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Morbihan 2013 UN LUXE AUTHENTIQUE A legend, a unique place, on the margins of life, wide open on the exceptional nature of Baux de Provence.

Baumanière,Baumanière Hôtel 5-star 5 étoiles,hotel, SPA, SPA, 2-Michelin-starRestaurant gastronomique gourmet restaurant 2 étoiles Michelin L’Oustau l’ Oustau de Baumanière de Baumanière and etProvençal Restaurant restaurant provençal La La Cabro Cabro D’or

13520 les Baux de Provence – +33 (0)4 90 54 33 07 [email protected] www.oustaudebaumaniere.com

425670_1.indd 1 04/03/2015 05:45 AM PUBLISHING Collection Directors and Authors: Dominique AUZIAS and Jean-Paul LABOURDETTE Welcome With the cooperation of Céline ANDREIS-OUDOT Authors: Pauline PRATELLI RUGIERO, Fabienne BOISNARD, Hervé PUGI, Jean-Paul LABOURDETTE, Dominique AUZIAS to Alpilles et alter Publishing Director: Stéphan SZEREMETA Publishing Team: François TOURNIE, Jeff BUCHE, and Camargue ! Perrine GALAZKA, Talatah FAVREAU, Maud VILLERET, Patrick MARINGE, Caroline MICHELOT, Morgane VESLIN, Pierre-Yves SOUCHET, Leena BRISACQ, Muriel PARENT ade for English-speaking people looking for good STUDIO Studio Manager: Sophie LECHERTIER assisted by Romain AUDREN tips and good addresses in Alpilles and Camargue, Layout: Julie BORDES, Élodie CLAVIER, Sandrine MECKING, M“Best of Alpilles – Camargue – Arles” by Petit Futé Delphine PAGANO, Laurie PILLOIS is an essential how-to guide to find an accommodation, a Pictures Management and Mapping: Audrey LALOY restaurant, to organize your visits and outings to be sure you will WEB enjoy your stay in those beautiful lands! It is true that Alpilles Web Director: Louis GENEAU de LAMARLIERE and Camargue are well known by all lovers of gastronomy, Technical Director: Lionel CAZAUMAYOU historical sites and art. Alpilles and Camargue are lands with Web Management and Development: Jean-Marc REYMUND, great patrimonial weath and countless attractions: castles, Cédric MAILLOUX, Florian FAZER and Anthony GUYOT abbeys, churches, natural sites, museums, etc. Community Manager: Cyprien de CANSON PUBLICITY TEAM Alpilles and Camargue are great touristic regions with enchan- Local Publicity Manager: Michel GRANSEIGNE ting landscapes, charming small towns and wild nature that Local Publicity Recruitment: Victor CORREIA Customer Relationship Management: Vimla MEETTOO you can explore by walking, cycling, etc. and Sandra RUFFIEUX But Alpilles and Camargue are also the craftsmen, the festivals, NATIONAL PUBLICITY TEAM the cultural and culinary events, the markets where you can Advertising Managers: Caroline AUBRY, François BRIANCON- find local products… Tasty! MARJOLLET, Perrine DE CARNE MARCEIN, Caroline GENTELET, Florian MEYBERGER, Caroline PREAU With this guidebook, Petit Futé has done everything possible INTERNATIONAL PUBLICITY TEAM to give you a selection of addresses gathering the must-sees Director: Karine VIROT assisted by Elisa MORLAND as the hidden treasures for a successful stay and to enjoy the Advertising Managers: Jean-Marc FARAGUET best of Alpilles and Camargue! and Guillaume LABOUREUR CIRCULATION AND PROMOTION Welcome to Alpilles and Camargue! Sales Promotion Director: Bénédicte MOULET assisted by Aissatou DIOP, Alicia FILANKEMBO and Bénédicte PETIT Sales Manager: Jean-Pierre GHEZ assisted by Nathalie GONCALVES Press-Sponsors Partnership Management: Jean-Mary MARCHAL ADMINISTRATION Chairman: Jean-Paul LABOURDETTE Financial Director: Gérard BRODIN Human Resources Director: Dina BOURDEAU assisted by Sandra MORAIS and Naommi CHOQUET Information Technology Manager: Pascal LE GOFF Accounting: Valérie DECOTTIGNIES assisted by Jeannine DEMIRDJIAN, Oumy DIOUF, Christelle MANEBARD Collection: Fabien BONNAN assisted by Sandra BRIJLALL Switchboard: Jehanne AOUMEUR

PETIT FUTÉ ALPILLES - CAMARGUE - ARLES 2015-2016 Dominique Auzias founded Le Petit Futé. It is published by Les Nouvelles Editions de l’Université 18, rue des Volontaires - 75015 . & 01 53 69 70 00 - Fax 01 42 73 15 24 PRINTED IN FRANCE Internet: www.petitfute.com SAS au capital de 1 000 000 E - RC PARIS B 309 769 966 Cover: Chapelle St Sixte, Eygalieres © NANCY Printed by: IMPRIMERIE CHIRAT - 42540 Saint-Just-la-Pendue Completion date: 17/09/2015 ISBN: 9782746982956

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Knowing More About Alpilles & Camargue From Sites to Sites

