Table of Contents

19 Things to Do in Camargue

Up-to-Date 2024  –  By Culture Francia Team

Table of Contents

Legend Key used on this page

Prior Information

Appeal

The appeal of travelling in Camargue varies greatly depending on the weather. This influences the landscape and the number of animals available for observation.

Mosquitoes

From May to June and from September to November, there are many mosquitoes. They do not pose any health risks but can be annoying. Be sure to protect yourself accordingly.

Binoculars

You can see animals without binoculars, but having a pair is definitely an advantage.

Fresh Information

If you want the most up-to-date information, contact one of the tourist offices in the area.
📍 Arles
📍 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
📍 Salin de Giraud
📍 Port Saint-Louis

Pdf Maps

For an overview of the Camargue, check out the maps on the 2nd page of each of the Pdfs below.

What to See & Do

Camargue Overall Appeal ★★★☆☆

  Name Appeal Type Visit Cost
01 4x4 Safari ★★★★★ Safari Tour Paid
02 Horse Riding ★★★☆☆ Horse Riding Tour Paid
03 Winery ★★★☆☆ Tastings Guided Paid
04 E-bike Tour ★★★☆☆ Biking Tour Paid
05 Kayak Tour ★★★☆☆ Kayaking Tour Paid
06 Pont de Gau ★★★☆☆ Hike + Wildlife Self Paid
07 Vigueirat ★★☆☆☆ Hike + Wildlife Either Paid
08 Sea Dike ★★☆☆☆ Hike or Bike + Wildlife Self Free
09 ➡️ St. Maries-de-la-Mer ★★☆☆☆

Town

- -
10 Beaches ★★☆☆☆ Beaches Self Free
11 Camargue Museum ★★☆☆☆ Museum - History Self Paid
12 Cruise ★★☆☆☆ Cruising Tour Paid
13 Bull Herding Show ★★☆☆☆ Bull Herding Guided Paid
14 Pont de Rousty ★☆☆☆☆ Hike or Bike + Wildlife Self Free
15 Domaine de la Palissade ★☆☆☆☆ Hike + Wildlife Self Paid
16 Capelière ★☆☆☆☆ Hike + Wildlife Self Paid
17 Paul Ricard Museum ★☆☆☆☆ Museum - Paul Ricard Self Paid
18 Tourist Trains ★☆☆☆☆ Tourist Train Tour Paid
19 Château d'Avignon ★☆☆☆☆ Park & Castle Either Free

01. 4x4 Safari

Appeal ★★★★★
Type Safari

Visit Tour
Cost Paid

Explore the vast wetlands and spot iconic wildlife like flamingos, wild horses, and bulls, with a local driver-guide. A safari tour offers a deep dive into Camargue’s unique ecosystem. Perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience.

02. Horse Riding

Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Horse Riding

Visit Tour
Cost Paid

Ride the renowned white horses of Camargue through its scenic landscapes, with a local guide. A classic way to experience the region’s natural beauty and wildlife. Suitable for all levels, offering a blend of adventure and tranquility.

03. Winery

Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Wine Tastings

Visit Guided
Cost Paid

Discover the region’s wine heritage with tastings at local vineyards. Enjoy a selection of wines reflecting Camargue’s terroir, paired with insights from passionate winemakers.

04. E-bike Tour

Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Biking

Visit Tour
Cost Paid

Glide through Camargue’s diverse landscapes on an electric bike, with a local guide. These tours provide a relaxed way to explore remote areas and local wildlife. Ideal for those who want to cover more ground with ease.

05. Kayak Tour

Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Kayaking

Visit Tour
Cost Paid

Weave through Camargue’s tranquil waterways, with a local guide, surrounded by lush wetlands and wildlife. This tour offers a peaceful and close-up perspective of the region’s natural environment. Suitable for beginners and seasoned kayakers.

06. Pont de Gau

Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Hike + Wildlife

Visit Self
Cost Paid

Pont de Gau is a 60-hectare ornithological park with paths marked by thematic signs that wind through the marshes where hundreds of birds live freely. Depending on the season, you can discover various species found in the Camargue: flamingos, mallards, egrets, herons, ducks, and more.

