Camargue: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
The southern French Camargue is a very idiosyncratic alluvial land between the Rhône Delta and the Mediterranean on the Côte d'Azur. A large part is recognized as a nature reserve and offers a special diversity of species as well as an unusual, colorful landscape. Nature lovers enjoy a unique mix of pastureland, sand dunes, swamps, salt gardens, and flooded rice fields.
Table of contents
Camargue - The most beautiful cities
Arles
The impressive historical buildings and structures of Arles inspired the painter Vincent van Gogh to create some of his most famous paintings, including the world-renowned Langlois Bridge. The Roman amphitheater, built in 90 BC, powerfully shapes the image of the city. The ancient Roman theater and the Roman baths will also captivate you. An architectural masterpiece is the Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with its rich and precious interior. In June, the four-week city festival and its numerous entertaining events attract visitors from all parts of the country. Also, explore the pristine nature reserve on the outskirts of Arles and observe the strong white Camargue horses and pink flamingos.
Aigues-Mortes
In a comfortable way, you will get to know Aigues-Mortes on a ride with the tourist train. Among other things, you will pass by Place Saint-Louis, where the distinctive bronze statue of Saint Louis stands. You will enjoy a magnificent view from the 1,640-meter-long city wall with its ten gates. The remarkable city of Aigues-Mortes will captivate you with its historical charm. The place is also famous for its salt fields: Here, the spice has been produced through evaporation for 2,000 years. Fleur de Sel, which translates to "salt flower," is formed in the process. With a bit of luck, you may see rare flamingos outside the city.
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
In the Pont de Gau nature reserve, you can observe pink flamingos in large numbers on salt marshes. A network of hiking trails leads you to storks, herons, and falcons that live in the largest river delta in Europe. For beachgoers, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer awaits with the beaches Farniente Plage, St. Marie de la Mer, and Arenes Beach. On the dream beaches of fine sand, small children can ideally splash in the water. The remote Beach Beauduc, which you can reach in an hour and a half, is perfect for kitesurfing. Experience the authentic Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer during a gypsy pilgrimage or the Saladella Festival with a glass of Vin de Costières de Nîmes.
Le Grau-du-Roi
Surfers, sailors, jet ski fans, and all those who enjoy participating in Mediterranean events can truly thrive in Le Grau-du-Roi. Rowing regattas, fanfare parades, boat blessings, and fireworks showcase an authentic France. Fine sandy beaches invite you to spend unforgettable days at the sea with the whole family. A bike tour to the dune beach L’Espiguette is especially recommended. A trip to the lighthouse of Le Grau-du-Roi or a hike through the Camargue is also worthwhile. Observe pink flamingos and Camargue horses. At the Seaquarium, you can learn all about marine life and the marine habitat. Wine cultivation also has a tradition and invites you to a glass of Vin des sables.
Salin-de-Giraud
Natural beaches along the Mediterranean coast invite you to enjoy relaxing summer days on vacation in Salin-de-Giraud. In the cooler season, this is the perfect place to slow down from everyday life with long beach walks. The banks of the Rhone also entice you to take walks and bike tours or have a picnic with the whole family. The nearby Étang de Vaccarès lake is also a scenic destination for nature lovers. It is home to numerous migratory birds, which you can observe up close with a bit of luck. The salt lake is part of the impressive landscape of the Camargue with its reed and swamp areas, lagoons, and beaches.
Port Camargue
Excursion boats offer trips all year round, allowing you to explore Port Camargue from the water. Kitesurfing, kayaking, and jet skiing are also popular activities. For those who prefer a quieter experience, the thalasso center offers relaxation. The healing power of the sea and the unobstructed view of the ocean can restore balance to body and mind. At the beach of L'Espiguette, you can experience the area's original wildness. You can go horseback riding there, as the Camargue is known for its horse breeding. Port Camargue awaits its visitors with fascinating fauna and flora. In the wetlands, you can observe pink flamingos and white horses.
Le Sambuc
In Le Sambuc itself, the church and some houses from the 19th century are worth a visit. Otherwise, Arles with its museums and Roman-era remains, as well as destinations like the Pont de Gau bird park, are beautiful destinations that can be easily reached from Le Sambuc. Le Sambuc is also an ideal starting point for excursions into the Camargue. Especially estates like the Mas de la Tour du Cazeau are worth seeing. At the La Capelliere information center, you can learn a lot about the history and animals of the Camargue. Hiking and cycling enthusiasts can also find information about tours.
Port Saint Louis du Rhône
Port Saint Louis du Rhône is a well-developed small town with many opportunities for strolling and dining. There is always something happening around the marina with its white sailboats. Excursions along the Rhône or a day at the beach of the unspoiled Mediterranean coast – water is never far away. Your holiday destination is also known as the gateway to the Camargue. The expansive marshland stretches from Port Saint Louis du Rhône to the interior and is a top excursion destination for nature lovers. In addition to flamingos, you can observe other birds such as herons and ducks. As a special feature, the beautiful Camargue horses are also native here.
Camargue - 4 most beautiful natural sights
Regional Nature Park Camargue
The Regional Natural Park of Camargue is a true paradise for nature lovers. It spans an impressive area of 820 square kilometers and is known for its unique flora and fauna. Here you can observe a variety of bird species, including the famous pink flamingos. The landscape is characterized by vast salt marshes, dunes, and lagoons, offering a breathtaking panorama. The park is also home to the famous white horses of Camargue and the black bulls. A visit to this natural park is an unforgettable experience that immerses you in the wild and untouched beauty of the French landscape.
Vaccarès Pond
Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the Étang de Vaccarès in the Camargue. This breathtaking nature reserve is a paradise for bird lovers, with a variety of species nesting in this unique ecosystem. The vast, open waters of the Étang de Vaccarès are an impressive sight, surrounded by wild horses and bulls grazing freely in the surrounding landscape. The tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty of this place will captivate you and awaken your desire to discover the hidden wonders of nature. Don't miss the chance to experience a piece of untouched wilderness. Visit the Étang de Vaccarès and be enchanted by its natural splendor.
Saltworks of Aigues-Mortes
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the salt marshes of Aigues-Mortes in the Camargue. This natural wonder is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers. The salt marsh, which spans an impressive area, offers a unique landscape of shimmering salt fields that glisten in the sun. The vibrant pink and white hues of the salt fields create a fascinating contrast with the deep blue sky. Here, you can also observe a variety of wildlife, including flamingos searching for food in the salt ponds. The salt marsh of Aigues-Mortes is not only a place of exceptional natural beauty but also a testament to the centuries-old tradition of salt production.
Fangassier Lake
The Fangassier Lake in the Camargue is a natural spectacle of a special kind. As the only breeding ground for flamingos in France, it has provided a unique setting for observing these elegant birds for over 20 years under the care of the Camargue Regional Park and the Conservatoire du Littoral. In partnership with local organizations, guided tours are offered during the breeding season to experience one of the largest populations of flamingos in the Mediterranean. The lake is not only an important habitat for flamingos but also serves as a research and conservation area that highlights the diversity and richness of Mediterranean wetlands.
Camargue - Climate
The Camargue has a warm, temperate climate. In the south of France near the Mediterranean, summers are hot with plenty of sunshine and little rain, and winters are comparatively mild. Nevertheless, relatively much rain falls in the winter months. During this time, temperatures are around 5 to 12 degrees. Therefore, the best travel time for the Camargue is between March and November. Depending on your activities, you can either enjoy slightly milder temperatures in spring or autumn around 20 degrees or the summer when the thermometer often climbs to or above 30 degrees.
The following graph shows the average weather conditions for the country. Historical weather conditions may vary by region.