Camping in the Camargue

When the flocks of migratory birds soar over the green plains of the Camargue in spring and autumn, the spectator is treated to a unique natural spectacle. Situated on the azure coast of the French Provence, campers can experience the rich diversity of the Mediterranean region here. Whether camping by the sea or on an island - this region leaves nothing to be desired. And when it comes to cuisine, you really do feel like God in France.

Special features of camping in the Camargue

A large number of comfortable campsites in the Camargue invite you to stay. Many of them are located directly on the coast and offer private access to the sea. Absolute tranquillity and complete relaxation can be found on the campsites located directly in the Rhone river delta. But it's not just couples looking for peace and quiet that are catered for here. Some of the providers have also catered specifically for families with children. They offer various childcare options and leisure activities for the little ones. If you don't want to stay right on the coast, there are also opportunities to set up camp a little further inland.

How to get there

If you are travelling to the south of France from Germany, we recommend taking the direct route via the well-developed French motorways. Once you have crossed the Franco-German border near Saarbrücken, continue towards Metz. From there, travellers take the southbound Autoroute 31 past Nancy and on through the hilly countryside towards Dijon. The rest areas on the French motorways are generally well equipped with pitches for motorhomes and caravans, often with the option to stay overnight.

From Dijon, the route continues straight along the A6 before changing to the A7 at Lyon, which is also known in the country as the motorway of the sun. While the foothills of the French Alps slowly disappear in the rear-view mirror on the left, the journey continues from Orange on the A9 towards Montpellier. In the ancient Roman city of Nîmes, travellers finally branch off onto motorway 54, which ends directly in the Camargue. Before travelling, please note that most of the country's major roads are subject to tolls.

Destinations in the Camargue

Camping in the Camargue is not only characterised by its campsites close to the beach. The surrounding countryside surprises with a variety of landscapes from the coast to the highlands. The local towns and villages also cater for culture-loving holidaymakers.

The alluvial land in the river delta

The mirror-smooth landscape on the border between river and sea stretches over many square kilometres and promises total relaxation in nature. Recognised by UNESCO as a biosphere area, the region can be discovered comfortably on foot or by bike. Many small paths lead through agricultural areas and natural sections. They often end directly on the beach. Flamingos stalk elegantly through the shallow water in search of food and, with a bit of luck, you can experience the unbridled freedom of wild horses up close.

Stronghold of salt

Aigues-Mortes, a small town that was once located directly by the sea before the area was drained, is definitely worth a visit. From the parking facilities outside the town, you can stroll through small alleyways directly into the historic town centre. The preserved early medieval town wall is a landmark of the town and can be visited on a guided tour. The salt pans just outside the town centre are also well worth a visit, from which tasty table salt has been extracted for centuries.

Top 5 sights

• Seaquarium in Le Grau-du-Roi: Nature enthusiasts can experience turtles, sharks and seahorses up close here. The glass underwater tunnel makes for a very special experience.
• Langlois Bridge: The famous artist Vincent van Gogh modelled one of his masterpieces on this wooden bridge in Arles.
• Amphitheatre of Arles: This imposing structure has crowned a hill in the city for almost 2,000 years.
• Pont de Gau Ornithological Park: On the tour past flamingos and herons, campers learn about the peculiarities of the feathered inhabitants.
• Thermes de Constantin in Arles: The ruins of the Roman bathhouse still give an idea of the enormous dimensions of earlier times.

Top 2 insider tips

• Weekly market in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer: The fishing village at the southern end of the Camargue is considered the secret capital of the region. Traders from the surrounding area gather on the Place de Gitans every weekday morning. Spicy herbs, tasty vegetables and freshly caught fish combine to create a uniquely fragrant aroma.
• The farms of the Manades: The word Manade refers to bull breeding, which is traditionally practised in this part of the country. Bullfighting has also been celebrated here for a long time, but not with spears and daggers. Instead, the aim of the spectacle in the Camargue is to place as many colourful cloths as possible on the animal's horns.

Activities and excursions

Horse riding in the Camargue

Discovering Europe's largest river delta on horseback is a unique experience. Even if you have no riding experience, you can take part in a guided tour at a leisurely pace. The white Camargue horses, which are native to the area, are used for this. This allows you to explore the hidden corners of this landscape that are inaccessible on foot or by car.

Into the countryside by paddle steamer

A very worthwhile excursion to take in the full beauty of the region can be made inland on a paddle steamer. Between March and October, it sets sail daily from Le Grau d'Orgon to sail upstream on the Little Rhone. On the approximately 1.5-hour trip through the wildest sections of this landscape, you really realise the enormous scale of this spectacular natural park. And behind each of the many bends in the river, new and fascinating impressions emerge.

events

June

• Fêtes d'Arles: The small town of Arles, once a source of inspiration for the great van Gogh, revitalises regional customs every year in June. Throughout the month, various events, folklore dances and traditional parades are organised as part of the festivities. Whether with the whole family or as a couple, this atmosphere allows everyone to immerse themselves in Camargue culture.
• Whitsun Feria: Nîmes to the north becomes a proverbial arena during Whitsun week. The best breeders in the area pit their black bulls against daring toreros or drive them through the streets of the city. Regional artists accompany the hustle and bustle with rhythmic sounds and in the stadiums set up, people cheer in the direction of the horns.

September

• La Féria du Riz: Shortly after the harvest in September, the inhabitants of Arles traditionally celebrate the rice festival and the city centre is transformed into a fairground for a week. The bullfighting season, which also ends in autumn, is probably one of the reasons why the festivities last a whole week with lots of music, dancing and wine. The town is just as lively again around Easter for the opening of the season.

Gastronomy

The lightly flavoured cuisine of Provence is world-famous thanks to the variety of herbs that thrive in this region. Fresh thyme, spicy rosemary or wonderfully fragrant sage lend the typically colourful vegetable dishes their Mediterranean flair. Due to the absolute proximity to the sea, fresh seafood and all kinds of fish are always on the menu. The favourite French breakfast usually consists of croissants, some sweet jam and a cup of hot coffee. But even at lunchtime, gourmets can experience the abundance of culinary delights. Traditionally, however, the evening is the time for the most extensive feasting in the French-speaking world.

Best time to visit

Even though the main travel season extends over the hot summer months, the Camargue is definitely attractive for a holiday in spring and autumn. Temperatures of over 30 °C, which are common here in summer, do not occur, but the air warms up from April and the Mediterranean spring is very early summer-like. The water temperatures on this coastal strip are constantly above 20 °C during the hot season and usually only cool down again in October. The bathing season thus extends into the autumn. The comparatively mild climate is also attractive in winter.