The 12 things to do in Petite Camargue

Passing south of France? So don’t forget to visit the Petite Camargue, one of the most beautiful natural regions of the Mediterranean basin!

La Petite Camargue is a natural region located in Occitanie. It corresponds to the cube of the Camargue, the rest being located in the Bouches-du-Rhônes. The natural region is therefore riding between two regions. Located on the Mediterranean basin, its climate, monuments and landscapes attract visitors from all over the world. This is quickly understood when you know the corner. Indeed, the Petite Camargue offers visits of all kinds: History, nature, gastronomy or tauromachie, everyone will find a shoe at his foot! In order for you too, you can fully enjoy your vacation in Camarguaises, here are the 12 things to do in Petite Camargue!

1. Discover the medieval city of Aigues-Mortes

Aigues-Mortes is simply THE city to do in Petite Camargue. This medieval city was born at the end of the 11th century. Saint-Louis (Louis IX) is looking for a place to build a port in the Mediterranean. He therefore chose this marshy area and built the famous ramparts, still on foot.

These may be visited. The opportunity to enter the Tower of Constance, which was a time served as a prison. The most famous prisoner of the tower is none other than Marie Durand . This Protestant figure will remain locked in 38 years! Then go to the city of intra-muros to discover the typical architecture of Provence and Occitania. Take a little coffee break on Place Saint-Louis.

Finally, if you are passing on August 25, don't miss the Festival de la Saint-Louis. The city resumes its old air. On Sunday evening, the departure of the Crusades is reconstituted and concludes with a pyrosymphony show.

2. Discover the Salins du Midi

Always in Aigues-Mortes, on the road to Grau-du-Roi, we find the Salins du Midi. These salt marshes offer a breathtaking landscape, between salt mountains and areas of pink-colored water. In addition, many pink flamingos live around the place.

This economic activity was already in progress during the Middle Ages. Today, it is one of the local economic pillars. But the Salins were also the scene of a tragic massacre perpetrated by the locals towards Italian immigrants in 1893. They were accused of stealing work from the Aigues-Mortais. By visiting the Salins, you will retrace all the history of the place and the production of salt will no longer have secrets for you. This is truly a must-see in Petite Camargue.

3. To visit the Grau-du-Roi

The Grau-du-Roi is the only resort in the Gard department. Therefore, to swim, this is where it happens! Its most famous beach, Espiguette, offers an incredible setting. The dunes are huge and there is sand lost sight. If the premises are nice, they will tell you the way to park for free. Once parked, you'll have to walk in the sand... for a kilometer!

In addition, the Grau-du-Roi is renowned for its Port-Camargue district, where many campsites and hotels take place. It is also possible to do thalassotherapy, as well as catamaran.

But the must-see place of the city remains the Seaquarium, an aquarium of 2,400m2. There are no less than 25 different marine species, including sharks, real stars of the place. From all activities to do in Petite Camargue, the Seaquarium is the ideal place for a family moment.

4. Visit a manade

The fauna and flora of the Camargue makes this natural region so special. Among the animals identified, Camargue bulls and horses are real institutions. Especially since in Petite Camargue, the corridas are rare. The bull is king and comes alive from the typical local race: the Camarguese race.

But where do the bulls and horses live? In a manade of course! This is a breeding site that is similar to the American ranch. The masters of the place are the manadiers, and are often helped by the guards: the guards of a flock of bulls, whom they watch on horseback. Some manade organize guided tours, with the aim of discovering the Camarguas traditions.

5. Discover the Tour Carbonnière and the rice fields

And since we have just talked about the Camarguaise race, direction the capital of discipline: Saint-Laurent d’Aigouze. This typical village has a huge territory, over 8,000 hectares! Most of this area is covered by rice fields. Rice harvest is another local economic pillar.

On the other hand, around the St.Lawrence rice fields, a monument dominates the landscape. This is the Tour Carbonnière. Built in the thirteenth century, this tour was a mandatory step to get to Aigues-Mortes. It was in a few ways a strong toll. Moreover, from the top of the tower, we could watch all people trying to approach. Today it is possible to climb up the tower and admire the passage. The view is simply beautiful.

