the Park the A new life is being invented… Discover

Beaches and reed beds, It is also France’s only nesting site for the flamingo, rice and wheat, the salt its world-famous emblem. And then there are ponds and the Mediter- the bulls, horses, beavers, owls, gulls, terns, ranean - the Camargue herons and wading birds. Regional Nature Park is multifarious. The Camargue is a subtle blend of contrasts, Born out of a struggle between river and sea, the both entrancing and ever-changing. It reveals Camargue, in biological terms, is one of Western itself in a multitude of ways, depending on the

Europe’s richest regions, and an important time of day and the season. There are always ENGLISH stopping-off point for migratory birds as they go surprises in store for the visitor. back and forth between Europe and Africa. Enjoy your visit…

ORANGE 18 Flamingo reproduction site (Étang du Fangassier) Some of the Camargue’s animals A9 AVIGNON The natural heritage For more than 20 years, the Camargue Regional Nature Park has been

managing the only site in France where flamingos reproduce, at Fangassier, NÎMES A7 owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral. The Bureau des Guides Naturalistes, 25 Parc naturel régional in partnership with the park, the Office de Tourisme in Arles, the Tour du Valat and des Alpilles SALON-DE- The Camargue National Nature Reserve the Conservatoire du Littoral, organises visits, during the nesting season, PROVENCE MONTPELLIER ARLES (Réserve naturelle nationale de Camargue) to one of the western Mediterranean’s largest flamingo colonies. A54 > MARSEILLE With its 13 000 hectares of ponds, lagoons Étang du Fangassier - Salin-de-Giraud. Opening times : 1 April to 30 September. Parc naturel By reservation only, in the Arles and Salin-de-Giraud tourist Offices, régional and salt plains at the heart of the Camargue, de Camargue the Camargue National Nature Reserve is fee charged, tél. + 33 (0)4 42 86 89 77 or + 33 (0)6 95 90 70 48. [email protected] - www.guide-nature.fr - Labelled « Park brand ». among europe’s largest wetlands. It extends MER MÉDITERRANÉE Pond turtle Common scarlet-darter Contact out to the shore, and takes in vaccarès lake. 21 Domaine de la Palissade (Emys orbicularis) (Crocothemis erythraea) It is totally protected, and its visitors will discover some real treasures, notably Here you will find ponds and lagoons that TOURIST INFORMATION 237 species of birds in pristine environments. communicate with the river and the sea, and unique landscapes with a rich variety of flora

