Where

to watch birds…
in the Camargue Regional
Nature Park - France

The Camargue is the largest wetland in France

and is renowned internationally for nature conservation
and the protection of birds. Approximately two thirds of all
birds found in Europe can be observed in the Camargue,
making it a favourite destination for both professional and
amateur ornithologists.
Situated on the crossroads of Africa, Europe and the
Mediterranean, the Camargue represents an important
stopover for the hundreds of thousands of migrating
birds that pass through each year. It is also home
to the only Greater Flamingo nesting site in France.
With the aim of promoting and protecting its unique
natural and cultural heritage, the Camargue was classified
as a Biophere Reserve by UNESCO in 1977 and
a large section of it has been designated as a Regional
Nature Park since 1970.
 Vers

Where are the main Vers

Nîmes
Beaucaire The park
Vers Avignon
in numbers
observation sites ? Parc naturel
régional
e • Created in 1970
Peti t Rhôn des Alpilles
• Covers 3 districts :
D572n
ARLES - Arles
- Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Vers
D6572 T Aix-en-Provence - Port Saint Louis du Rhône
ST-GILLES SALIERS Pont Van Gogh RAPHÈLE
GIMEAUX Marseille • 10 000 inhabitants
70
D5
D3
5
• 100 000 hectares
Centre du GAGERON
A54

Scamandre ALBARON D3
6
• 75 km of coastline
4 • 400 observed bird species
Vers LE PATY-DE NORD
Nîmes • 3/4 of bird species,
LA-TRINITÉ
VILLENEUVE MAS THIBERT N5 Vers
1/2 of the freshwater fish
0
D37
68
Martigues species and 1/4 of all plant
D57

es
D5
6 Marseille species found in France

rg
8

go

D3
can be seen in the Camargue

s5

6b
AIGUES-MORTES Étang du Vaccarès

de
Château d’Avignon
3

ille
D38c
Réserve naturelle • Distances :

Dra
LE SAMBUC 1 - Arles to Les Saintes-Maries-
LE GRAU DU ROI PIOCH-BADET nationale de Camargue
de-la-Mer : 40 km
2 - Arles to Salin-de-Giraud : 40 km

Ro
CABANES-

ut
PIN FOURCAT Les Impériaux - Arles to Port Saint Louis : 52 km

ed
DE-CAMBON

eC
- Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer to

ac
ar

h
Phare de 5 Port Saint Louis : 70 km

Gra
D3

el
8
Bac du Sauvage

D3
l'Espiguette

nd

5
Rhôn
7
Pe

D5
Phare de D36
ti

70

e
b
tR

D3
6
hô

la Gacholle

© Carte et illustrations Vincent Brunot

ne

STES-MARIES Plag
Boundary of the Camargue e de
DE-LA-MER Bea D36c
Regional Nature Park ud
u 8
SALIN-DE Bac de Barcarin
Mediterranean Sea

c
Access roads GIRAUD
PORT ST LOUIS
Bird watching sites Point de vue DU RHÔNE
du sel
Tourist Information
9 11
Phare de
The vast wetland zone of the Camargue of the best observation sites and their different Beauduc Phare de
Regional Nature Park, on the delta where approaches for observing birds : Faraman n
10 léo
the Rhone meets the Mediterranean Sea, is of po
• trails with free access on sites of low sensitivity

N a
huge environmental and cultural interest. Plage de P

ge
iéma

Various economic activities have developed in
this rural area, such as tourism, hunting, fi shing,
rice production and horse and cattle farming...
The Camargue is made up of a number of private
estates which are not always open to the general
public.
To help you to enjoy your birdwatching
experience in the best possible conditions, we’ve
put together this booklet describing a number
2 3
Pla
• trails with purpose built hides on sites of nson
special interest
6 Draille des 5 gorges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15
• guided tours on highly sensitive and 1 The Marais du Vigueirat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
protected sites Nature Reserve 7 Digue à la mer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15
2 Marais du Verdier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
We wish you a very enjoyable stay in the 8 Étang du Fangassier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17
Camargue and hope you make the most of
your time here. Please keep in mind that it’s the
3 The Camargue Nature Reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 9 Pointe de Beauduc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17
La Capelière
responsibility of each and every one of us to
4 Mas du Pont de Rousty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 10 Domaine de la Palissade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19
safeguard the area’s natural beauty.
5 Pont de Gau bird sanctuary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 11 They du Mazet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21
 The Marais du Vigueirat
1 Nature Reserve > Fauna and flora found here

