Camargue

Known for its splendid natural beauty and proximity to the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea in southern France, the Camargue covers an area of over 900 square kilometres. It is Western Europe's largest river delta. It forms 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, bring your binoculars! From hawks and eagles to the much-photographed and prolific pink flamingos, this is a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Home to herds of the ancient indigenous breed of white horses, the Camargue is also renowned for its black bulls.
Watch the "Gardiens", Europe’s only cowboys, as they breed and train the bulls and horses in the region’s "manades", or ranches. 

Discover the fortress town of Aigues-Mortes, rising above the salt flats, explore the old town of Sète with its network of canals, or visit the town of Arles, Van Gogh’s inspiration for hundreds of paintings and drawings, with its Roman amphitheatre.

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.

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 right through to the end of October.
Take advantage of virtually lock-free cruising in the Camargue.

Cruise the Etang du Thau, with its oyster beds and numerous birds, including some rare species, or the Canal du Rhône à Sète, which borders sandy beaches. 

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

• Aigues-Mortes
  • Chapelle 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
• In the town of Sète
  • Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette
  • La Marine
  • Mon Saint-Clair and the panorama
  • Vieux port of Sète
  • also 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

Learn the difference between a Manade and a Mas. Discover the black bulls, the horses, and the cavaliers of the Camargue. 

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
• At Port-Camargue
  • Spinnaker
  • L'Armarette
• At Aigues-Mortes
  • Le Patio' Né
  • L'Atelier de Nicolas
• La Réserve Rimbaud in Montpellier (* star Michelin)
• At Le Grau-de-Roi
  • Le Dauphin
  • Le Comptoir des Voiles
• In Palavas-les-Flots
  • Page Palace
  • Le Saint-Georges
• L'Epicurien in Frontignan
• Le Sain-Clair in Balaruc-les-Bains
• Les Palmiers in Mèze
• In 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