OFFICE DE TOURISME D’ARLES and fauna. The aquatic environment provides Accueil centre-ville a remarkable habitat for fish and birds. Esplanade Charles de Gaulle - 13200 Arles 17 La Gacholle ligthhouse (Phare de la Gacholle) Walking and riding discovery trails with hides, Tél. +33 (0)4 90 18 41 20 an exhibition room and guided activities. Accueil Salin-de-Giraud One of the starting points for a tour of the sea dyke : 20 km of pathways for Rue Tournaire - 13200 Arles pedestrians or cyclists (but not cars). Although the dunes themselves are out of Salin-de-Giraud - Tél. +33 (0)4 42 86 81 28 Tél. +33 (0)4 42 86 89 77 bounds, the sea is accessible via marked paths. The birds include gulls, terns and [email protected] www.arlestourisme.com flamingos. Exhibition on the subject of the Camargue coast, and an observatory. www.palissade.fr Black-winged stilt Pied avocet [email protected] Opening times : February to November, wednesday to sunday from 9:00 am (Himantopus himantopus) (Recurvirostra avosetta) Opening times : school holidays, public holidays and weekends, to 5:00 pm ; March to mid-June and mid-September to end October, every OFFICE DE TOURISME 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission free. day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ; Mid-June to mid-September, every day from DES SAINTES-MARIES-DE-LA-MER 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Closed in December and January, 1st May and 11th 5 avenue Van Gogh 24 La Capelière November. Equestrian initiation sessions take place from the start of April Some of the Camargue’s plants 13460 Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer to October. There is an admission charge. (to admire, but not touch) Tél. +33 (0)4 90 97 82 55 La Capelière is the Information Centre of the Nature Reserve, where you can www.saintesmaries.com - [email protected] walk a 1,5 km trail that crosses a patchwork of Camargue habitats. There are 29 The Vigueirat marshes National 4 hides including 2 equipped with telescopes to get closer to the wildlife of the OFFICE DE TOURISME PORT-SAINT-LOUIS marshes, an exhibition, and a shop for nature lovers. Nature Reserve (Les Marais du Vigueirat) Tour Saint-Louis - Quai Bonnardel C 134 de Fiélouse - Arles - Tél. +33 (0)4 90 97 00 97 There is a range of different landscapes : flood 13230 Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône plains, salt plains, ponds and woods, and the Tél. 04 42 86 01 21 [email protected] - www.reserve-camargue.org www.portsaintlouis-tourisme.fr Opening times : 1 April to 30 September, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Camargue’s largest reed beds. An environment [email protected] and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm ; 1 October to 31 March, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, teeming with life, with thousands of birds, and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (except tuesdays). Closed on 25 December and 4 herds of bulls and Camargue horses : 15 km CAMARGUE REGIONAL NATURE PARK 1 January. There is an admission charge. Labelled « Tourisme et Handicap ». of paths built on piles, thematic boardwalk trails Musée de la Camargue 13 and guided tours for young and old, on foot, by Sea daffodil Strawflower Mas du Pont de Rousty - 13200 Arles The Pont de Gau bird park horse & cart and on horseback (new). (Pancratium maritimum) (Helichrysum stoechas) Tél. +33 (0)4 90 97 10 82 (Parc ornithologique de Pont de Gau) Mas Thibert - Tél. +33 (0)4 90 98 70 91 Domaine de la Palissade Here you can observe birds in a natural envi- [email protected] 13129 Salin-de-Giraud www.marais-vigueirat.reserves-naturelles.org - Opening times : 15/01 to 20/12, Tél. +33 (0)4 42 86 81 28 ronment of 60 hectares. And there are 7 km 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Trails free of charge and open-access. Guided visits www.parc-camargue.fr - [email protected] of paths that link up the marshes, ponds, reed beds, meadowlands, salt plains and irrigation (reservations necessary). Labelled « Tourisme et Handicap » and « Park brand ». channels. The diversity of habitats is matched by that of the birds themselves, both sedenta- 30 ry and migratory, and much has been done to Scamandre Regional Nature Reserve (Réserve naturelle régionale du Scamandre) This document is printed on unbleached facilitate the observation of flamingos, herons, paper, using wood from sustainably- storks, egrets, teals, sparrows, wading birds This typically Mediterranean wetland is exceptional in its biodiversity. A number of Sea lavender Annual Saltwort : AR.Johnson / Tour du Valat, J.Boudoux, A.Chevalier, P.Daniel, J.Roché, Opus Species, E.Vialet/PNRC, M.Mercier / PNRC, SNPN, M.Mercier / PNRC, E.Vialet/PNRC, Opus Species, J.Roché, P.Daniel, A.Chevalier, J.Boudoux, Valat, du Tour AR.Johnson / RÉVEL Communication 07 71 02 82 42 I Séverine Bourdeaux- Crédits photos : managed forests. 2016. Vigueirat du Amis des Marais Saint-Louis, Mairie Port Maison du riz, / RégionPACA, F.Baussan / G.Santantonio, G.Rey and raptors. remarkable bird species nest close to the reception area itself. There are 9 species (Limonium narbonense) (Salicorna annua) Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer - Tél. +33 (0)4 90 97 82 62 of heron, and the majority of France’s glossy ibises. Protected species include the [email protected] - www.parcornithologique.com European pond turtle.