Record Sheet...... 6 Alpilles...... 32 Not to be missed...... 6 Saint-Rémy-de‑Provence...... 33 Alpilles...... 6 Aureille...... 55 Camargue...... 9 Les Baux-de-Provence...... 56 Nature...... 11 Châteaurenard...... 67 Geography...... 11 Eygalières...... 71 Fauna & Flora...... 12 Eyguières...... 74 Economy...... 14 Fontvieille...... 76 Natural Resources...... 14 Mas-Blanc-des-Alpilles...... 81 Agriculture...... 14 Maussane-les-Alpilles...... 81 Industry...... 15 Mouriès...... 86 Service Sector...... 15 Noves...... 90 Tourism...... 15 ...... 90 History...... 16 Saint-Etienne-du-Grès...... 91 Heritage & Traditions...... 19 Salon-de-Provence...... 93 Cultural Heritage...... 19 Montagnette...... 101 Architectural Heritage...... 21 ...... 101 Traditions & Ways of Life...... 22 ...... 103 Local Food & Gourmet Products...... 24 ...... 104 Local Specialities...... 24 Camargue...... 105 Local Products...... 25 Arles...... 105 Alcohol & Spirits...... 28 Saint-Martin-de-...... 128 Sports & Leisure...... 29 Saintes-Maries-de‑la‑Mer...... 129 Festivals & Events...... 30 Index...... 142

direct access to the beach visually impaired disability take away bar mental handicap room service laundry motor disability fitness room air conditioning garden or park playroom / tv nightclub games modern sanitary cash machine washing machine / laundry water sports drinking water bicycle rental tennis horse riding grocery store archery smoking area airport shuttle non-smoking fishing waterslide fitness indoor swimming pool fan miniature golf outdoor heated pool toilet drain hard of hearing disability outdoor pool sailing Les Baux-de-Provence. ©©STEVANZZ – ISTOCKPHOTO 6 6

Knowing More About 11 14 16 19 24 29 30 Alpilles & Camargue          Nature Nature History Economy Economy Record SheetRecord Sports & Leisure Not to be missed to Not Festivals & Events & Events Festivals Heritage & Traditions Heritage & Traditions Local Food & Gourmet ProductsLocal Food Puis LEE – Fotolia © ©

6 RECORD SHEET

Record Sheet

Alpilles Camargue wwPopulation: 38,794 inhabitants wwPopulation: about 10,000 inhabitants wwDensity: 88 inhabitants/km2 wwDensity: 10 inhabitants/km2 wwArea: 440 km² wwArea: 100,000 ha wwSub-prefecture: Arles wwSub-prefecture: Arles wwNumber of municipalities: 13 wwNumber of municipalities: 3 wwHome region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur wwHome region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Chateau in ruins of Baux-de-Provence. wwHighest point: Tour des Opies (498m) wwMajor river: the Rhône

Not to be missed

Alpilles Les Baux-de-Provence Les Baux-de-Provence (Occitan: Lei Bauç de Provença) is a commune in the Bouches-du-Rhône department Barbegal aqueduct and mill of the province of Provence in southern France. It has a spectacular position in the Alpilles mountains, set atop „„AQUEDUCS ET MEUNERIE DE BARBEGAL a rocky outcrop that is crowned with a ruined castle FONTVIEILLE overlooking the plains to the south. Its name refers to its Near the Barbegal locality, approximately seven kilometers site: in Provençal, a bauç is a rocky spur. The village gives east of the town of Arles. its name to the aluminium ore bauxite, which was first Largest known concentration of mechanical power in discovered there by geologist Pierre Berthier in 1821. the ancient world, the aqueduct and mills of Barbegal was a complex structure consisting of two parallel „„CHÂTEAU DES BAUX aqueducts, channelling drinking water to the city of Grand-Rue Arles from Alpilles and supplying a mill that could LES BAUX-DE-PROVENCE produce up to 4.5 tons of flour per day. This complex was & +33 (0) 4 90 54 55 56 built in the early second century and worked at least www.chateau-baux-provence.com until the end of the third century. It is attributed to the [email protected] Gallo-Roman engineer Candidius Benignus of the group Open all year. Open from 10am to 5pm in January, February, of carpenters from Arles whose sarcophagus contained November and December. From 9.30am to 6.30pm in March more suggestive inscriptions: «there was no wiser and no and October. From 9am to 7.15pm in April, May, June and one excelled like him in the art of mechanical literature September. From 9am to 8.15pm in July and August. and in the channelling of waterways». Partially listed as a Adult: E10 (E8 without entertainment). Child (from historic monument in 1937 and a World Heritage Site by 7 to 17 years old): E8 (E6 without entertainment). UNESCO in 1981, some of these vestiges are still visible. Last entrance with audioguide, 1: 00 before the closing

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Lawrence BANAHAN – Author’s Image – Author’s BANAHAN Lawrence © ©

