Top things to do in Camargue: Your ultimate guide to visit Southern France

Imagine a wild land where the horizon fades between sky and sea, where white horses gallop freely through salt marshes. The Camargue, with its 150,000 hectares of wetlands and 80 km of wild beaches, is much more than a destination: it is a living sanctuary in the heart of Southern France.

But what to do in Camargue to not miss anything of its deep soul? Between medieval towns steeped in history, ancestral gardian traditions, and incredibly rich wildlife, it is sometimes difficult to know where to start. As a passionate local guide, I have designed this guide to reveal the treasures of this untamed territory and help you prepare for an unforgettable visit.

Explore Camargue Landscapes: A Unique Biodiversity

Observe Pink Flamingos, Bulls, and Camargue Horses

The Camargue is distinguished by an exceptional biodiversity composed of many animal and plant species. Regarding the wildlife, the famous herds of bulls and the majestic Camargue horses with their white coats mingle in its vast expanses, symbolizing the untamed identity of this region. Pink flamingos, undisputed emblems, inhabit the salt marshes and lagoons, adding splashes of brilliant pink to the environment.

Ornithology enthusiasts can also observe, in natural reserves such as Pont de Gau or Scamandre, grey herons, little egrets, and many species of migratory birds. Birds of prey, like eagles, soar majestically over this sanctuary where the wetlands also shelter a multitude of fish and amphibians.

Did you know? Birds are the kings of the Camargue, but if you love animals, the region has very rich wildlife.
➜ Discover other animals of Southern France

The Sansouïre and the Scents of Wild Flora

On the flora side, the Camargue is as diversified as the landscape that characterizes it. This vast wetland is home to an impressive variety of plants adapted to changing environmental conditions found mainly in the sansouïres. These are flat natural expanses with a high concentration of salt located near the seaside where many halophyte species flourish.

You will notably find glasswort (salicorne), an edible plant very present in the salt marshes, or sea lavender (saladelle). The latter is an emblematic plant of the Camargue landscape, recognizable by its small purple flowers. It is also considered the "lucky flower" of the gardians. Other species constitute this singular flora, notably the vast stretches of sagne (the local reed) which offer a vital habitat for many species and are still used today for the roofing of traditional houses. You can also find immortelle, a yellow or blue plant that grows by the Mediterranean Sea and whose scents recall the garrigues of the Hérault.

Nature Tip: Find the scents of the immortelle in our guide to the plants of Southern France.
➜ Guide to the plants of Southern France

Rice Paddies and Ponds: An Ecological and Landscape Feat

At the heart of the delta, the Camargue ponds, including the majestic Vaccarès pond, form a mosaic of brackish water indispensable to the balance of the region. These vast stretches of water serve as a buffer between the sea and the cultivated lands, particularly the rice paddies which play a major ecological role. Since 1840, rice cultivation has allowed for the desalination of the land by absorbing the floods of the Rhône.

This colossal water management work allowed for the implantation of Camargue vineyards on sandy soils, producing the famous "Vin des Sables". Today, Camargue Rice benefits from a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication), a symbol of expertise that unites economy and landscape preservation. Finally, wild beaches like Espiguette or Beauduc complete this picture, offering horizons of sand as far as the eye can see where the Mediterranean reclaims its rights, far from any urbanization.

Visit Camargue: Medieval Towns and Historic Heritage

What to See in Aigues-Mortes: Ramparts and Saint Louis

Located in the Gard, Aigues-Mortes is a fortified city founded in the 13th century by King Louis IX (Saint Louis). It was a flourishing and strategic port, the starting point for crusades to the Orient. Today, the town is world-renowned for its exceptionally preserved medieval heritage. Its imposing ramparts, consisting of crenellated walls and fortified gates, once protected the city from maritime invasions. At the heart of this defense system stands the famous Constance Tower. Having served alternately as a royal residence and a prison, it remains a powerful symbol of French history.

Note that access to the ramparts walk is paid and requires the purchase of a ticket from the Centre des Monuments Nationaux. Inside the city, do not miss the church of Notre-Dame-des-Sablons. This Early Gothic style monument is the oldest in the city; it saw Saint Louis pass through before his departures at sea. From the top of the fortifications, a breathtaking panoramic view of the old town roofs and the vastness of the Camargue salt marshes awaits you.

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and its Church

Located in the Bouches-du-Rhône, the commune of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is the capital of the Camargue. This seaside village is world-famous for its church dedicated to the Saint Maries (Mary Salome and Mary Jacobe), venerated as the patron saints of the Gipsies. Every year, it becomes a vibrant pilgrimage site where Christian and Gipsy traditions meet. The church, listed as a historic monument since 1840, has origins dating back to the 9th century. Its fortress-like appearance once protected relics from pirate invasions. Beyond the sacred, the village charms with its white-walled houses, infinite beaches, and authentic bullfighting traditions that liven up the streets year-round.