Opening times : April to 30 September, 9:00 am till sunset, and

mosquito repellent, sunscreen and water. and sunscreen repellent, mosquito Route des Iscles - Gallician - Vauvert - Tél. +33 (0)4 66 73 52 05

1 October to 31 March, 10:00 am till sunset. There is an admission charge. 

Between May and October, don’t forget to bring bring to forget don’t October, and May Between [email protected] - www.camarguegardoise.com To explore the Camargue

Labelled « Tourisme et Handicap » and « Park brand ». Opening times : tuesday to saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.



Park only in designated areas. designated in only Park Closed on bank holidays. Free admission (reservation required for groups).

unnecessary noise. unnecessary Walking and cycling tours



Respect the wildlife, and avoid making making avoid and wildlife, the Respect 8 Home of the Camargue Horse The Camargue Regional Nature Park offers 14 walking

 ! No fires or barbecues or fires No or cycling discovery tours within its borders, in order (Maison du cheval Camargue)

The cultural heritage to observe the full diversity of Camargue lands-

paths. Do not stray onto private property. private onto stray not Do paths. Find out about the Camargue horse breed, its history, the way it is raised, capes : from the vineyards in the north to the beaches



When walking round the park, remain on the the on remain park, the round walking When its involvement in the management of natural areas, etc. by means of a guided in the south via the salt meadows and marshes.

walking tour in the heart of the Mas de la Cure estate. Starting in Arles, Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer or Port- 

Remember that the dunes are sensitive areas. sensitive are dunes the that Remember 1 Camargue produce shop Mas de la Cure, Chemin de Bardouine - Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, the tours are arranged thema-

!

take your waste home waste your take (Maison des produits de Camargue) Tél : +33 (0)4 90 97 76 37 - [email protected] tically so as to give you all the keys to understanding



Help us keep the Camargue clean Camargue the keep us Help www.maisonduchevalcamargue.com - Guided visit by reservation only, this exceptional area. Direct sale of Camargue products and craftsmanship. fee charged : May to September, wednesday and friday from 10:00 am Pack available in French, English and German.

to 11:45. October to April, ask us.

Rond point du Mas du Sonnailler - RD570 - Route des Saintes-Maries - Arles On sale at Arles and Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône You’re in a Regional Nature Park Nature Regional a in You’re Tél. +33 (0)4 90 49 15 26. Opening times : tuesday to saturday from 9:00 am tourist offices, the Museum of the Camargue and

to 12:30 pm and 3:30 to 7:00 pm 20 The Salt works observatory the Vigueirat Marshes. Can be downloaded from : Some advice for visitors for advice Some www.parc-camargue.fr/itineraires.html The Giraud salt works, near the mouth of the 2 Museum of the Camargue (Musée de la Camargue) Grand Rhône, covers 6 000 hectares and

This museum provides an indispensable introduc- produces various compounds that are used by Where to watch birds ?

! Camargue the in found be to are !

level tion to the territory, from a societal viewpoint. the chemical industry, including 340 000 tonnes Nearly 2/3 of the birds observed in Europe can be

Highest point: 4 metres above sea sea above metres 4 point: Highest

cies and a quarter of its plant species species plant its of quarter a and cies The permanent exhibition « Le fil de temps… of sodium chloride a year. The Salt works seen in the Camargue, which makes it a popu-

km 75 : Coastline

- spe fish freshwater its of half species,

w le fil de l’eau » (The flow of water, the flow of time, observatory is on the road. lar place with ornithologists, both professional

hectares 000 100 : Area

Three quarters of France’s bird bird France’s of quarters Three year. year.

w in the Camargue) shows how, on this island Between Piemanson and Salin-de-giraud and amateur. Discover the booklet « Where to

000 10 : Population

000 each each 000 150 : birds Migrating w

w formed by the Rhône and the sea, change can be watch birds in the Camargue Regional Nature

> Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône > deep and rapid, and people constantly have nationally or worldwide or nationally Park », which tells you 11 good sites for bird

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Les > of which 489 are protected, either either protected, are 489 which of to adapt to their environment in order to live watching, and more generally for observing