KNOWING MORE ABOUT ALPILLES & CAMARGUE

7 LAWRENCE BANAHAN – AUTHOR’S IMAGE – AUTHOR’S BANAHAN LAWRENCE © © . And if . And E Medieval weapons. Medieval to 17 to E NOT TO BE MISSED BE TO NOT Alpilles - Alpilles LES MOULINS +33 (0) 4 90 54 67 49 (0) +33 „ FONTVIEILLE as you ascend the pine alley. A specified notarial act that the pine alley. ascend as you 1870. around working in 1791. It finally stopped existed the early built around was Ramet mill meanwhile The of site of the in the centre Located century. nineteenth Tissot-Avon and the Daudet or Saint-Pierre between mills, century. in the early twentieth working it stopped mill, will find the museum of old Eygalières but also – and will find the museum of old Eygalières of panorama beautiful mountain most importantly – a and the Durance. the Alpilles the Caume, Fontvieille „ Tourist Office & Free. Daudet mill is the most famous of them but it Alphonse The other fontvieillois mills the three that should also be noted Tissot- the of all, First and beautiful. also interesting are this Originally, mill is the closest castle of Montauban. Avon trade a miller by but the last owner, Tissot, called mill was It the name «Tissot-Avon.» explains This called Avon. was century built in the early nineteenth and operated was right on your mill is on a small hill, Sourdon The 1905. until Baux + quarries of Lights: from 15 Baux from + quarries of Lights: site the web upstream, stay your prepare to want you and in downloadable abounds in practical information e-trails. including the application documents, Eygalières located this small village, of Provence, Real postcard has Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, 5 minutes from away valleys, Its verdant its charm and authenticity. preserved its and cypresstrees of rows vineyards, or groves its street, main the Along popular venue. it a blue sky make the esplanade of the castle, the ruins to a detour take Finally, church. and the Saint-Laurent of the old keep you Here, is required. Chapel the Penitents’ to a move . Castle of of Castle . E TOURIST OFFICE BAUX-DE-PROVENCE OFFICE TOURIST +33 (0) 4 90 54 34 39 (0) +33 „ LES BAUX-DE-PROVENCE „ of Lights + Yves Brayer museum: 18,50 museum: Brayer Yves + Lights of information which will make your stay an unforgettable an unforgettable stay your which will make information the visits: castle for + quarries a Pass of Possibilities one. The welcome is always warm and professional, despite despite professional, and warm always is welcome The relevant will be given You daily visitors. of the numerous Open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5pm; the weekend 5pm; the weekend 9.30am to from Friday Open to Monday on Closed 5.30pm. 10am to and public holidays from 25th and on January 1st. December www.lesbauxdeprovence.com [email protected] & Maison du Roy du Maison Rue Porte-Mage the site in a fun and enriching way. the site of medieval combat. Endeavour to take the booklet in take to Endeavour combat. of medieval visiting with your are if you hunt of a treasure the form the history and it will enable them discover for children 30 pm and 4: 30 pm), this historical and humorous show show humorous and historical this 30 pm), 4: and 30 pm and techniques the use of weapons discover will let you names (trebuchets, couillard, trifle and ballista) in action and ballista) trifle couillard, names (trebuchets, 2: 12 pm, duel (at As the medieval worth for a visit. are impressive demonstrations of catapult firing from April April firing from of catapult demonstrations impressive and public holidays during the weekend, September, to imposing machines with evocative These school holidays. you imagine life in the middle Ages. Note that the site the site that Note in the middle Ages. imagine life you really some can attend you and areas picnic many offers the Paravelle tower overlooking the courtyard the of the overlooking tower the Paravelle on the other remains. castle on one side and the valley will let the vestige order, Dismantled under Richelieu’s by many. The Saracen tower is named after its orientation its orientation is named after tower Saracen The many. by Only arrived. the Saracens where the south, from towards turbulent military past punctuated by repeated assaults. assaults. militaryturbulent repeated by past punctuated desired was the Provence that solid dungeon proves The Guided tour (with your own guide or guides of the Tourist guide or guides of the Tourist own (with your Guided tour Shop. bookingOffice; required). a fortress powerful bears witness to medieval This of the site. Ticket combined with special rate to visit the to with special combined rate Ticket of the site. Baux-de-Provence. of Castle the and Lights of Careers 8 NOT TO BE MISSED - Alpilles STÉPHANE SAVIGNARD STÉPHANE © ©

