Holiday in Camargue

About Camargue

The Camargue, the largest river delta in Western Europe, stretches from south of Arles to the Mediterranean and is a landscape of primal wildness: Endless salt marshes, shallow lagoons, rice fields, and reed-filled swamps form a unique ecosystem that is protected as a Regional Natural Park. The Camargue is famous for its three symbolic animals: The white Camargue horses that gallop half-wild through the swamps, the black bulls bred for traditional bull games (Course Camarguaise), and the pink flamingos that wade in the salt lagoons by the thousands. The Parc Ornithologique de Pont de Gau allows close observation of the flamingos and over 300 other bird species. Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, the main town on the coast, is a lively fishing village with a wide sandy beach and the annual Gypsy festival in May, when Roma from all over Europe celebrate their patron saint Sara. The medieval fortified church with its walkable roof offers panoramic views over the delta to the Mediterranean. The Saline de Giraud produces Fleur de Sel in huge, pink shimmering evaporation basins. Aigues-Mortes, the completely preserved medieval fortified town at the northern edge of the Camargue, was once the starting point for the Crusades of Louis IX. Rides through the salt marshes at sunset, boat tours through the canals, or cycling tours along the dikes — the Camargue is wild, original, and wonderfully different.