Camargue

The Camargue is a world unto itself: a 930 km² river delta between the two arms of the Rhône and the Mediterranean, a flat, wind-swept landscape of salt lagoons, reed fields, rice fields, and endless beaches. Here live the famous white Camargue horses (one of the oldest horse breeds in Europe) semi-wild in the swamps, along with black Camargue bulls and over 400 bird species, including thousands of pink flamingos.

The Highlights

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer: The only real town in the Camargue—a fishing village with a fortified Romanesque church (9th century), from whose roof you can see the flamingos in the lagoon. Every May, Roma from all over Europe pilgrimage here for the Festival of the Black Sara, their patron saint—one of the most colorful religious festivals in Europe. The beach is endless and almost deserted at the western end.

Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gau: The best place to see flamingos up close (literally 10 meters away). 60 hectares of marked paths through lagoons and swamps. Entrance €8. Most beautiful in the late afternoon when the light turns pink—like the flamingos.

Horseback Riding: Exploring the Camargue on the back of a white Camargue horse is the most iconic experience. Numerous ranches offer rides (1 hour from €25, 2 hours from €40, half-day from €65). Also suitable for beginners—the Camargue horses are extraordinarily calm and sure-footed.

Salt Harvesting (Salins du Midi): The salt flats near Aigues-Mortes—a fully walled medieval town (13th century, from where Louis IX set out on the Crusades)—are huge pink-red salt basins where the famous Fleur de Sel is harvested. Tours by train or on foot (€10.50). Aigues-Mortes itself, with its city wall walk (8 €), is worth a visit.