Les Antiques, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

which was not probably used as tomb, but rather Musée Frédéric memorial. As you can read on the explanatory panels, „„MUSÉE FRÉDÉRIC MISTRAL the mausoleum of Julii dates from years 30-20 before 1, avenue Lamartine BC. It was built by the brothers Sextus, Lucius and Marcus Julius in honour of their Caius father and their & +33 (0) 4 90 95 84 19 grandfather. Its architectural characteristic makes it Open all year. Low season: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to unique: it consists of a base decorated with bas-reliefs, 11.30am and from 2pm to 4.30pm. High season: Tuesday topped by an arch will quadrifrons and a tholos (a round to Sunday from 9.30am to 11.30am and from 2.30pm to temple). As for the arc de triomphe, it was built at the 6.30pm. Guided tour. Activities. Free visit to the garden. end of the reign of or the beginning of that of Frederic Mistral, an illustrious Provencal poet was born Tiberio, near the «mausoleum» of Julii which is former for in Maillane on September 8, 1830. Founder of Felibrige him with fifty years. It evokes the conquest of Gaule by and advocate of Provençal cultural identity, Nobel Prize Caesar. Recently restored, these two monuments found for Literature and founder of the museum Arlaten of Arles, all their brightness. Nearby car park. this unique personality was influential in Maillane and the whole Provence. His birthplace is also now being „„SITE ARCHÉOLOGIQUE DE converted into a museum entirely dedicated to him. Route des Baux-de-Provence SAINT-RÉMY-DE-PROVENCE Photos, articles and books will immerse you in the life & of the author of «Mireille», whose statue stands in the +33 (0) 4 90 92 23 79 garden adjoining his farmhouse. oglanum.monuments-nationaux.fr Low season: open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Maussane-les-Alpilles High season: every day from 9.30am to 6.30pm. Free At the foot of the Alpilles, Maussane is a small and for under 18-year-olds. Adult: E7.50. Child (from 18 to pleasant village in the vallée des Baux. You will find a 25 years old): E4.50. Group (20 people): E6. Tourism little freshness on the shady place of large plane trees label & Disability. Access to the manual armchair with in front of the church of the 18th century. Bistro and easier guide. Ticket parking at with dimensions entry site. restaurants will welcome you for a beneficial stop. Children welcome (educational workshop). Guided tour (by reservation). Catering facilities. Shop. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Excavated from 1921, the Glanum site located at the exit of Saint-Remy led to the discovery of many relics „„LES ANTIQUES that mark its history since antiquity. Its exemplary 15, avenue Pasteur town planning is characterized by many religious and SAINT-RÉMY-DE-PROVENCE civic monuments. A housing environment protected Open all year. Free. by fortifications dating from the Iron Age reveals Located outside the city in the direction of Baux-de- the occupation of the site from the first millennium Provence, the Antique are two monuments unmissable. BC. One can still see the great monuments arranged In Antiquity, they marked the entrance to the town of along a central street but only a part of the city was Glanum, near via Domitia. They consist of a triumphal discovered. Research work is still carried out on arch and a monument improperly called «mausoleum», the site. KNOWING MORE ABOUT ALPILLES & CAMARGUE

9 LAWRENCE BANAHAN – AUTHOR’S IMAGE – AUTHOR’S BANAHAN LAWRENCE © ©

- 8 (reduced: 8 (reduced: Arènes d'Arles. Arènes E 5. century BC and is E st NOT TO BE MISSED BE TO NOT 15 - unlimited access with the the with 15 -access unlimited E Camargue - Camargue 6.50. Reduced rate: rate: 6.50. Reduced E THÉÂTRE ANTIQUE THÉÂTRE +33 (0) 4 90 49 36 74 (0) +33 5). Subscription:5). „ „ ARLES of classical Provence, Venus of Arles at the Louvre Museum. the Louvre at of Arles Venus of classical Provence, Archaeological Research. This is also where you can can you where also is This Research. Archaeological during found recently see the famous bust of Caesar, in the Rhône. excavations Rue de la Calade & 12pm 10am to from Saturday season: to open Monday Low 9am season: High 5pm. everyfrom day to 2pm from and 7pm. Adult: to the 1 back to dates theatre Antic The part style. It forms of Augustan project of urba of a vast of Rhône other constructions: with two the Arc nization than 102 meters on more It spreads in and the Forum. which from of terraces 33 rows and contained diameter, had and its outside wall a big section has disappeared, with monumental 3 rows richly decorated of arches and Arles of museum the in kept statue Auguste’s statues. Open all year. Closed on January 1st, May 1st, November November 1st, May January on 1st, Closed Open all year. 10am from Monday to Wednesday 25th. 1st and December Adult: under 18-year-olds. for 6pm. Free to E label & Disability. Tourism – validity 1 year. museum designed 1995, this modern building in Inaugurated Henry architect the by houses the pre-and Ciriani, The collectionsthe city. of archaeological post-roman from move themes that sectionsvarious different offer the fourth antiquity the (from to late the prehistory to and the sixth protohistory century) through period, museum The fans. It is a must for High Roman Empire. in model the majority city in their monuments presents up the visit: make elements Three original construction. the mosaics and the marble statuary of the first century, Located the collection sarcophagus. early Christian of museum, the large on the edge of the Roman circus, for also has an Institute disabled people to accessible 4. Shop. E 6.50. Activities. E division France libre France division re 9. Child (from 12 to 26 years old): 26 years 12 to (from 9. Child

