Camargue

The climate is typically Mediterranean: the summers are hot and dry with a cooling breeze from the sea, and the winters are mild. With more sunshine here than anywhere else in France, you can enjoy pleasant weather until the end of October. Take advantage of virtually lock-free cruising in the Camargue.

 Our self-drive boats offer you the chance to:

• Chart your own course through tranquil canals, the Rhône delta and onwards to the Canal du Midi
• Spot herds of white horses and black bulls roaming freely along the banks
• Watch flocks of  flamingos as they take flight or wade gracefully in the shallow waters
• Stop off in charming villages for fresh seafood and local markets
• See rice fields and extraordinary vineyards growing in sandy soils
• Enjoy comfortable, fully-equipped boats designed for couples, families, or friends
• Swim in the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea

The Camargue covers an area of over 900 square kilometres and is known for its splendid natural beauty and proximity to the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea in southern France. Western Europe's largest river delta is part of the Provence region. The landscape comprises saltwater lagoons, rivers, lush grasslands, rice paddies, and vineyards.

With more than 400 species of bird living in the marshes, don't forget to bring your binoculars! This is a birdwatcher's paradise, from hawks and eagles to the much-photographed and prolific pink flamingos.

Yes, they do grow rice in the Camargue and vines in the salt sand ("Vins Sable de Camargue"). There is black, red, and white rice. The wines are generally Rosé.

The flat landscape is dotted with free-roaming black bulls and white horses, both of which are part of local and traditional farming. The techniques of rearing cattle and horses in this region go back many years. This remarkable region is famed for its iconic white wild horses, often seen grazing along the marshes, and its powerful black bulls, all protected by the "gardians" cavaliers. A Manade is a herd of cattle or horses led by a "Guardian," and a Mas is a farm.

After a memorable day cruising, sample the local delicacies, including superb beef from the bulls and cows of the Taureau de Camargue AOP, fresh seafood, natural red rice and Camargue honey. Season with Camargue salt or the Fleur de Sel condiment and accompany your repast with rosé wine from the Camargue or the wines of nearby Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon.

Make time to explore some of the Camargue's most celebrated towns along your journey. Wander the medieval ramparts of Aigues-Mortes, steeped in history and surrounded by salt marshes. Explore Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a lively seaside town known for its vibrant festivals and spiritual heritage. Step back in time inArles, with its stunning Roman arena, and once home to the father of Impressionism, Van Gogh. Further south, don't missSète, often called the "Venice of Languedoc," with its picturesque canals, bustling markets, and renowned seafood restaurants.

The cuisine of the Camargue region is a vibrant reflection of its rich cultural heritage, characterised by an array of colours that delight the senses. The dishes often feature the deep red hues of local Camargue rice, a staple in the region, which is complemented by the vibrant greens of fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. The golden yellows of saffron-infused bouillabaisse or paella add a warm, aromatic touch, while the bright reds and oranges of sun-ripened tomatoes and bell peppers provide a burst of freshness. The cuisine's palette is further enriched by the earthy tones of olives and the creamy whites of fresh goat cheese, creating a visually stunning and flavorful experience that captures the essence of the Camargue's diverse landscape.

Must places to visit and things to do whilst you're here

• Aigues-MortesChapelle des Pénitents gris
  • Salins du Midi
  • Fortifications and walls of the town
  • Place Saint-Louis
• Arles and its amphitheater
• Domaine de la Palissade and its natural park
• Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and the crypte for "Sara la noire"
• Salin-de-Giraud with the salt marshes
• In Montpellier
  • Place de la Comédie
  • Château de Flaugergues
  • Jardin des Plantes
  • Rue de l'Ancien-Courrier
  • Place Royale du Peyrou
• The markets of Palavas-les-Flots and La-Grande-Motte

Further south, there are other exciting towns to discover

• In the town of Sète
  • Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette
  • La Marine
  • Mont Saint-Clair's panorama
  • Vieux port of Sète
  • also the Abbaye de Valmagne at Villeveyrac and Villa Loupian
• In the town of Agde
  • The Fort Brescou
  • Church Saint-André d'Agde
  • Cathedral Saint-Etienne
• Whilst in Béziers
  • The old bridge
  • Allées Paul-Riquet
  • Cathedral Saint Nazaire
  • Oppidum d'Ensérune
  • The canal locks at Fonséranes
• The "Pont Van-Gogh" near Arles

More information from the tourism office

Places to eat and restaurants

• Arles
  • La Table Lionel Giraud (** star Michelin)
  • Alexandre (** star Michelin)
  • Near Arles L'Oustau de Baumanière at Les-Baux-de-Provence (*** Michelin)
• Near Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
  • La Coursejade
  • L'Estelle en Carmargue
• Port-Camargue
  • Spinnaker
  • L'Armarette
• Aigues-Mortes
  • Le Patio' Né
  • L'Atelier de Nicolas
• La Réserve Rimbaud in Montpellier (* star Michelin)
• Le Grau-de-Roi
  • Le Dauphin
  • Le Comptoir des Voiles
• Palavas-les-Flots
  • Page Palace
  • Le Saint-Georges
• L'Epicurien in Frontignan
• Le Sain-Clair in Balaruc-les-Bains
• Les Palmiers in Mèze
• Sète
  • La Senne
  • La Coquerie
  • The Marcel in Sète (* star Michelin)
• In Agde
  • L'Envie
  • Le Vagues

Waterways in this region

The Canal du Rhône à Séte, Etang de Thau, the Canal du Midi, the Canal de Jonction, the Canal de la Robine, the River Hérault, and the Petit Rhône