43° 40′ N, 04° 37′ E
Overview
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Things to do in Camargue
The Camargue is a unique region in the south of France, where the Rhône River meets the Mediterranean Sea, forming the largest river delta in Western Europe. Here, you’ll find pink salt lakes, flocks of flamingos, and the famous white horses roaming free. The diverse landscapes include salt flats, marshes, meadows, and wetlands, creating a rich habitat for wildlife. It’s also the only place in France where rice is grown!
You can explore the protected Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue, go horseback riding, or experience local bull traditions. Read on to discover all the best things to do in the Camargue.
Tip: Because there’s limited public transportation in Camargue, we highly recommend exploring the region by car to have more flexibility. If you’re not traveling with your own car, you can rent one with Rentalcars.com.
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1. Visit the salt marshes and pink lakes
If you’re visiting the Camargue, the pink saltpans and lakes are a must. These bright pink waters are a natural wonder you won’t find in many places around the world. The lakes and pans get their pink color from algae in the salty water. It’s a very unique sight to see and with pink flamingos hanging around, it’s definitely one of the top things to do in Camargue.
Salin d'Aigues Mortes
The Salin d’Aigues-Mortes are the most famous saltpans in Camargue, where you can see the traditional salt harvesting methods and the production of the famous “Fleur de Sel.”
To get a closer look at the salt flats, you can visit by bike or by foot, both guided and unguided, take a ride on the tourist train, or visit with your own car. You will find all rates and timetables on the Salins website.
Salin du Midi
In Salin de Giraud, located about 40 kilometers from Arles, you’ll find more pink salt pans, which are less famous than those at Salin d’Aigues-Mortes. You can enjoy stunning views from the Salt Pan Observation Mound and explore the area on foot or by bike. If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one in the village of Salin-de-Giraud.
Tiki III boat cruise
For a different experience, hop on a boat cruise from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer every day from April to the end of October. With the Tiki III, a classic paddle boat, you can go on a 90-minute journey along the Rhône River, where you can catch glimpses of birds, local bulls, and horses. You can check all timetables and prices on the website of Tiki III.
2. Explore Camargue Regional Natural Park
The best way to experience the Camargue’s beauty is by exploring one of the 14 discovery routes in the Camargue Regional Natural Park. Each trail leads you through different parts of the region, including salt flats, marshes, beaches, and meadows. You can explore the trails on foot, by bike, or in a car.
No matter how you choose to go, you’ll see some of the most stunning and peaceful spots around. Keep an eye out for wildlife like flamingos, wild horses, and bulls as you explore this incredible natural area.
3. Go horse riding
Camargue is known for its horse and cattle herding, with many stables offering horseback tours through the region. Whether you have just a couple of hours or a whole day, you can find a ride that suits your schedule and experience level.
The Camargue horses are usually white or gray and are a key part of the region’s character. When riding one of these horses with a guide, you’ll get a unique perspective on the swamps, with a chance to spot local wildlife like flamingos, beavers, wild boars, and black bulls.
4. Spot flamingos in Parc Ornithologique or in the wild
With over 400 species of birds, the Camargue is truly a birdwatcher’s paradise. The most iconic among them are without a doubt the pink flamingos. If you want to see them up close, the Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gau is the place to go. This 60-hectare nature reserve is designed for birdwatching, with plenty of trails and observation spots where you can admire flamingos and other bird species both ground and in flight.
If you prefer to spot them in the wild, just drive through the Camargue’s marshy areas or near the salt fields – you’re likely to see these fascinating birds almost anywhere in the region. Other great places to see flamingos include Salin d’Aigues-Mortes, Fangassier Lagoon, and Étang de Vaccarès.
The best times to see them are during the migration seasons in spring and autumn, and try to visit during the cooler parts of the day when the birds are most active. Whether you’re in a park or exploring the wild, binoculars are a must-have to fully enjoy the sight of these beautiful birds.
Practical
Adults: €8
Children (4-12yo): €5
5. Spend some time at the beach
The beaches in Camargue are a great option if you are looking to relax by the sea. Plage de l’Espiguette near Le Grau-du-Roi has wide sandy shores and clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. If you are looking for a quieter spot, the beaches around Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer have some beautiful coastal views in a more peaceful setting. Whichever beach you choose, they are all perfect for a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean Sea.