E

MUSÉE ARLES ANTIQUE ARLES MUSÉE FONDATION VINCENT VAN GOGH ARLES LES ARÈNES D’ARLES (THE ARENAS) +33 (0) 4 13 31 51 03 (0) +33 +33 (0) 4 90 49 94 04 (0) +33 08 91 70 03 70 / 4 90 49 36 36 (0) +33 „ „ „ ARLES „ ARLES „ „ ARLES & om Presqu’île du cirque romain cirque Presqu’île du 1 Avenue itself is worth a visit. «Van Gogh’s drawings: influences and inspirations» and inspirations» influences drawings: Gogh’s «Van building The oblivion.» butterfly Horn, to «Roni and and contemporary art creations. This year, for example, example, for year, This and contemporary art creations. September, June to planned from are exhibitions two exhibition «Van Gogh live! ”. Over nearly 1,000 m2, Over ”. Gogh live! «Van exhibition the temporary to exhibitions, according found, are the Dutch master by and original drawings paintings achievement, the Vincent van Gogh Foundation opened Gogh Foundation van Vincent the achievement, with the inaugural the public last year its doors to Adult: Adult: and a beautiful architectural of work years three After Closed of the Foundation from September 1st to September 1st to September from of the Foundation Closed 7pm; 11am to from Wednesday to 20th, 2014. Open Friday 12-year-olds. under for Free 9pm. to 11am from Thursday & 35ter, rue du35ter, Docteur Fanton bigger than that of Nîmes, and occupies the twentieth the twentieth and occupies of Nîmes, bigger than that among those of the Roman world. rank arch, separated by massive posts of rectangular section. rectangular of posts massive by separated arch, 136 metersof line main a small a and length in With is slightly of Arles the amphitheatre axis of 107 meters, From an architectural point of view, the amphitheatre is the amphitheatre of view, point an architectural From full round in of 60 arches levels high with two 21 meters (the works lasted 10 years 25 million lasted and cost (the works euros), back their original brightness. 2013 got July, and since Roman games of the 1st century give way to bullfights bullfights to Roman games of the 1st century way give arenas, The annually. Féria, during the two organized development and restoration of plan vast a through went place is classified as «Historical Monument» in 1840. Its Monument» as «Historical is classified place the still valid: major events,is prime function, welcome to hundred houses and even two chapels. It is finally on the chapels. two and even houses hundred this unique Mérimée that Prosper of the writer initiative to death or even reconstructions of hunting scenes. After After scenes. of hunting reconstructions or even death to into transformed were the arenas the fall of the Empire, about two fortress with the construction towers, of four centuries. This temple of games could welcome up to up to welcome of games could temple This centuries. fight gladiators the see to up crowding 21 000 people, season: every day from 9am to 7pm. Adult: 7pm. Adult: 9am to season: every from day slightly Rome, of Coliseum the by inspired Apparently four nearly for Arles the pride of were the Arena older, [email protected] 5pm. High 10am to season: every from day Low Open all year. & www.arenes-arles.com Rond-point des Arènes des Rond-point Arles Camargue 10 NOT TO BE MISSED - Camargue

Strengthened during the Middle Ages, witness of Roland’s is a key figure in their religious heritage. If the village Tower, he sees in his surrounding wall, the development is very picturesque one, do not hesitate to get away of parasites houses as well as the Jesuits College and a from it to discover the Vaccarès pond, stroll by the sea convent of the sisters of Mercy. Plundered for its materials, or explore the beautiful wild Camargue with its flights it is rediscovered only in the 17th century, but the real of pink flamingos, its herds of bulls and its white horses excavations only begin in 1828. Completely restored, the snorting quietly and freely. Finally, a tip: the summer site is clearly more functional and offer new attractions: with his group of tourists, is not necessarily the best in summer, on Tuesday and Thursday morning, there time to take full advantage of the Saintois and their are demonstrations of Roman games that are for region. Prefer, if you can, autumn or winter, when this children. And also, it welcomes numerous festivals like the country finds its loneliness, essential requirement to International meeting of photography, the music festival its true personality. of the South or even that of the movie of péplum. The first two ones taking place in July, the last one in August. Marais du Vigueirat Beauduc (Marshes) „„ „„ LES MARAIS DU VIGUEIRAT PLAGE DE BEAUDUC (THE BEACH) Village de Mas-Thibert PORT-SAINT-LOUIS-DU-RHÔNE ARLES Part of the beach is reserved to the naturists. & Beauduc Beach is a paradise which is worth it: to go +33 (0) 4 90 98 70 91 there, first take the saintes-Maries road then turn left [email protected] towards Salin-de-Giraud, then to the right for Villeneuve Closed from December 16th to January 31st. Open every day from 9.30am to 5pm. Adult: E6 (guided tour 1am). Child road and follow Vaccarès, then the dam at the beach. E There are 14 km between Salin-de-Giraud and the (from 6 to 17 years old): 3 (half price). Group (20 people): E8. Visit in the horse-drawn carriage E15. Accessibility with beach! The history of Beauduc dates back from the end E E of 1930s, when gradually, and thanks to the paid leaves, the strollers. Guided tour ( 12, and hiking of 4am: 15). more people went there for recreational fishing and Catering facilities. Shop. Rental of binoculars. on holiday, whereas before, this site was reserved for Follow a track on a long distance before arriving to the the fishermen of . If the first huts were built Swamps of Vigueirat. This natural and protected space during the creation of this sea ford in the middle of the domain of the Conservatoire du Littoral, situated between XVIIIth century, there were at the end of 1960s, a about Grand Rhône and the plain of Crau, allows discovering a hundred installations, which then benefited from a the flora and the fauna of Camargue. An infinite amount certain tolerance to watch for the non-proliferation of the of discoveries are possible, whether you are not used housing environment. Due to the new laws of the coast to walk long distance or if you are a nature lover. «The prevailing for this place, some destruction was made. The paths of the starling» include several thematic paths immense beach, situated in a still protected and wild on a total length of 4 km, in free and total access from environment, can be seen after crossing the numerous sunrise to sunset. There is a playful path of 500 meters swamps among which that of Grand Fangassier, with that is completely situated on stilts, the path of the Huts campers, huts, horses at a gallop, bikes, kites... A Whole allows you to walk along with the current to discover all ill-assorted and popular universe which creates a unique the secrets of this natural space. The path of Palunette, atmosphere! A very nice site for the whole family. A large 2, 5 km long, bordering the canal of Vigueirat: the section of this vast beach allows naturism. opportunity to discover the various species through a wildlife observatory. The path Man and Nature will open soon: it will present the possible human activities on Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer a natural protected space in Camargue. Possibility of Located approximately one kilometre east of the mouth guided tour and visit in carriage. of the Petit Rhone, the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer are connected to the city of Arles (38 km away) by the RD570 and the small Camargue towards Aigues-Mortes Parc ornithologique du and Montpellier by ferry of the Sauvage, the Sylvéréal Pont‑de-Gau (Bird sanctuary) bridge and that of Saint-Gilles. The city built around its fortified church of the eleventh and twelfth centuries „„PARC ORNITHOLOGIQUE DU PONT-DE-GAU and long enclosed in a chamber still retains traces of Route d’Arles this history. It was not until 1838 that the village takes SAINTES-MARIES-DE-LA-MER its current name and soon after, the famous pilgrimage & +33 (0) 4 90 97 82 62 of gypsies is mentioned for the first time. According to www.parcornithologique.com legend, Marie-Jacobé and Marie-Salomé, two Christians [email protected] close to Jesus, and their servant Sara fled persecution Closed on December 25th. Low season: open every day in Palestine on a boat without a rudder. Their boat had and public holidays from 10am. High season: every day docked after a long journey on the Provence coast. and public holidays from 9am. Until the sunset. Free for The Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer thus became a place of under 4-year-olds. Adult: E7.50. Child (from 4 to 10 years pilgrimage for travellers since Sara, the Black Madonna, old): E4. Guided tour. KNOWING MORE ABOUT ALPILLES & CAMARGUE 11