Arles >

700, 5 : including invertebrates) including and work there. At the start of the 3,5 km disco- Camargue plants and wildlife. In addition to the

towns Three Animal and plant species (not (not species plant and Animal w very walk there is an observation point in wood, 22 The Saint-Louis Tower (Tour Saint-Louis) descriptions of each site and the species to

created by the artist Tadashi Kawamata for Marseille Provence 2013, from which be seen there, the booklet highlights outdoor Some figures Some This tower provides an exceptional view of the visitor can look out over the surrounding landscape. activities, restaurants and accommodation the Camargue, including the Saint-Louis canal,

situated close to the sites ; most of which are

Mas du Pont de Rousty - RD 570 - Arles - Tél. +33 (0)4 90 97 10 82 the mouth of the Rhône and the salt ponds.

» brand. » Camargue de régional naturel Parc Valeurs supervises the « the supervises committed to sustainable tourism.

[email protected] - www.parc-camargue.fr - The museum is open It was built in 1737, for use as a lookout post and

daily except on tuesdays : from 1 April to 30 September, 9:00 am to 12:30 pm

for agriculture and tourism. It emphasises sustainable development, and development, sustainable emphasises It tourism. and agriculture for Booklet available in French and English from tourist offices and 1:00 to 6:00 pm / 1 October to 31 march, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and a lighthouse.

It is now a classified historic monument, and heritage and cultural sites, or can be downloaded from :

It works to improve the quality of life of the local population, with support with population, local the of life of quality the improve to works It 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Labelled « Tourisme et Handicap ». and houses the Office de Tourisme, along with www.parc-camargue.fr/where-to-watch-birds-in-the-camargue.html

a permanent exhibition of the largest ornitholo- cultural heritage. It also provides facilities and information for visitors. for information and facilities provides also It heritage. cultural 5 Home of Rice (Maison du riz)

gical collection in the Camargue, and temporary Biosphere Reserve Its multidisciplinary team is responsible for the protection of nature and the the and nature of protection the for responsible is team multidisciplinary Its The Rozière family, rice growers in the Camargue for exhibitions. Since 1977, the Camargue has been designated by UNESCO 5 generations, welcome you to their farm, where they Quai Bonnardel - Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône - Tél. +33 (0)4 42 86 01 21 as a « Biosphere Reserve » covering the whole biogeogra-

have created a visitor centre about rice-growing. The reconcile human development and nature conservation. nature and development human reconcile [email protected] - www.portsaintlouis-tourisme.fr phical delta of the Rhône. This designation involves the

visit includes a trail with small rice fields, an exhibi- Opening times summer : monday to friday, 9:00 am to 12:00 am, setting up of a sustainable development project whose

the local people and the economic decision-makers. Its remit is to to is remit Its decision-makers. economic the and people local the tion room with information panels, a demonstration and 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm. The opening hours are extended during results are assessed every 10 years. The project concerns

The park is run on the basis of consultations between the authorities, the between consultations of basis the on run is park The of the rice whitening process, and a tasting session. the tourist season. There is an admission charge. the conservation of natural areas, support for human Local produce shop. activities in harmony with the environment, including sustainable tourism, and

Mas de la Vigne, Albaron - 13200 Arles also backs research and awareness-raising about the Camargue’s exceptional Regional Nature Park Nature Regional Tél. +33 (0)6 25 74 68 90 / +33 (0)6 19 32 62 42 The main features of the Park’s natural and cultural heritage biodiversity.

[email protected] - www.maisonduriz.com

are to be found on the map overleaf ; sites indicated in orange www.mab-france.org/en/

The Camargue The Open every day from April to end November, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 to 7:00 pm. Guided visit, fee charged. have the « Valeurs Parc naturel régional » brand. Professionals commit to sustainable tourism in the Camargue with the « Valeurs Parc naturel The Camargue is a large wetland in the Rhône delta. It is exceptionally diverse in its flora and regional » brand fauna, its scenery and the culture of Provençe in all its historical grandeur.

