The Camargue is a unique region located in the south of France, primarily in the Bouches-du-Rhône and Gard departments. It is known for its exceptional natural environment, which includes wetlands, salt marshes, and ponds, as well as its distinctive culture and traditions.

The history of the Camargue can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, who established trading posts along the coast of what is now southern France. The region was later inhabited by the Celts, who were eventually conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century BC. The Romans introduced agriculture to the area, including viticulture, which is still an important industry in the Camargue today.

During the Middle Ages, the Camargue was a marshy wasteland that was prone to flooding. In the 16th century, the region was drained and converted into arable land by the construction of dykes and canals. This allowed for the expansion of agriculture in the region and the establishment of several small villages.

In the 19th century, the Camargue became a popular destination for artists and writers, who were drawn to the region’s wild and untamed landscapes. The French writer Alphonse Daudet wrote a famous novel about the region called “Letters from My Windmill,” which helped to popularize the Camargue as a tourist destination.

Today, the Camargue is home to a unique ecosystem that includes a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the famous white horses and black bulls that are raised for bullfighting. The region is also known for its traditional festivals, such as the Fête des Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, which celebrates the patron saints of the Camargue, and the Abrivado, a bull-running festival that takes place throughout the region.

19 fun and best things to do in The Camargue

1. Observe the pink flamingos: The Camargue is home to a large colony of pink flamingos. You can see them wading through the shallow waters of the lagoons and salt flats.
2. Visit the Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue: This nature reserve offers a unique opportunity to observe the flora and fauna of the Camargue, including rare species of birds, insects, and plants.
3. Go horseback riding: The Camargue is famous for its white horses, which are well suited to the wetlands and marshes of the region. You can go on a horseback ride with a local guide.
4. Visit the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer: This small town on the coast of the Camargue is known for its beautiful beaches, charming streets, and religious history.
5. Explore the medieval city of Aigues-Mortes: This fortified city is a well-preserved example of medieval architecture, with its walls, towers, and gates still intact.
6. Attend a bullfight: The Camargue is famous for its bullfighting traditions, which date back to ancient times. You can attend a bullfight at one of the local arenas.
7. Take a boat tour: You can take a boat tour through the lagoons and marshes of the Camargue, which offer a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty.
8. Taste the local cuisine: The Camargue is known for its fresh seafood, rice dishes, and local wines. You can enjoy these culinary delights at one of the many local restaurants.
9. Visit the Camargue Natural History Museum: This museum provides an educational and interactive experience, where you can learn about the geology, flora, and fauna of the Camargue.
10. Attend the Gypsy Festival: The Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer hosts an annual Gypsy Festival in May, where you can experience the rich cultural heritage of the region’s Roma community.
11. Visit the Abbey of Montmajour: This historical site is a former monastery that dates back to the 10th century. It offers a stunning example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
12. Go bird watching: The Camargue is a paradise for bird watchers, with over 300 species of birds to observe, including the rare and endangered European roller.
13. Take a bike tour: You can rent a bike and explore the Camargue at your own pace, taking in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.
14. Learn about salt production: The Camargue is known for its traditional salt production methods, which date back to the Roman era. You can learn about these methods at a local salt marsh.
15. Visit the Salins du Midi: This salt production facility is one of the largest in Europe, and it offers an interesting insight into the region’s salt industry.
16. Go on a safari tour: You can go on a safari tour of the Camargue, where you can see the region’s wildlife up close, including its horses, bulls, and flamingos.
17. Attend a local festival: The Camargue hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Abrivado and the Feria, which celebrate the region’s bullfighting traditions.
18. Visit the Étang de Vaccarès: This saltwater lake is the largest in the Camargue, and it offers a stunning example of the region’s natural beauty.
19. Take a guided tour of the Camargue: You can take a guided tour of the Camargue with a local expert, who can provide insight into the region’s history,

Here are 10 places that share some similarities with The Camargue and their locations:

1. The Everglades, Florida, USA: The Everglades is a vast wetland in southern Florida, known for its unique ecosystem and diverse wildlife.
2. The Okavango Delta, Botswana: The Okavango Delta is a vast wetland in northern Botswana, known for its spectacular wildlife, including elephants, lions, and leopards.
3. The Pantanal, Brazil: The Pantanal is the world’s largest wetland, located in western Brazil, known for its abundant wildlife, including jaguars, anacondas, and caimans.
4. The Danube Delta, Romania: The Danube Delta is a vast wetland in eastern Romania, known for its unique ecosystem and diverse birdlife, including pelicans, storks, and cormorants.
5. The Sundarbans, Bangladesh and India: The Sundarbans is a vast mangrove forest and wetland, located on the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, known for its diverse wildlife, including tigers, crocodiles, and dolphins.
6. The Llanos, Venezuela and Colombia: The Llanos is a vast tropical grassland in northern South America, known for its abundant wildlife, including anacondas, capybaras, and jaguars.
7. The Camargue Gardoise, France: The Camargue Gardoise is a smaller version of the Camargue, located on the eastern side of the Rhône River, and known for its beautiful natural landscapes and historic towns.
8. The Biebrza National Park, Poland: The Biebrza National Park is a vast wetland in northeastern Poland, known for its unique ecosystem and diverse birdlife, including cranes, eagles, and owls.
9. The Wadden Sea, Netherlands, Germany and Denmark: The Wadden Sea is a vast wetland and UNESCO World Heritage Site, located along the coast of the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark, known for its unique ecosystem and diverse birdlife.
10. The Chilika Lake, India: Chilika Lake is the largest coastal lagoon in India, located on the eastern coast, and known for its unique ecosystem and diverse birdlife, including flamingos, pelicans, and storks.