Top Things to do in the Camargue
1. Top Camargue Park: Parc Ornithologique Pont de Gau
The Parc Ornithologique Pont de Gau provides guaranteed flamingo spotting in the Camargue. All the birds are wild, with the ecosystem maintained to create optimal conditions. The flamingo population swells in the Winter, but they can be found in the park year-round. Throughout the year, you can also spot herons, passerines and birds of prey.
There are 7 km of trails, with routes of varying lengths. I recommend setting aside at least 1 – 1.5 hours for your visit.
The €7.50 admission fee will give you access for the day. The park is open year-round from 9am to 6pm.
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2. Top Camargue Towns: Aigues-Mortes
Aigues-Mortes is a fortified town in the Camargue built to protect the sea salt industry. There is a charming residential section of the city, which is a must-visit. Coming from North America, it’s fascinating to see how modern life unfolds inside the walls of a medieval fortress.
The Camargue can be a great day trip from cities like Montpellier, Arles, and Nîmes, but if you’re looking to do an overnight visit, Aigues-Mortes would be a great homebase. There are a few hotels right in the centre of the medieval fortress, such as Villa Mazarin Aigues-Mortes and Hotel Saint Louis.
3. Top Camargue Towns: Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer
Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer is the capital of the Camargue region. With holiday homes spotted along the beachfront, this town feels more relaxed and beachy in comparison to Aigues-Mortes. This could be the perfect place to stay in the Camargue if the Mediterranean is a big draw for you.
There are some little souvenir shops in town, where you can pick up some local goods, like sea salt and Camargue-grown rice.
Like many towns in the Mediterranean, restaurants tend to close in the late afternoon and re-open for dinner service.
4. Top Camargue Activity: Swimming in the Mediterranean
The Camargue is located right on the Mediterranean, and there are plenty of beaches in the region. The city of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer has great beaches right near the centre of the town, making it very accessible.
Fall is the rainy season in the South of France, so consider visiting in the late Spring, Summer, or early Fall if you want to get in some sunny beach days.
5. Top Camargue Activity: Salin d’Aigues-Mortes
Salin d’Augues-Mortes is a working salt flat, and produces 500,000 tons of sea salt each year. There is a natural algae in the salt flats that colours the water a pale-rose colour. Admission to the salt flats is €10, giving you access to walking or biking trails around the salt marshes
You can also take a little tourist train out to the flats, which will also provide some commentary on the history of the salt harvesting industry.
There are some amazing specialty salts to pick up as souvenirs from the gift shop.
6. Top Camargue Activity: Horseback Riding
The Camargue is known for the wild white horses that roam the marshland, and horseback riding is the sport of choice for locals. The horses have lived in the area amongst humans for generations; some have been domesticated and many are now semi-feral, meaning they are co-dependent on humans. You will catch a glimpse of white horses tied up in towns and grazing by the road as you drive through rural areas.
There are plenty of local ranches offering horseback riding experiences.
7. Top Camargue Activity: Camargue Wine Country
France is known for producing high quality wine and the Camargue is no exception. Grape vines have been growing in the region since the 14th century. There are currently 115 wine producers in the Camargue region, some of which you can visit. Rue de Vignerons is a database of wineries, and compiles information on vineyard opening hours, and even facilitates bookings at some of the smaller vineyards that require reservations.
Gris and Gris de Gris are the iconic grapes from the region, and something to look out for when dining at the restaurants in town.
If you’re looking for more travel inspiration, check out my list of 1000+ bucket list ideas.