Whether you are interested in nature or in the traditions of the Camargue, we can give you the Owned by the Ministry of the Environment, information you need to appreciate the park, bearing in mind its vulnerability. « Valeurs Parc naturel regional » is a brand to help foster sustainable development in local areas. Visiting museums or natural features, between the sea and the pools, on foot or on horseback, It promotes local products and human-scale tourist following the tourist routes or relaxing on the beach - you can organise your visit according to businesses, local economy players who respect the your preferences, while also respecting the quality of your surroundings. specific features of the area and its environment.

SITE TO VISIT Freshwater marshes 5a Cultivated land and reed beds Home of rice (Maison du riz) Vers NORD [email protected] - +33 (0)6 25 74 68 90 / +33 (0)6 19 32 62 42 20% of the Camargue is used to grow rice. These are common in the upper Camargue and on the banks Vers Beaucaire 13 The Pont de Gau bird park The water taken from the Rhône for this Parc naturel of the Rhône. Nîmes régional des Alpilles (Parc ornithologique du Pont de Gau) purpose desalinates the soil to a certain Water plants such as bullrushes, cane and reeds are abun- [email protected] - +33 (0)4 90 97 82 62 depth, and the rice fields are also home to Vers Avignon dant in the marshes, which are used for hunting and, in sum- nesting birds such as the heron. They are mer, pasturage. They provide shelter for nesting and winte- 18 Flamingo reproduction site (Étang du Fangassier avec le Bureau des Guides Naturalistes) flooded in April and allowed to dry out in e ring birds. Reeds (« sagno », in Provençal) are cut in winter September for the harvest. Petit Rhôn Arles by the « sagneurs ». They are used as a roofing material. [email protected] - +33 (0)6 95 90 70 48 Saint-Gilles D572n 29 Marais du Vigueirat [email protected] - +33 (0)4 90 98 70 91 1 Gimeaux Vers The salt plains (« sansouires ») D6572 Saliers Pont Van Gogh Aix-en-Provence and meadowlands HORSE TREKKING WINE MAKERS D37 N113 Marseille (by reservation) 3 0 D57 Gra 26 nd Rh Salt plains are a feature of the lower Camargue. Their Domaine de Beaujeu ône salt content is so high that only a few plant species such 6 Bergerie d’Alivon [email protected] 2 D36 as glasswort, saltwort, obione and statice can survive [email protected] +33 (0)9 64 18 90 33 4 there. They are prone to periodic flooding, and in sum- +33 (0)6 03 54 10 94 +33 (0)4 90 97 10 37 27 Mas de Valériole 30 Albaron Gageron mer are marked by white traces due to the presence a [email protected] Vers a b 7 5 5 Le Paty-de- 27 of salt. Meadowland occupies only small, fragmented Domaine Paul Ricard +33 (0)4 90 97 10 41 Nîmes 28 areas in which the effects of salt are less obvious. [email protected] la-Trinité 26 +33 (0)4 90 97 10 62 Villeneuve Mas-Thibert ACCOMMODATION 6 12 Les Cabanes de Cacharel s D37 D570 e a b [email protected] 4 Hôtel-restaurant** D5 rg 7 7 8 o N56 +33 (0)4 90 97 84 10 g 8 Le Flamant rose 5 25 Vers s +33 (0)6 11 57 74 75 e [email protected] d Martigues D36b a 8 e The salt ponds +33 (0)4 90 97 10 18 Aigues- D38c l 15 l Étang du Vaccarès Mas de la Grenouillère i Marseille 9 a b r [email protected] 5 Mortes D 29 These are to be found along the sea. In reality Gites Mas de la Vigne Réserve naturelle nationale de Camargue 24 they are lagoons that have been adapted to +33 (0)6 80 25 68 58 [email protected] Le Grau-du-Roi