NATURE / Port-Saint- s. 3 of for seawater 3 of for water fresh 3 Geography - - Geography In Camargue, the Rhône creates the Rhône creates In Camargue, Almost inacessibles, the Plains are a a the Plains are inacessibles, Almost Plateaux: Plateaux: Water course: Water w w huge plateau that operate the junction the between operate that huge plateau town the and Roquemartinenorthplain, Eyguières, of of oaks. with a dense forest It is covered of . Saint-Martin-de-Crau, of municipality the in Located marks the southern edge of the plateau the Costières mountains. Alpilles important problem. Currently 153 pumps spread along spread 153 pumps important problem. Currently in several water distribute arms of the river the two of the of canals the irrigation for kilometres hundred via available is it water, salt of draining the As for land. September, to April From collections. 6 pools of water 400 millionthe delta received m 125 million and rice of needs the m heartthe in water with saturated is production.It salt dry set to Rice and salt are during winter. of summer. territory crossed is The itself. a river do not have Alpilles water a low which denote terms «gaudres», many by about fifteen. are They dry and often flow in summer. The canals. emptied in to are in Alpilles, eight Gaudres, valley the lower leaves that example, for canal, Craponne water provides Roque d’Anthéron, near La of the River, the Berre reaching of the floors before the irrigation to thein 3,000 acres nearly Baux canal irrigates The pond. south of the massif. w Mediterranean sea. An area shaped over the centuries the centuries shaped over area sea. An Mediterranean where saltwater and freshwater of influence the under and a fragile and form ponds and marshes merge land, is no relief: there the highest Here, ecosystem. precious the lowest sea-level, above delta is 4 metres the of point is 1.5 m below! point w before near Arles a delta via a division of its course called is arm small The Mediterranean. the emptying into With important most the and Rhône. Grand Petit-Rhône length of 812 km, the Rhône has an annual an overall During the last floods which of 1,700 m3/s. mean flow rate this 2003, 1994 and 1993, in Camargue, inundated than 10 000 mmore to had increased on the Rhone. Louis-du-Rhône is the last city of France an remains Camargue the in water of control the Today shelducks and gooses. We can also perceive a beautiful beautiful a canperceive also We and gooses. shelducks beaks and big groans, herons, birds, density of prey with migratoryor sedentary accompanied beaks, fine ponds two sneaks between path second The coypus. can which be flamingos of pink colony big a where used place Between a large both, closelt approached. big descriptive by illustrated purposes, educational for of aviaries succession and also a boards, and attractive or handicaped large- can wounded be found where birds. sized - Alpilles form the last form Alpilles the climate is Mediterranean, with is Mediterranean, the climate the territory enjoys excellent sunshine, sunshine, the territory excellent enjoys 573 mm of water on average a year, one a year, on average 573 mm of water by André Lamouroux, the park which is the park which is Lamouroux, by André 2 the area is subject to the mistral (because is subject (because the mistral the area to

Characteristiclandscapes: Wind: Wind: Rainfall: Sunshine: Temperatures: Temperatures: w w w w

