Mythical Camargue

Start your escapade in Camargue in Salin-de-Giraud, with a village tour in the company of a local story-teller. Discover the past of this must-see site and its two ancient quarters born thanks to the salt industry and 19th-century industrial era. After a morning on the themes of history and architecture, set out on the trails of Domaine de la Palissade. The itinerary leads to the only remaining undammed area between the sea and river. A wealth of flora and fauna thrives here in harmony with the environment. After a delightful day out in nature, why not spend an equally-delightful night at Le Nid en Camargue? This B&B tucked away in an old manor house next to the beaches of Piémanson and Beauduc offers a dream play of stay inside the reserve.

Your second day begins in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône. Head to the Tourist Office inside Tour Saint-Louis to pick up some useful tips and lap up the panoramic view over the wetlands and mouth of the majestic Rhône river. What’s more, you can also visit the biggest exhibition of Camargue mounted birds while you’re there.  Feeling peckish? Enjoy a taste of the « Perle de Camargue », an exceptional, organically-farmed oyster produced by Camargue Coquillages. You can also opt for a tour of the shellfish purification plant and see how the oysters are attached to their ropes. A gourmet organic lunch awaits you at the Buvette du Marais du Vigueirat before continuing your exploration of the Nature Reserve on Sentier de la Palunette, along the canal: a sheer delight. Wind up your second day at Isle Saint Pierre vineyard, where you can set down your bags at a holiday cottage before meeting up with the charming and passionate owners for a chin-wag about wine.

The day begins at the Musée de la Camargue, set inside the ancient Mas du Pont de Rousty sheepfold, with a full immersion in Camargue and its evolution complete with photos, objects and audio. The tour continues on foot with the owner of the Domaine du Mas de Valériole vineyard, where wine and local produce tasting awaits you in the refreshing cellar – the perfect appetizer for your lunch of fish, shellfish or AOC bull meat at the restaurant Le Flamant Rose, serving local, fair-trade cuisine. You’ll spend the rest of the day in the company of the Rozière family. Rice growers for the last 5 generations, they welcome you at the Maison du Riz rice centre to unveil the secrets of Camargue rice growing before you set down your bags for the night at a gorgeous old holiday cottage on the farm.

Continue your tour in style with an introduction to the beautiful Camargue horse at Mas de la Cure. Set at the heart of a magnificent ancient farm, the house is also home to the Maison du Cheval, where you can enjoy a host of therapeutic activities such as horse therapy courtesy of Camargue’s emblematic animal. The second half of the day offers plenty of exciting encounters: spend a moment chatting with a Camargue cowboy, meeting with his Raço di Biòu bulls and gleaning an insight into his daily life at the Cavallini ranch – a local tradition that never fails to fascinate. In the evening, you’ll be welcomed at the four-star hotel-restaurant le Mas de Calabrun with a mouth-watering array of Camargue specialities spiked with a contemporary twist!

For your final day, head to Bergerie d’Alivon for a horse ride amid the region’s typical scenery. At Etang du Vaccarès lake, Emmanuel Mroz – a passionate farmer deeply committed to Camargue – leads you on an in-depth tour of his farm. To wind up your stay in style, the Pont de Gau ornithological reserve awaits you for a self-guided tour just a few kilometres from Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer. The reserve offers a plethora of hides where you can enjoy observing the local birds going about their daily lives as you criss-cross the footpaths lined with wetlands, lakes and reed beds. A 100% guaranteed full immersion!