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Camargue Regional Natural Reserve

Route de Fielouse, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Description

The Camargue Regional Natural Reserve extends over the greater part of the Rhône river delta, in Provence. It is the largest bird wintering habitat in the country with about 120,000 specimens (the second largest is the Bay of Arcachon) of which the most famous are the pink flamingos. The Camargue forms a rough triangle of 1,500km2 with Arles in the north, Le Grau-du-Roi on the western side and Fos-sur-Mer in the east. The reserve covers the central part of the area. Besides birds, the Camargue is known for its horses, rice cultivation and traditional costumes.

Access & Transport

Arles is the gateway to the Camargue and is easily accessible by train or car from Avignon, Nimes, Montpellier and Marseille - all in less than 1h. Saintes Maries de la Mer can be reached from Arles by bus in 45mins with the A50 line, likewise for Salin de Giraud Camargue with the A10 service.

Instructions & Recommendations

We recommend visitors to study the map a little beforehand to check which part does interest them noting that it is not possible to drive from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer to the eastern side where the village of Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône is located. In the summer, make sure to bring water and sun protection with you (hat/cap and sunblock) and binoculars should come in handy year-round.

Meta review

The area is well known in France but not widely so internationally. Many visitors are attracted by the promise of pink flamingos, black bulls, white horses running in the water, and Camargue's cowboys. However, whilst the flamingos are quite easy to observe (especially at the Pont Gau Ornithological Park), whether you manage to see the others really does depend on your luck, the weather, and how long you spend there. Recommendations from reviewers is to check out the walled medieval town of Aigues Mortes and to avoid visiting in the winter or during the peak summer months (the latter because it does get busy).

Environmental & Social

Green activity with some venues that also educate visitors about the local ecosystems. Some economic benefit from tourism for the community

Conclusion

The Camargue is one of South Eastern France's most unusual and interesting outdoor environment with some fascinating wildlife and landscapes. If you are a little tired of visiting pretty towns and jaw dropping Roman ruins, this will provide an excellent opportunity to discover another aspect of the region which adults and families can enjoy.

Key positive

Excellent bird watching

Unique natural environment and traditions

Key negative

You'll be lucky to see everything the guides depict

Quite busy in the summer and during local school holidays

Suitability

Suitable for all ages. Most areas (but not all) can be accessed by visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:5h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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