Real Provence - The Alpilles

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The Camargue with its romantic associations of white horses and pink flamingoes is an area that has been preserved through its designation as a botanical and zoological nature reserve. The aims of the Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue are to allow its inhabitants to live in their natural habitat while preserving agricultural activity. Nestled between two rivers this huge marshy plain is the product of the interaction of the Rhone, the Mediterranean and the winds. It is a unique area of		fascinating contrasts from salt marshes to lagoons to rice fields and vineyards and is home to many migratory birds. At its western limit, the medieval fortified town of Aigues Mortes, marooned from the sea by the salt marshes. And to the north of the Camargue the fascinating medieval and roman town of Arles. Visit this beautiful region of Provence, click >> Tailor Made holiday.

The Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gau is a superb bird sanctuary, fascinating not only for the variety of migratory birds to be seen here, including of course the famous pink flamingos, but also for its setting right in the heart of the marsh. The marked trails and observation posts give you a real feel for the remoteness of the salt marshes.
The striking walled Medieval town of Aigues Mortes sitting on the flat marshes of the Petite Camargue was originally a small hamlet of fisherman and salt gatherers and the layout of the town still follows the medieval grid system. The towns fortified walls were built in the thirteenth century when the town became a port when access to the sea was via a canal dug through the marshes of the Camargue. The marina is joined to the sea at Le Grau du Roi and to Sete by the Canal du Rhone. To the south of the town the vast flooded lands are home to an exceptional flora and fauna as well as the principal economic resource of Aigues Mortes – salt..
The Camargue Museum (Musée Camargais) describes the history, traditions and livelihoods of the Camarguais people. A 1 hour 30 minute walk through the adjoining land of the Mas de Rousty follows a way marked trail passing between the irrigation channels and describing present day farming activities. Right at the beginning of the trail visitors can consult "the mas's calendar" and thus follow the rhythms of life that follow one another with the seasons: the harvest, the arrival and departure of the herds and flocks, the cutting and regrowth of the reeds, the nesting and the birds' first flight.
The popular and bustling seaside town of St Maries de la Mer has sandy beaches and a good choice of cafes and restaurants. It is best know for its annual festival in May when the gypsies converge on the town to ask favours from the patron saint. The pretty town centre has an interesting grey-gold Romanesque church. Climb the church tower for a great view across the Camargue. From here you can take a boat trip along the Petit Rhone for a closer look at the famous horses and bulls.


The olive growing area of the Alpilles and lively old town of St. Rémy with the nearby fortress village of Les Baux is an easy drive away and the Cotes du Rhone area of the Dentelles with lovely old Vaison la Romaine is a lovely day trip combining wine tastings with Roman history. For more information on this area, click on >> Alpilles and >> Dentelles	The fascinating old town of Nimes with it superb Roman amphitheatre where you can still watch traditional bullfighting. Don’t miss also the beautiful Maison Carrée, one of the best preserved Roman temples still in existence.	Arles with its superb Roman remains and pretty medieval streets is just 30 minutes drive away. For more information on these and the other beautiful cities of the area click on >> Cities.	The world famous viaduct of the Pont du Gard a UNESCO world heritage site

Real Provence

Updated: 15 January, 2012