Explore and Preserve the Beauty of the Camargue: A Sustainable Journey
As a true Camargue by birth and heart, I have traveled many paths in my life, both for personal and professional reasons. However, I always end up coming back to my little village at the end of the world, because for me, the Camargue is a true paradise on earth, and there is nothing more beautiful!
One of the main reasons I created My Better Way is to protect this wild environment from pollution, especially plastic pollution. With the My Better Camargue range, I have taken a further step by seeking to change the consumption habits of visitors and lovers of this region, by offering sustainable and responsible souvenir products. What does that mean ? This means everyday items with trendy Camargue designs that are not only practical, but also reusable to reduce waste and have a better impact on the environment!
So, if you have not yet explored this beautiful region, I have prepared a list of things to do and places to visit for a timeless 2-3 day trip, where you can enjoy all the delights of this wild region and preserved, as I know it! Are you ready ? Let's embark on this journey!
🌅 Discover the Camargue Region
Located between the two arms of the Rhône on the Mediterranean coast of south-eastern France, the Camargue Natural Park extends over 150,000 hectares, from Arles to Grau du Roi, via Les Saintes Maries de la Mer and Aigues-Mortes (although the extension of the Camargue beyond the natural park is the subject of debate among the inhabitants).
🦩 Where to See Pink Flamingos in Camargue?
Known for its Camargue bulls and horses, the region is also home to exceptional wildlife, including pink flamingos. They can be observed all year round, with courtship displays from December to March.
If you want to admire them in large numbers, I recommend visiting the Pont de Gau Ornithological Park in Saintes Maries de la Mer. Personally, I suggest staying until sunset to fully enjoy the spectacle, but be careful of the mosquitoes that come out at nightfall.
🐎 Horseback riding in the Camargue
If you like horses, horseback riding is a must-do activity in the region. Among the many options available, I personally recommend Domaine de la Palissade, located between Salin de Giraud and Les Saintes Maries de la Mer. This property, managed by the Conservatoire du littoral, offers well-maintained trails to discover the flora and fauna of the Camargue, on foot or on horseback.
🐂 Get closer to the Bulls in Camargue
To get a close look at the Camargue bulls, attend one of the many bull releases that take place regularly in Camargue villages, during which herdsmen on horseback show the public how they handle the bulls. The Férias d'Arles, which take place during Easter and early September, also offer numerous bullfighting demonstrations and bodegas throughout the city center.
🛌 Where to stay in Camargue?
If you are looking for accommodation and you do not have means of transport, you can count on the La Boîte à Projets concierge service, which manages the rental of many houses and apartments throughout the Arles region. Marie, the founder, will be happy to find the rental that suits you best.
If you prefer a hotel room and you have a car, I recommend the Arl'hôtel, an eco-managed establishment with colorful urban style and free parking. Fanny and Matthieu, the hosts, created a warm atmosphere for their customers. What sets this hotel apart is its coworking space, tapas restaurant, local boutique and electric vehicle charging stations.
🍽️ Where to Enjoy Affordable Cuisine in Camargue?
To eat, in the small village of Salin de Giraud, I recommend the family restaurant Chez Nicky. Here you can enjoy local and authentic cuisine without pretension and at an affordable price. If you want to taste the specialties of the Camargue, start with tellines as a starter, small shellfish cooked with garlic and parsley, or aioli, then opt for bull gardianne as a main course, a traditional stew served with rice from Camargue. Finish with a small glass of Camarguaise, the region's local herbal digestive.
🏞️ Explore the Camargue Natural Park
If you prefer nature to the city, you will love our magnificent sandy beaches which stretch for almost 100 km along the coast. Personally, I recommend Beauduc beach, a hot spot for kitesurfing in Europe, near Salin de Giraud. After 11 km of road (yes, it's a bit of an adventure!), you will reach the end of the world, one of the last truly wild beaches in France. The unpaved road can be bumpy, so I suggest you get there by bike. You can rent electric bikes from Laurelyne Boutique in Salin de Giraud. Be sure to bring supplies as there are no shops on site.
Other stunning scenery in the Camargue includes the Salins du Midi, where you can explore the salt marshes which turn pink in summer, and the camelles de sel, large piles of salt. It is also in this all-white setting that the designer Jacquemus chose to present his latest fashion show last summer.
🏛️ What to visit in Arles on foot?
On Saturday morning, you can stroll through the aisles of the Provençal market to find fresh and local products. A little further up, near the banks of the Rhône, you can take a gourmet break at the Peach tea room. Their pastries are all delicious, and the decor is very welcoming.
Just a stone's throw away, on Rue de la République, you can go shopping at the Bisous concept store, a unique fusion of fashion and interior design with an atypical style. It is also a place for cultural encounters with temporary exhibitions in the basement throughout the year.
Going up the street, you will reach the town hall square with its Roman obelisk, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. You can then walk to the arena via the old theater, where shows take place on summer evenings.
If you like art, don't miss the Luma Foundation, a cultural center dedicated to art, creation and ecology. I recommend visiting its 56-meter stainless steel tower to enjoy a 360-degree view of the Camargue. It's free.
Another must-see cultural event in Arles is the Rencontres Internationales de la Photographie, which takes place every year from July to September, attracting tourists from all over the world.
I hope this article will inspire you to visit my beautiful region. Please feel free to leave me a message to let me know. You will then understand where this connection with nature comes from and my determination to promote more responsible and environmentally friendly products! And if you want to bring back a holiday souvenir, consider the My Better Camargue collection , a range of practical, trendy and durable items!