Hotels
Find the best places to stay in Camargue and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Aigues-Mortes
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
via Booking.com
6. Visit the medieval village of Aigues-Mortes
When you’re exploring the Camargue, make sure to check out the village of Aigues-Mortes. This little town is surrounded by medieval walls and is famous for its 13th-century towers and fortifications. You can walk over the ramparts for some awesome views or grab a coffee at one of the outdoor terraces. Because of the cozy atmosphere in this village, it was one of our favorite things to do in the Camargue.
The town is small with a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a stroll. Inside the walls, you can wander through the narrow streets and alleyways, filled with shops, small boutiques, and restaurants. Highlights in Aigues-Mortes include walking the walls and visiting the Tour de Constance, from where you have a panoramic view of the Camargue and the nearby salt pans.
If you’re not up for too much walking, you can take a 25-minute train tour around the old town. It’s an easy way to see the sights and learn more about the area.
7. Spot the iconic black bulls and white horses
In Camargue, spotting the region’s iconic white horses and black bulls is a must. The white Camargue horses, known for their elegant look, are often seen roaming freely across the marshlands and meadows. Although they are referred to as ‘wild’ horses, they are not entirely free; they are cared for by humans and kept in reserves or ranches allowing them to roam as naturally as possible.
8. Visit the amphitheater in Arles
Besides the beautiful nature and the charming village of Aigues-Mortes, there’s also an interesting city to visit in Camargue: Arles. The most impressive sight that you must have seen here is the Roman Amphitheater, an imposing structure with a round shape and arches, resembling Rome’s Colosseum.
However, Arles is more than just the amphitheater. The city is rich in history, with museums and charming streets to explore. You’ll also find lively markets and cozy cafes, making it a great spot to soak in the local culture.
Where to stay in Camargue
Spread across the Camargue you will find a wide variety of places to stay, both in towns and more in nature. The two best villages to base yourself to explore the Camargue are Aigues-Mortes and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.
Aigues-Mortes is a charming medieval town with its historic city walls and narrow streets. Here, you’ll find a range of accommodations from cozy hotels to charming guesthouses. Just keep in mind that parking your car within the city walls can be difficult and thight. Fortunately, there are also some accommodations outside the city walls.
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is known for its sandy beaches and vibrant atmosphere, perfect if you prefer to stay at the beachside. You can choose from various hotels, from beachfront resorts to more budget-friendly options.
If you’re traveling by camper, you can stay at one of the many beautiful campsites in the area or at one of the charming farms, offering their fields for overnight stays.
Hotels
Find the best places to stay in Camargue and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Aigues-Mortes
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
via Booking.com
Best time to visit Camargue
The best times to visit Camargue are in spring and autumn. Spring, from April to June, offers mild weather, lush landscapes, and active wildlife, including migratory birds. Autumn, from September to October, is also ideal for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is great for beach activities and festivals but can be hot and crowded. Winter, while quieter and more peaceful, is cooler and may have reduced hours for some attractions.
How to get to Camargue
There are several travel options to reach Camargue, depending on your starting point. Once you arrive in the region, we highly recommend renting a car if you’re not traveling with your own.
By car: Driving is one of the easiest ways to reach Camargue, giving you flexibility to explore the region. From cities like Marseille or Montpellier, you can take the A9 motorway towards Nîmes and then follow local roads to reach towns such as Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and Aigues-Mortes.
By train: You can take a train to Nîmes or Arles, which are the nearest major railway stations to Camargue. From there, you can rent a car or use local buses to get to your destination within Camargue. There are also regional trains that connect these cities with smaller towns in Camargue.
By plane: The nearest airports are in Marseille (Marseille Provence Airport) and Montpellier (Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport). Both airports are about an hour and a half drive from Camargue. You can rent a car at the airport or use public transport to reach the region.
By bus: There are bus services that connect major cities to Camargue. However, bus routes might be less frequent, so it’s best to check timetables and schedules in advance.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
