guide
An introduction to the highlights of the Camargue: Arles and its Roman monuments, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and the Roma pilgrimage, Aigues-Mortes and its ramparts, the National Reserve and Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau. The article also covers local activities, from the Domaine de la Palissade to Piémanson beach, for choosing a campsite in this Provençal gem.
For a holiday in the South, venture into the Camargue. Renowned for its natural spaces and wealth of wildlife, this Provençal gem is also a place steeped in history. For your accommodation options, there are cheap campsites available. To help you plan your itinerary, here are a few suggestions of places to visit and activities to try.
During your stay in the Camargue, a stop in Arles is a must. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this town was, among other things, a source of inspiration for Van Gogh. It stands out for its great cultural wealth and impressive architecture. Arles has the distinction of housing a remarkable number of Roman monuments. It ranks second, right after Rome. So take a detour to the Roman amphitheatre and don’t miss the Cathédrale Saint-Trophime.
37 km from Arles, the village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer should also feature on your itinerary. As the capital of the Camargue, this is where you’ll discover the full beauty of Camargue traditions. It’s also a place marked by deep spirituality. It hosts the pilgrimage of the Gypsies every year, who travel from all over Europe to honour the Black Madonna, Saint Sarah. About 10 km away, you can discover the imposing Phare de la Gacholle lighthouse.
What’s more, Aigues-Mortes is an essential stop for all history enthusiasts. It’s famous for its towers and its celebrated ramparts. This historic town celebrates sumptuous medieval festivals not to be missed under any circumstances.
Nature lovers will also find plenty to enjoy in the Camargue. A visit to the National Reserve is a great opportunity to discover the region’s incredible biodiversity. It covers an area of 13,000 hectares. You’ll notably admire the pink flamingos, an iconic species of this land. Their numbers can reach 34,000 towards the end of summer. What’s more, the Pont de Gau ornithological park is a wonderful opportunity to admire several bird species in their natural habitat. Get your cameras ready!
For a complete change of scenery, venture to the Domaine de la Palissade. You’ll be captivated by the wild landscapes covering an area of 702 hectares. You can explore this site on foot or on horseback. You can also discover age-old activities there, such as beekeeping. It’s possible to explore Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône from the Domaine.
If you’re looking for a quiet, uncrowded spot for a swim, head to Plage de Piémanson. It’s located in a protected area within the regional nature park. If you’re the more active type, you can walk along this 7 km long beach. If you head to the Salin-de-Giraud salt marshes, don’t forget to venture to Plage de Beauduc. You’ll discover another side of the Camargue. Besides swimming, kitesurfing is also possible there.
For a memorable stay in the Camargue, choose unusual accommodation. Indeed, you’ll have a choice of several campsites at the best prices in the Camargue.
Their numbers can reach up to 34,000 individuals towards the end of summer, particularly visible from the National Reserve and the Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau.
An annual gathering where Roma people from across Europe honour the Black Madonna, Saint Sara, in this village considered the capital of the Camargue.
Yes, particularly at Beauduc beach near the salt marshes of Salin-de-Giraud, where you can also swim in a little-visited protected area.
A 702-hectare site with wild landscapes, explorable on foot or on horseback, where you can discover traditional activities such as beekeeping.