07. Vigueirat

Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Hike + Wildlife

Visit Self or Guided
Cost Paid

The Viguerat Marshes are a 1,200-hectare nature reserve. The site includes well-maintained paths and wildlife observation points. Visits can be made independently or with a naturalist guide.

More information about Vigueirat.

There is also the option to take a horse ride or a carriage ride.

08. Sea Dike

Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Hike or Bike + Wildlife

Visit Self
Cost Free

The Sea Dike was constructed in the 19th century as part of a series of efforts to control the waters of the Mediterranean, which have long posed a threat to the low-lying areas of the Camargue.

The path along the dike, which spans a total of 13km – 8mi, offers opportunities for hiking or biking, with chances for birdwatching.

The path is also known for its 📍Gacholle lighthouse.

You can walk or bike it partially or in its entirety, and it can also be combined with a visit to the nearby 📍Beauduc beach.

🥾 Visorando 1 – Difficulty: Medium (French page)

🥾 Visorando 2 – Difficulty: Medium (French page)

🥾/🚲 Visorando 3 – Difficulty: 🥾Hard / 🚲Easy (French page)

09. St. Maries-de-la-Mer

Overall Appeal ★★☆☆☆

St. Maries-de-la-Mer is a small seaside town known for its whitewashed buildings, vibrant local culture, and historic significance as a pilgrimage site. The town is the focal point for many of the region’s traditions and festivals, particularly those related to its Gypsy heritage.

10. Beaches

Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Beaches

Visit Self
Cost Free

Camargue’s beaches offer wide, sandy shores and a rugged, natural setting. Ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or a quiet walk along the coast.

11. Camargue Museum

Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Local History Museum

Visit Self
Cost Paid

The Camargue Museum offers a deep dive into the history and culture of the region, with exhibits that showcase the unique blend of natural and human influences that have shaped the Camargue. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of the area’s development, from ancient times to the present day.

12. Cruise

Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Cruising

Visit Tour
Cost Paid

Enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Rhone River, taking in the sights and sounds of Camargue’s waterways. The cruise offers a relaxed way to experience the region’s landscapes.

13. Bull Herding Show

Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Bull Herding

Visit Guided
Cost Paid

A bull herding show in the Camargue offers an authentic look at one of the region’s most traditional and iconic activities, where skilled cowboys demonstrate their ability to control and manage the black bulls that are central to Camargue culture.

14. Pont de Rousty

Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Hike or Bike + Wildlife

Visit Self
Cost Free

Starting from the Camargue Museum, there is a trail that partially follows a rice field irrigation canal, leading to a birdwatching observation point.

🥾/🚲 Visorando – Difficulty: 🥾Easy / 🚲Easy (French page)

15. Domaine de la Palissade

Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Hike + Wildlife

Visit Self
Cost Paid

This 700-hectare park offers several discovery trails focused on the local flora and fauna, including observatories dedicated to birdwatching.

Horseback riding is also available here.

Additionally, this is where the kayak tours mentioned earlier, at number 05 on this page, are organized.

16. Capelière

Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Hike + Wildlife

Visit Self
Cost Paid

La Capelière is an information center featuring educational panels to help visitors better understand the Camargue.

It’s the starting point for trails with interpretive signs and observatories for birdwatching.

17. Paul Ricard Museum

Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Biographical Museum

Visit Self
Cost Paid

This museum is dedicated to the life of the famous 20th-century French industrialist, Paul Ricard, who is particularly known for giving his name to the Pastis liqueur brand.

The museum is located on the Méjanes estate, which was owned by the industrialist.

18. Tourist Trains

Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Tourist Train

Visit Tour
Cost Paid

There are 2 different tourist trains in the Camargue: one around the village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and the other on the Méjanes estate (same place where the Paul Ricard Museum mentionned above is located).

19. Château d'Avignon

Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Type Park & Castle

Visit Self or Guided
Cost Free

Ce chateau date du 18ème et fut remanié fin 19ème siècle par un négociant marseillais qui en fait un pavillon de chasse.

L’entrée au parc est gratuite.

La visite du castle ne se fait que sur visite guidée gratuite mais il faut réserver à l’avance par email.

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