Cabanes- 10 Pioch-Badet +33 (0)4 90 97 90 22 Le Sambuc maximise their salt concentration. +33 (0)4 90 97 11 29 de-Cambon 11 16 R The salt ponds are extensive and rich in inverte- L’Écurie de l’Auberge 11 o Hôtel-restaurant*** Pin Fourcat u brates, which makes them an important source Cavalière te Mas de Calabrun d e of food for birds, and in particular the flamingos, [email protected] [email protected] C Les Impériaux a 12 +33 (0)6 63 65 26 08 D c which spend most of their time there. +33 (0)4 90 97 82 21 38 ha re 13 l 14 Gite Mas Farola Phare de D35 BULL HERDING 14 D5 a b [email protected] 70 (by reservation) l'Espiguette Bac du Sauvage Phare de 23 23 +33 (0)6 20 68 14 07 a 15 16 b la Gacholle 3 Manade Mailhan 15 Hôtel*** b 15 D36b [email protected] Mas de la Grenouillère 17 D3 +33 (0)4 90 97 00 12 D 6 [email protected] igu +33 (0)6 15 09 09 11 e à la +33 (0)4 90 97 90 22 me r 7b Manade Paul Ricard 19 [email protected] Chambres d’hôtes NATURAL AND CULTURAL +33 (0)4 90 97 10 62 Un nid en Camargue Les Saintes-Maries- [email protected] HERITAGE SITES (presented overleaf) P de-la-Mer la D36c 9 Manade Clauzel +33 (0)9 73 16 04 68 ge d 18 [email protected] 23b 1 Camargue produce shop (Maison des produits de Camargue) e Bac de Barcarin +33 (0)6 10 66 02 12 Hôtel-restaurant***** B e 19 Mas de Peint a 10 2 Museum of the Camargue u Digu Manade Cavallini [email protected] d e à la u me [email protected] +33 (0)4 90 97 20 62 (Musée de la Camargue - Park reception area) c r +33 (0)4 90 97 50 06 Port-Saint-Louis- 28 Chambres d’hôtes 5a Salin-de-Giraud 22 a Home of rice (Maison du riz) 20 du-Rhône 23 Manade Jacques Bon Mas de la Forge 8 [email protected] [email protected] Home of the Camargue Horse (Maison du cheval Camargue) +33 (0)4 90 97 28 50 +33 (0)4 90 97 00 76 13 The Pont de Gau bird park (Parc ornithologique de Pont de Gau) 25 The ponds and lagoons Phare de Manade Blanc [email protected] 17 La Gacholle ligthhouse (Phare de la Gacholle) Beauduc +33 (0)4 90 97 27 73 The shallow ponds of the lower Camargue are Phare de 21 separated from the sea by a sandbar. They are more 18 Flamingo reproduction site (Étang du Fangassier) or less salty, and communicate with the sea via sluice Faraman n gates. They provide a refuge for birds and fish, and éo 20 The Salt works observatory ol play a major role in water management. ap DISTANCES BETWEEN THE MAIN TOWNS : 21 N Domaine de la Palissade The beaches and dunes Viewpoint e Aigues-Mortes - Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer 30 km g a 22 The Saint-Louis Tower (Tour Saint-Louis) The Camargue has some 50 km of beaches. Out- l Aigues-Mortes - Arles 42 km Tourist path (by bike / by car) Plage P side the perimeter of the protective dykes - and thus de P Arles - Salin-de-Giraud 37 km 24 (La Capelière) Discovery route for pedestrians and cyclists iém The Camargue National Nature Reserve subject to the caprices of the sea - the coastline is in an Arles - Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer 37 km (closed to cars) son 29 a permanent state of change. The dunes are inhabited Arles - Port-Saint-Louis 36 km The Vigueirat marshes National Nature Reserve by spectacular flowering plants and a number of rare Cycle path ViaRhôna Albaron - Salin-de-Giraud (par bord du Vaccarès) 40 km 30 insects. The Scamandre Regional Nature Reserve Boundary of the Camargue Regional Nature Park © Carte et illustrations Vincent Brunot Salin-de-Giraud - Port-Saint-Louis (via bac de Barcarin) 5 km