendez-vous sur le site web de Trip My France. |
