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Five ideas for guided tours in the Camargue

• The Vigueirat marshes

  By horse-drawn carriage, on foot or on horseback – explore these Vigueirat marshes as you wish via 15 kilometers of marked trails. In the heart of a 1,200 acre protected natural reserve you can take advantage of both fauna and flora: 5 breeding farms for bulls and horses, 300 species of birds, nearly 35,000 ducks in winter… Four types of trails have been developed for travelers, each of them highlighting the region in a different form. The eco-minded trail raises awareness for biodiversity and how to preserve nature; the ethnobotanical trail focuses on the diversity of the region’s plants and their contribution to everyday life; the Etourneau Trails are designed specifically for families, with fun, themed trails that will take you to the heart of wild Camargue; the Palunette trail runs along the Vigueirat Canal and allows you to observe several species of birds native to the region.

• Aigues-Mortes

  A must-see for any tourist, this city sits like a citadel in the middle of the marshes. The medieval fortified town, located 6 kilometers from the sea, was created by St. Louis. Ramparts surround it and are flanked by five magnificent towers, including the famous Constance Tower. Originally, it was a small fishing village until the city was altered by the Crusades and the Templars. Today, Aigues-Mortes is proud of its past, its exceptional wilderness, and the salt marshes from which the white gold of the seas is harvested. In fact, you simply must end your visit in these salt marshes, accessible by small train, ATV, or mountain bike. You’re sure to be dazzled by the fantastic colors that the salt beds draw on the immense horizon where flamingos live.

• Arles

  This is the largest town in France in terms of surface area (72,000 acres, or seven times the size of Paris). Located at the gates of the Camargue, Arles has a tradition of art and history. This includes its ancient theatre, its Roman Amphitheatre, the Constantinian baths, the crypto portals (a network of underground tunnels leading to the ancient forum), the Museum of the Ancient Arles, the Museon Arlaten (full of traditional art and Provençal culture), the Réattu museum (contemporary art), the Camargue Museum… Did you know that Vincent Van Gogh lived here for a long time? He even immortalized many local spots, such as the quays of the Rhone and the arenas. In the purest Camargue tradition, the city hosts bullfights to this day.

• Beauduc Beach

  Craving a good sea bath? Head to one of the last wild beaches in France. Getting there takes some patience: you’ll have to take a chaotic, 10km trail across wild marshland starting from Salin-de-Giraud. But you won’t be disappointed… an enormous, sandy beach with many dunes and rare plants will appear to you. Here, you’ll be far from it all and can swim, walk along the beach, or even kitesurf if you’re feeling particularly sporty. The Fangassier marsh is close to the Beauduc beach and is a real paradise for flamingos.

• Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

  The city’s origins date back a long way. According to legend, it’s named after Mary Magdalene, Marie Salome and Marie Jacobé who are said to have arrived there by boat at the beginning of the age. You have surely heard of this place as it is known around the world for its 19th century gypsy pilgrimage. Every year many gypsies gather to enjoy the festive and musical atmosphere. It’s impossible not to enjoy the charming and authentic way of life of this little village. Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is also a well-known seaside resort in Camargue, with 10 kilometres of beautiful beaches offering a wide range of aquatic activities. Don’t hesitate to take a horse ride in the marshes to observe the bulls and flamingos…