6. Make a safari

Subjugated by nature? It’s normal, we don’t get tired of it. Here is another way to explore the area. Camarguais safari takes you to the heart of nature, between ponds, rice fields and marshes. You will also observe wildlife and especially birds. Among them: the ashy heron, the pink flamingos (of course) or the fisherman martin.

7. Visit Saint-Gilles

Let's go to the land to discover Saint-Gilles. His name comes from Abbé Gilles l’Ermite, well known in the Christian world. Moreover, it is in the commune and especially in the beautiful Abbatiale that the monk rests. This is the place of worship to absolutely do in Petite Camargue.

Saint-Gilles is also its hamlets. The best known among them is Espeyran, who gave his name to a well-known family. These are the founders of the Château d’Espeyran, built in the 19th century and listed historical monuments.

8. Explore the Ponant pond

The Ponant pond is an artificial lake lodged between the Grau-du-Roi and the Grande Motte. The range is fed by the coastal river: the Vidourle. Fleuve also serving as a border between Gard and Hérault. At the Ponant, you will have the opportunity to initiate several activities such as fishing and water sports.

At the end of the day, the place is also perfect to admire the sunset. A special spot for the most photographers of you.

9. Riding on horseback

You like riding? So here is the activity you need to do in Petite Camargue. In the Grau-du-Roi mainly, manades specialized in horse riding. Go back to canasson in the middle of the marshes, for a little hour. And no, riding on the horse is not so difficult!

10. Tasting the gastronomy

Visiting Petite Camargue is also discovering local gastronomy. Here is the list of flagship dishes:

• The bitch: a dish made of bull meat cooked with red wine, accompanied by Camargue rice;
• The rice of Camargue : a rice in several varieties and protected by a Protected Geographic Indication;
• The salt of Camargue : harvested by the saunters, to the Salins;
• The tapenade: a recipe based on peeled olives, capers and olive oil, which is served as an aperitif tart;
• The bull sausage: a stronger but less fatty sausage than pure pork sausage;
• The tellines: small shellfish that are similar to mini-moules.
• La fougasse d’Aigues-Mortes : a sweet snack with orange blossom.
• The wines: including the IPG Sable de Camargue, known for its Gris. In Galician and Vauvert, the AOC Costières of Nîmes is also found.
• The rust of Aigues-Mortes: a local derivative of the famous dish, seasoned to the aïoli;
• Sandy vegetables: like carrots and asparagus;
• The oyster of Camargue : taste very fine.

11. Boating on the canal

Another activity to do in Petite Camargue: the boat ride. From Aigues-Mortes, you will have the choice of the course. Either climb the Canal du Rhône to Sète, direction Saint-Laurent d’Aigouze and the Tour Carbonnière. Either join the King's Grau and pass in front of the Salins du Midi. There’s no bad choice, it’s up to you!

12. See also

If you have time, here are other activities to do:

• Visit other villages: like Aimargues, the Cailar or Fourques;
• Discover the entire Camargue : and thus visit the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Arlesthe Ornithological Park of the Pont de Gau or the pond of Vaccarès;
• Visit the surroundings: as Montpellier, Nimes or the rest of the Provencal Gard. Like, for example, Uzès or Pont du Gard ;
• Rent a bike: and walk on ViaRhôna, a long tourist route linking Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean;
• Go dancing in discotheque : at Churascaia;
• Discover the jouts: legendary sport in Sète, but also practiced in Grau-du-Roi.

How to get to Little Camargue?

Several choices are possible to reach Petite Camargue :

• Coming by train: stopping at TGV stations in Nîmes and Montpellier;
• Take the car: by the A9 and Exit No. 26 – Gallargues;
• By plane: thanks to the airports of Nîmes and Montpellier. To make sure you find the right flight at the best price, help you with a comparison of flights like Ulysses ;
• Take the bus: thanks to the Ouibus and Flixbus lines passing to Nîmes and Montpellier, then reach Petite Camargue by the departmental buses.

Where to stay in Petite Camargue?

In Petite Camargue, all types of accommodation are available. You can therefore choose between a hotel, a campsite, an unusual gite or a Airbnb . To find the best hotel, use one Compare hotels will be of precious help.

The most extensive offer is proposed to Grau-du-Roi . Therefore, this is the perfect place to stay. Aigues-Mortes and Saint-Laurent d’Aigouze are also good options, as they are located in the centre of the natural region.

It's time to pack! La Petite Camargue only awaits you!