w Nature the two main branches of the Rhône main branches delta and the the two cularly emphasizes this seafood colour of limestone rocks. of limestone colour this seafood cularly emphasizes of 145,300 acres area is a vast between Camargue and divides the country into two valleys covered with covered valleys and divides the country two into which parti A shade of green groves. and olive vineyards the horizon between Rhone and Durance, the Comtat the Comtat Rhone between and Durance, the horizon of massif is composed This plains. and Crau venaissin 25 km over stretches faults and ravines, jagged ridges, w Rhône delta. Alpilles the great before stand on relief Relief more for an average of 80 days (it blows in the middle in the middle blows (it of 80 days an average for more of the year!). of its proximity to the rhone corridor). This northThis wind the rhone corridor). to proximity of its and slightly a year days a hundred violently blows causing floods including in 2003. w of the weakest average of France. However, the rain the rain However, of France. average of the weakest and can be violent, very concentrated episodes are 2,900 hours per year. w w 2,700 and between say is to that the best in France, and concentrated on a number of days reduced to the to reduced on a number of days and concentrated in August temperature average The autumn and spring. is 24,5° and 7° in January. w rain of irregular and a system dry mild winters summers, Climate to the Mediterranean sea. the Mediterranean to Alpilles and Camargue offers exceptional landscapes landscapes exceptional offers Camargue and Alpilles including hundreds of species live thousands where territory A rich and varied which stretches protected. Geography diversity of Camargue. An ideally placed monitoring monitoring placed ideally An of Camargue. diversity mallards, Sarcelles, discover to allows leisurely center out on 60 hectares. Two walks through ponds and and ponds through walks Two out on 60 hectares. called very first one, wild, The proposed. are swamps vision of the complete the North a rather offers path, on 6 000 m spreads his children, the son and by managed now to Arles, this park is originally a family creation. a family creation. is originally this park Arles, to exposed were first aviaries 1949, when the Since Situated 4 kmSituated North on the road of Saintes-Maries, 12 NATURE - Geography

wwPlains: There are several plains around the Alpilles park. An impression of going «to the end of the world», channel. The Fontvieille plain, a large triangular area but on arrival, the sand and the light that emanates dedicated to the culture of vineyards and olive trees, just make it worth a look. Paradise is deserved after all! You like the Baux plain below the village. The Saint-Rémy- can enjoy the sea and the beach without fear of being de-Provence plain is also very fertile. The Roquemartine stuck-tight with other people, and for fans, know also plain, in the Eyguières city serves as grazing ground for that Beauduc is a must for kyte surfing and windsurfing. sheep. As for the Eygalières plain (also called Prés valley Remember to take along something to drink and eat on or Calans plain for its southern side), it has large groves the spot, the corner is a real desert. although urbanization tends to gain ground. The Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Beaches are small beaches Camargue is a vast plain of recent alluvial formation. It of fine and familial sand, and accessible on foot from is divided into 3 parts: the high Camargue, consisting the village. The East and West exits of the village have of alluvial pads enclosing freshwater marshes. The «private beaches», these spaces give holidaymakers average Camargue with a very broad salinity. And the comfort zone with mats, umbrellas... lower Camargue, an area of salt​​ ponds and amphibious The Piemanson Beach, West of Grand Rhône right to the land, sansouire. In its centre is the vaccares pond. The Faraman lighthouse, is accessible via Salins-de-Giraud. north of the plain consists of farmland and the south 6 km from the beautiful sandy beach, half of which consists of marshes and salty ponds. is reserved for naturists. Like in Beauduc, there is no wwCaves: Erosion shaped the Alpilles mountains in infrastructure; you can find just a chip stall, an ice-seller the course of time and formed a number of holes and van and fire station that ensure the safety of bathers. It other caves. If they served as homes or burial ground is a beach renowned for kayak. from prehistoric time, they also were at the origin of The Port-Saint-Louis Beaches are three in number: the legends and sources of inspiration: Dante and Frédéric Napoleon beach, 10 km long, the Olga beach, more Mistral kept witch and fairies there. intimate, where you will arrive after crossing a typical wwLakes and ponds: Camargue has more than twenty little hamlet of cabanonniers, and the beach of Carteau ponds; two are unmissable. where water is not very deep. It adapts well to kite PHOVOIR © © The Vaccarès pond, 12 m long, it is the main element surfing and windsurfing, horseback riding, etc. rather of security of the waters of the delta. This is also an than swimming. important resting and food place for migratory birds, wwPorts: The marina of Saintes-Maires de la Mer, and a living place for pink flamingos. Still wild and Port Gardian, welcomes the sailors who coast in the preserved, this site is regulated for swimming and Mediterranean. Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône also has a fishing. On the other hand, circulation is free on the marina, but it is its industrial port that made its repu- road along the pond. tation. Attached to the Autonomous Port of , The Fangassier pond, 3.3 km2 extent, is the only site it receives sea ships and barges along the Rhône. Thanks in France where pink flamingos gather in a colony of to its lock and the Fos-Rhône grand canal, it is the key 10,000 couples to raise their chicks. Discovery tours point of the fluvial and river-sea traffic between Europe are organized during nesting. and the Mediterranean, welcoming hydrocarbons, liquid wwMarshes: Until the 1880, the area located south of chemicals, wood and wine. the Hills, between Arles and Paradou, was completely flooded and known as «the Baux marshes». This lake, rich in fish, extended over several acres and allowed generations of Maussanais to live on fishing. Slowly Fauna & Flora drained in 1830, the area remains easily flooded. The Vigueirat swamp. is a natural reserve of the Camargue, which stretches over 1,200 acres, is composed Fauna of steppes and sansouire (with low vegetation), ponds wwMammals: There are about forty species of mammals and reed beds. Partly accessible to the public, the marais in Camargue. The most famous (and most visible) are, of welcomes every year around 30,000 visitors who can course, the bulls and the small white horses of Camargue admire along the path of the Starling or the Palunette race, which graze the lawns and salt marshes. These trail, the call of a warbler, the sound of a frog, the diving environments are also frequented by foxes, wild boars, of a cistude, the flight of an heron, or the arrival of the ... and, less common, the Europe beaver that lives new migrating species. You can indeed observe more the banks of the Rhone River. Introduced in 1950 and Pink flamingos than 2,000 animal and plant species. originally from South America, nutria has completely invaded the wetlands of the Rhone delta to the point Coastline that, in the 1980s, it is snared by tens of thousands for their skin. The deaf growls in the marshes, this is it! wwSea: The Mediterranean sea bathes the Camargue Numerous colonies of chiroperas are present in the coastline. Though rather quiet at height of Saintes- Alpilles: the opportunity to bump into vespetilions Maries, the currents can sometimes be dangerous in with their jagged ears, large murine, the watchdogs Piemanson. of Cestoni or the famous pipistrelles of Nathusius... wwBeaches: You can reach the Beauduc beach after a If you did not understand anything to this word, it is good hour’s drive in the heart of the Camargue natural normal! The chiropteras are simply bats, and there are

