Camargue (Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer), France

Camargue Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Wetlands of pink flamingos, white horses and black bulls.

  • Apr–Oct
  • 1 night
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Things to do

2 days in Camargue

Day 1

  1. MorningVisit the Pont de Gau bird park to see the pink flamingos up close.
  2. AfternoonRide a Camargue horse through the marshes and onto the beach.
  3. EveningHave dinner in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer by the sea wall.

Day 2

Visit the walled town of Aigues-Mortes and its pink salt pans.

What to eat

Gardiane de taureau, a slow-cooked bull stew, with Camargue red rice.

Local tips

Make the most of Camargue

Beat the crowds

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is busy in summer and during the gypsy pilgrimage in late May. Spring and autumn are calmer and best for birds.

Best photo spot

Pink flamingos on the lagoons, best in the early morning or evening light around the Pont de Gau bird park.

Getting there

Buses run from Arles to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in about an hour. A car or bike helps to explore the lagoons.

Don't miss nearby

Arles, and the walled medieval town of Aigues-Mortes with its salt pans.

Good to know

Bring mosquito spray from spring to autumn. Bike paths and dikes lead out to wild, empty beaches.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Camargue

Our most hidden places around Camargue: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Camargue to take with you.

30 km away
56 km away
94 km away
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Plan your visit

Getting to Camargue

Getting there

  • Nîmes Airport (FNI)35 km away
  • Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)65 km away
  • Montpellier50 km away
  • Avignon65 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeApr–Oct
TypeNature spot
Good forNature, Coast
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryFrance

Questions

Camargue: good to know

Is Camargue worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like nature and the coast. Wetlands of pink flamingos, white horses and black bulls.

How many days do you need in Camargue?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Camargue?

The best time to visit is Apr to Oct. Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is busy in summer and during the gypsy pilgrimage in late May. Spring and autumn are calmer and best for birds.

How do you get to Camargue?

The nearest airport is Nîmes Airport (FNI), about 35 km away. Buses run from Arles to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in about an hour. A car or bike helps to explore the lagoons.

What is there to see near Camargue?

Nearby hidden places include Montpellier (48 km), Avignon (63 km) and Marseille (78 km).

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