The Camargue In France, A Fascinating Region
In the south of France, more precisely between Provence and Arles, this beautiful natural region that seems to be taken from a story is located. With its wheat fields, its lagoons, its vineyards and the largest population of flamingos in Europe, La Camargue has all the tranquility and beauty you need for a relaxing getaway.
What to know about La Camargue
This regional natural park is located in the shape of a delta between two branches of the Rhone River, the largest in Western Europe. With its nearly 86,000 hectares, La Camargue is divided into three zones: dunes and lagoons (to the south), salt flats (east and west) and crops (to the north). Without a doubt, it is a perfect place for nature lovers.
If you want to know the more “authentic” Camargue, you should go to the south, where the swamps dominate the ecosystem and you will be a little further from the beaches or the tourist towns in the north. Its landscapes are truly spectacular, with a vegetation that changes according to the time of year. In summer the color par excellence is blue for example. In autumn you will see everything purple.
The regional park was founded in 1970 as a reserve for animals, including pink flamingos and other migratory birds.
La Camargue practical data
To get to this area by car from Montpellier, take the A9 motorway until the Fréjorgues and beaches exit of the D62. From Nimes the same motorway but to Gallargues, then Aimargues, Saint-Laurent and d’Aigouze to road 979.
The train that arrives is the high-speed TGV to the Montpellier and Nimes stations. By plane to Montpellier. From there a bus or a rental car, the best option. Some choose, once in the region, to ride a bicycle or horseback.
When it comes to accommodation, there is a wide range of possibilities according to our tastes and budget: campsites, hotels, bed & breakfasts, rural houses …
Not to be missed in La Camargue
During your stay you have various activities and attractions to enjoy nature mainly, but there are also must-see towns. The sites that you cannot miss are:
Arles
A city with Roman vestiges on the banks of the Rhône, in the heart of the Camargue. It offers the best-preserved amphitheaters in the country, remains of the Baths of Constantine and the Roman Forum, medieval monuments and more. The Van Gogh route is perfect for lovers of this artist.
Aigues-Mortes
An old medieval city with a beautiful wall in the middle of the lagoons and with an exceptional degree of conservation. The fortified enclosure has six towers and ten gates and protects monuments such as the Notre Dame des Sablons church. Outside are the Torre Carbonniére and the marina.
A little further away are the salt flats, of 14,000 hectares and whose salt is appreciated throughout the country. The pink tone is due to the proliferation of algae called Dunaliella Salina.
Saintes Maries de la Mer
1 kilometer from the mouth of the Little Rhone, formed by alluvial lands and marshes. There, every May 25, a pilgrimage of the gypsy people takes place in devotion to Saint Sarah, their patron saint.
Saint Rémy de Provence
Another picturesque town with a really beautiful old town. It has Renaissance, medieval and Romanesque buildings.
The Roman archaeological site of Glanum is a place that you cannot miss, it is 2 kilometers from the town.
Baux de Provence
It is 15 kilometers northeast of Arles, in the Les Alpilles hills. It is a medieval town with its castle, as appropriate. At the top of this citadel (a rocky spur) we can enjoy dreamy panoramic views.
Le Grau du Roi
The only outlet to the sea in the entire department of Gard. This town was founded by immigrants from Italy at the end of the 19th century, around a canal that connects the lagoons with the sea. Their houses are very beautiful, the sunsets in the port next to the traditional boats and the lights of the lighthouse complete a wonderful experience.
In addition, we recommend that during your stay in La Camargue you visit the Palais d’Avignon, the Pont de Gau ornithological park, the Domaine de la Capeliére or the Palissade to watch birds and the beaches of l’espiguette, le Grau du Roi , Palavas les Flots and Port Camargue.
