The Camargue cross was designed in 1926 by the painter-illustrator Hermann-Paul (1864–1940),

[2]
 at the request of his friend the marquis-writer-manadier Folco de Baroncelli (1869–1943),
considered to be the "Inventor" of the Camargue. After having founded the Nacioun Gardiano
association in 1904, in order to "maintain and glorify the costume, customs and traditions of the
country of Arles, the Camargue and the bullfighting countries", he was inspired by the naval anchors
to represent with this cross the "Camargue nation" of herdsmen and fishermen

The poet Joseph d'Arbaud carried a gardian's trident made in wrought iron for him by Joseph
Barbanson, a blacksmith from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, in his workshop at Place de la Révolution
(now Place du Grenier à Sel). It was d'Arbaud who suggested replacing the three fleur-de-lis (on
a cross anchory) that were planned with camargue tridents) as a symbol of the region.[5]
The statue was inaugurated by the Committee of Friends of the Marquis de Baroncelli on July 7,
1926, in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer on a platform next to the post office (opposite the current "Grand
Large" building). During this celebration, many personalities, including the Marquis de Baroncelli and
his friends, were present: the poet Joseph d'Arbaud, Rul d'Elly, Maguy Hugo (granddaughter
of Victor Hugo), Madame de la Garanderie, Fanfonne Guillierme [fr], the family of the owners
of Maison Aubanel [fr], Pauline Ménard-Dorian, and her husband, the painter Hermann-Paul.[6]
The cross was transferred ten years later to the Pont du Mort (or the Maure), at the western
entrance to the village on the road to Aigues-Mortes. After being slightly moved, the original cross
was stolen. A copy of the original still stands there. In July 2016, the Camargue cross celebrated its
90th anniversary.[7]
It is seen throughout all of Camargue. It is also present in Marseille (Notre-Dame de la
Garde basilica, Church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens de l'Estaque  [fr], esplanade de la Bonne Mère[8]),
in Toulon,[9] in Istres, and in Avignon.[10] The town of Radolfzell, Germany, is a twin city with Istres, so
the cross can be found there. [10]