Arles and its Majestic Roman Vestiges

Considered the natural gateway to the region, Arles maintains a close historical relationship with the Camargue. The city is a true open-air museum, rich with a heritage listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its Roman vestiges, such as the amphitheater (the Arena) and the ancient theater, testify to its importance under the Roman Empire. Art also occupies a central place: from the Romanesque church of Saint-Trophime to the places that inspired Vincent van Gogh, Arles is an essential cultural destination. It offers a fascinating contrast between ancient stone and the wild nature of the delta that begins at its feet.

Tours and Lighthouses: Magical Viewpoints

Tour Carbonnière, Sentinel of the Marshes

Lost in the middle of the swamps in Saint-Laurent-d’Aigouze, the Tour Carbonnière is an essential stop. Built at the end of the 13th century to protect the only land access leading to Aigues-Mortes, it served as a royal toll post. Today, its access is free of charge: from its summit, it offers an absolutely spectacular 360° panorama of the wildlife and wild landscapes of the Gardoise Camargue.

The Espiguette Lighthouse and its Wild Dunes

Located at the tip of Grau-du-Roi, the Espiguette Lighthouse is an emblematic monument listed since 2012. Put into service in 1869, its 27-meter-high square tower was used to guide ships away from the shifting sandbanks. Recently opened to the public after a major restoration, it allows visitors to contemplate the immensity of the listed site of l'Espiguette. The lighthouse is surrounded by a dune system unique in Europe. Specific vegetation adapted to salt and wind can be observed, such as marram grass, which fixes the sand, or sea lilies. These wild dunes constitute a fragile ecosystem, a refuge for many birds and lizards, offering a maritime desert landscape at the gateway to the Mediterranean.

Camargue Culture: Traditions and Gastronomy

Culinary Specialties: A Gourmet Journey

Among the essential experiences to answer the question "What to do in Camargue," the discovery of local specialties is a true journey of the senses. Here, gastronomy is intimately linked to the wild landscapes you cross. Imagine immense rice paddies producing the famous Camargue PGI rice, the indispensable companion to bull stew (gardianne de taureau), this savory ragout simmered for a long time in spicy red wine.

On the sea side, the Camargue bouillabaisse invites you to taste an explosion of marine flavors, mixing fresh fish and Mediterranean shellfish. Do not miss the Aigues-Mortes fougasse, a soft brioche bread scented with orange blossom for its sweet version, or enhanced with a touch of fleur de sel from the salt marshes for its savory version. To accompany these delights, let yourself be surprised by the sand wines (vins des sables), produced from vines rooted in the dunes, offering light and fruity aromas perfect for an aperitif at sunset.

Foodie Tip: From sunny terraces to local tables, the flavors of Southern France await.
➜ Taste the best regional specialties

Attend Traditional Festivals Perpetuated Over Time

Bullfighting Traditions: Abrivado and Bandido

The Camargue vibrates to the rhythm of its bullfighting traditions. During the votive festivals that liven up the villages every summer, you can witness the Abrivado (the arrival of the bulls at the arena) and the Bandido (their return to the pastures). These spectacular events see the gardians, skilled riders dressed in their famous floral shirts and felt hats, frame the herds with impressive mastery.

The Pilgrimage and Camargue Symbols

Religious traditions are also deeply rooted, especially in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Every May 24th and 25th, the village hosts a world-famous pilgrimage in honor of Saint Sara, the patron saint of the Gipsies. It is an explosion of colors, music, and fervent faith. Everywhere in the region, you will see the famous Camargue Cross. Created in 1926, it summarizes the soul of the territory in three symbols: the cross for faith, the anchor for hope (recalling the fishermen), and the heart for charity (the Saint Maries).

The Aigues-Mortes Salt Marshes and the Salt Mountain

Finally, the Camargue identity is inseparable from salt production. At the Aigues-Mortes salt marshes, the salt workers (sauniers) perpetuate age-old expertise. The harvested salt accumulates in sparkling mountains called camelles, offering a striking contrast with the pink waters of the basins. It is here, between land and sea, that the economic and cultural heart of the region beats.

Conclusion: The Camargue Adventure Awaits You

You now know what to do in Camargue to live an authentic and memorable experience. Whether you are passionate about observing pink flamingos in wild ponds, fascinated by the medieval history of Aigues-Mortes, or simply looking for relaxation on the dunes of Espiguette, this region offers total escape in every season. The Camargue is not just visited; it is felt through its vibrant traditions, salt landscapes, and generous gastronomy. It is a land of character where the balance between man and nature remains sacred.

Satger David and Lisa Pagès