The 9 most beautiful villages in Camargue

Staying in the famous natural park, if you pass through a village of Camargue? Follow the guide, for a total immersion in the heart of Camarguas traditions!

The Camargue, a natural park protected with exceptional fauna and flora, is also a land of traditions, festive and gourmet... And above all, she's incredibly beautiful! Come and discover without further delay this place where rice and salt are cultivated, and where horses and bulls are raised in semi-freedom in manads, held by the gardians. These animals are the object of a true cult and are at the center of all popular festivals, called votive festivals in the region. Another show of the Camargue: the pink flamingos that bring a colorful touch to ponds and salt marshes... What to make your goal shudder! You will have understood it, the Camargue is a magical place in France. Discover it with one of its symbols: the village of Camargue. So, on those enchanting places...

1. Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

The Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is not just a village of Camargue... This is the capital of the Camargue! This small town of fishermen with white houses is also known to be the "land of reception of gypsies". This is where the pilgrimage takes place every year in honour of Saint Sara . For several days, the venues live at the rhythm of flamenco and guitars.

But the Saintes-Marie-de-la Mer is also pretty paved alleys, the Port Gardian, and fine sandy beaches. On the pond of the Launes, mix with bulls, horses and pink flamands, with the Mediterranean as a backdrop. And if you like sliding, direction the speed channel near the port, specially designed for windsurf fans.

2. The Grau-du-Roi

The Grau-du-Roi is actually part of what is called the little Camargue. Located in the Gard, this very tourist resort also perfectly reflects the art of living and the Camarguas traditions. During the votive festival which lasts 8 days, the city lives at the rhythm of the taurine animations, in the streets and in its arenas, on a vibrant musical background. Don't miss out on the fairway, either. This other emblematic tradition of the village is a true sport in this village of Camargue.

The King's Grau is also the village of Camargue which holds the 1st fishing port in the Mediterranean trawl. Every evening, the return to the port and the unloading are a real show to see (and to feel). Then there is his marina, in the name well evocative : Port Camargue. It is no other than the 1st Port of pleasure in Europe, and the 2nd Marina in the world... What to dream in front of its thousands of boats, all more beautiful than others.

For moments of relaxation, go to the mythical beach of Espiguette, which spreads over 10 km. To evade and take the air, nothing like a bike ride on the green path of Espiguette, a walk in the pine forest of Boucanet or even a bike ride boat ride to the salins!

3. Aigues-Mortes

Aigues-Mortes is another must-see village in the small Camargue, with a marked history. The medieval era left many testimonies, with the most striking, which became its emblem: its ramparts. Inside, discover and appreciate the old town. Admire, the tower of Constance and the church of Notre-Dame-des-Sablons, and take a break on Place Saint-Louis. The opportunity here to discover the culinary specialties of the city, such as the uncontournable fougasse of Aigues-Mortes, a delicious brioche flavored with orange blossom. Or let yourself be tempted by a glass of grey wine, IGP Sable-de-Camargue. Know that here too, the Taurus culture takes an important place, and the feast of the Saint-Louis that takes place in August is the ideal time to imbue it!

After the large gate of the ramparts, the show becomes more natural and simply striking. Discover the famous Salins du Midi, the salt production area, the main economic resource of Aigues-Mortes. Open to the public, you can watch the saunters harvest white gold, as well as thousands of birds, including pink flamingos.

4. Saint-Laurent d’Aigouze

Almost at the gate of Aigues-Mortes, discover Saint-Laurent d’Aigouze. This is the ideal place if you want to enjoy the calm, and avoid the tourist mass that runs on the surrounding villages. The place of the Republic or proudly sits on the church of St. Lawrence, represents the heart of the village.

This high place of the Camarguaise race is surrounded by a territory of more than 8,000 hectares, where rice cultivation predominates. The surrounding rice fields are dominated by the Carbonnière Tower, a former guard tower now accessible to the public. The opportunity to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view.

5. The Sambuc

The Sambuc is a village of 600 inhabitants belonging to the commune of Arles . It is considered by certain, by its location, as "the capital of the Camargue"... The Holy Marys of the Sea have nothing to be done!

Here speciality is the breeding of bulls and the cultivation of rice. This village of Camargue has the reputation of holding the most beautiful mas of the region, such as the mas de Peint or the mas de la Tour du Cazeau. Go check for yourself by booking a dinner at the restaurant or even a night in one of these exceptional manades. Not to be missed in Sambuc is the Riz fairy in September. The opportunity to attend a beautiful equestrian show, and to taste the delights of the region, to the sound of bandas.

6. Gallician

Gallician is a small village of less than 1000 inhabitants, located in the heart of Petite Camargue, at the foot of the Costières plateau and its vineyards. Moreover, the main activity of the place is viticulture. This village of Camargue has a charming small marina on the banks of the Rhone Canal.

This is the ideal starting point to discover the authentic Camargue. Indeed, green roads, mountain bike trails, hiking trails (GR 653, GR 42), ViaRhôna and other tourist loops await you from the port of Gallician.

Not far from the village, at the place called Iscles, discover the incredible regional nature reserve of the Scamandre which extends over 146 ha. The opportunity to discover a unique biodiversity!

7. Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône

Welcome to Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, another charming village of Camargue. Like its neighbors, it holds all the codes and symbols specific to the Camargue: manades, flamingos roses, horses, salt marshes and beaches!

Coming to Port Louis is also an opportunity to visit an authentic Guardian’s hut, or the only Ferrigno fish cannery. Another typical activity: the discovery of marshes on a traditional boat called “nego-chin”. The fishermen handle this light boat with brio, standing and manoeuvring with a long stick called "partego".

Finally, the Tour Saint Louis is not to be missed. It offers a permanent exhibition on the 1st floor dedicated to Camarguese ornithology and a temporary exhibition room dedicated to art on the 2nd floor. The roof allows you to contemplate the beautiful view of the Camargue, the Canal Saint Louis, the Grand Rhone's Embush, and the Marais Salants.

8. The Cailar

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Cailar was nicknamed "the Mecca of the Camarguese tauromachie". Two curiosities bring her a little singular touch. The first is his unique signage in France, made by artist François Boisron on contemporary art principles. The second is the tomb of the bull “the Sanglier”, located at the entrance of the village, erected here in honor of the famous cocardier (vailing bull) of the Fernand Granon manade.

This village of Camargue is pleasant to discover, with its small circular alleys, bringing to beautiful buildings. To quote a few, you have the Romanesque church of the 11th century, the 17th troupe barracks, the classified wooden arenas, the clock, or the washings.

9. Salin de Giraud

Located 40km from Arles, Salin de Giraud is a small village of Camargue with 2000 inhabitants. As its name may suggest, salt exploitation is... omnipresent. Don't miss the spectacular salt camelles, these long white hills or salt mountains. The best way to visit the Salins de Giraud is by bike, thanks to a trail circuit that swivels them and offers an unforgettable show.

The large wild beach of Piémanson and its seven kilometers of fine sand is also a unique place where it is good to relax. It is also a very famous surf kite spot!