FROM SITES TO SITES

ELENA DUVERNAY – ISTOCKPHOTO DUVERNAY ELENA © © 141

- Église forteresse, Église CAMARGUE Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

Mer - ‑la‑Mer Alexandre Clauzel is manadier by heritage is manadier by Clauzel Alexandre Saintes-Maries-de 10. PARC ORNITHOLOGIQUE PARC MANADE SAINT-ANTOINE MANADE CAVALLINI +33 (0) 4 90 97 82 62 (0) +33 +33 (0) 6 13 29 12 72 (0) +33 6 10 66 02 12 (0) +33 „ „ „ „ PONT-DE-GAU DU „ „ gypsy evenings… d’Arles Route & See page & www.manadecavallini.com [email protected] Park. Brand tradi camarguaises the Carrying strong and high of the the colours with you this manade shares tions, characteristic of area in a unique natural Camargue while the environment can enjoy You the Rhône delta. the herds. discovering Ménage du Mas & www.manadesaintantoine.com [email protected] Park. Brand bulls and Camargue about his work, Talking and vocation. with small of the manade in private, Visit is his pleasure. equestrian cabarets, (max. 10 people). Racing, groups made in Camargue. And to extend the visit, go to the the go to extend the visit, to And made in Camargue. a wooden from admire to trail beginning of the nature the landscape, Kawamata Tadashi observatory made by bed the reed through the swamp, fields to rice from and the sansouire. Animal Parks – Aquariums départementale 570 Route

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2.20. Child (from 6 to (from 2.20. Child 12 years old): E

MUSÉE DE LA CAMARGUE ÉGLISE FORTERESSEÉGLISE CABANE GARDIAN DE +33 (0) 4 90 97 86 32 (0) +33 +33 (0) 4 90 97 87 60 (0) +33 „ „ „ 1.50. „ „ „ graphic collection of the museum as well as movies as movies collectiongraphic of the museum as well who invites to navigate in space and time. But also But also and time. in space navigate to who invites the photo in pictures» which presents «Camargue works. It welcomes from now on a new exhibition: «the «the exhibition: a new on now from welcomes It works. of time in Camargue» the thread of water… thread Wednesday of the month. Wednesday the museum of Camargue Settled sheepfold, a former in for of closure one year after last year got a facelift on December 25th, on January 1st and on May 1st. Free. Free. 1st. 25th, on January 1st and on May on December all 1st Sundays payment and the last from Exemption to 5pm. High season: from 9am to 12.30pm and from 1pm 12.30pm and from 9am to 5pm. High season: from to Tuesday, is open every except museum day 6pm. The to to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, to 300 m from Mas du Pont deRousty. 1pm from and 12.30pm to 10am season: from open Low [email protected] 10 Km from Arles on the road & www.parc-camargue.fr N570 Revolution. The church also has a pagan altar of the the of altar pagan a has also church The Revolution. fourth century BC. Natural Sites and saint Marie- Salome were found in the church in in the church found Marie-and saint Salome were 1448, but only a small part in the be preserved could burned during the shrines because much was current the right of the altar is the statue of Sarah, part of the altar is the statue the right of the Marie-Jacobe of saint relics The heritage of Gitans. pirates roomed the coast and it had to defend itself itself defend and it had to the coast roomed pirates In the crypt to invasions. and Arab against Saracen high. Built near the mouth of the Petit Rhône, the Church the Church Rhône, high. Built near the mouth of the Petit the has a very at position because, important strategic centuries), time of its construction and eleventh (ninth village and is visible from 10 kilometres inland. It is made It inland. 10 kilometres from visible is village and 15 meters and unadorned nave, right and single a of up E the dominates style, the church Romanesque In a pure High season: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm; 8pm; 10am to from Saturday High season: to Monday 6-year- under for Free 8pm. to 1pm Sundayfrom Adult: olds. & 4pm. to 2pm from season: open atweekends Low Place de l’Eglise Religious Buildings Religious a visible cross, allowing the moorish hut on stormy stormy on hut moorish the allowing cross, visible a of mistral. days entertain the gusts of mistral see the top of its roof of its roof entertain see the top of mistral the gusts conditioning of wood piece «joist», ending with the form to barra is generally «joist» This its typical slope. du marais are connected drops low walls from low low from walls low connected drops are du marais in the north, to back, always rounded The height. It is the ancestral construction par excellence of of excellence par construction ancestral the is It of reeds of layers made roof A hut whose Camargue. Monuments and buildings and Monuments Provençal souvenirs in a shop Baux-de-Provence ©©STÉPHANE SAVIGNARD