The Vigueirat marshes belong to the « Conservatoire du Littoral » coastal protection BIRDS
agency. They stretch over 1 200 hectares where meet the remarkable ecosystems of the Rhone
Bee-eater
delta and the Crau steppe. Many plant and animal species can be observed here including over • All year round : Glossy ibis,
300 species of birds. Explore this exceptional reserve via a 15 km network of tracks, either with Red-crested Pochard, Bittern,
Moustached Warbler, Egret,
or without a tour guide, by foot or by horse and cart. For a closer insight, choose the option of a 5 km
Greylag Goose, White Stork, FAUNA
tour at the heart of the reserve with a professional nature guide. Greater Flamingo
Open from February to December 10:00 - 17:00. • During the summer : Purple Dragonflies, Butterflies (Southern
Cafe open for drinks and snacks from April to September. Heron, Little Bittern, Squacco Festoon), European pond turtle,
Free parking and picnic areas. Heron, Night heron, Bee-eater, snakes (Malpolon monspessulanu),
Access to the « Starling » trails is free. Advance booking necessary for guided tours. Great Spotted Cuckoo, wild boar, Camargue horses and
Common Tern, Short-toed, cattle…
Eagle, Black-winged stilt
• During the winter : Ducks, FLORA
Vers Arles D3 Vers Saint-Martin- Booted Eagle, Penduline Tit
5 de-Crau NORD
• During migration periods :
4

Reeds, salicornia, sea lavender,

D2

Black Stork, Spoonbill, Summer snowflake, Iris spuria,

Gull-billed Tern, Caspian Tern, Aristolochia, Sedges, Lilies
Gr

2 2 Réserve naturelle nationale Black Tern, White-winged Tern,

an

des Coussouls de Crau

dR

Mas Thibert
M Whiskered Tern
hô
ne

Étang du Vaccarès ACCUEIL PLAINE DE

LA CRAU
> In the surrounding area
Réserve naturelle 1
nationale de Camargue Réserve naturelle nationale
des marais du Vigueirat ACTIVITIES FOOD ACCOMMODATION
Vers Fos-
SSambuc
Le Sam sur-Mer
Key 1 1
N5

Coussouls de Crau Marais du Vigueirat Cafe Domaine de l’Isle

68

Restaurant/food Nature Reserve (open from April to September) Saint-Pierre

Isle
Accommodation Saint-Pierre Museum Ecomusée de la Crau Marais du Vigueirat RD 35 - 13104 Mas-Thibert
Boulevard de Provence 13104 Mas-Thibert  +33 (0)4 90 98 70 30
D36

Accessible by bike
1 13310 Saint-Martin de Crau  +33 (0)4 90 98 70 91 www.islesaintpierre.fr
Trails
 +33 (0)4 90 47 02 01
Observation points 2 2
8 www.reserve-crau.org Ô Bistrot Gîte du Vigueirat
ViaRhôna N26
Marais du Vigueirat 15 rue Alain Guigue RD 24 - 13104 Mas-Thibert
Nature Reserve Vers Salin- Vers Port St Louis Vers Port St Louis ViaRhôna cycle route 13104 Mas-Thibert  +33 (0)6 77 86 70 56
Camargue Park de-Giraud du Rhône du Rhône
boundary
www.viarhona.com  +33 (0)9 67 10 77 85 www.abritel.fr/location-vacances/
Accessible from Arles, p1019654
Port Saint Louis du Rhône
CONTACT and Mas-Thibert
ARLES TOURIST INFORMATION
Address : Les Marais du Vigueirat Phone : +33 (0)4 90 98 70 91
E-mail : ot-arles@visitprovence.com / Website : www.arlestourisme.com
Town : 13104 Mas-Thibert Email : visites.mdv@espaces-naturels.fr Arles office : Boulevard des Lices /  +33 (0)4 90 18 41 20
GPS : Lat. 43.536292 - Long. 4.753211 www.marais-vigueirat.reserves-naturelles.org
+ info Salin-de-Giraud office : Rue Tournaire /  +33 (0)4 42 86 89 77

4 5
 2 Marais du Verdier > Fauna and flora found here

Acquired by the « Tour du Valat Foundation » research centre in 2003, the Verdier marshes BIRDS
are managed by the organisation « Les marais du Verdier » in association with the residents of the
adjacent village, Sambuc. The site covers four ancient fishing basins totalling 120 hectares and • All year round :
consists of a variety of different habitats (reedbeds, freshwater and salt marshes, lagoons, Tamarix Glossy ibis, Purple Galliunule, Collared Pratincole
Moustached Warbler,
groves). It’s a haven for waterbirds. An observation platform and hide provide convenient
Bittern FAUNA
viewing points.
• During the summer :
Nature trails are free to access all year round. Park in Sambuc village then pass down the side of the football Collared Pratincole, Dark and Southern Emerald
field and cross the wooden footbridge. A notebook has been made available in the cabin where you are Great Reed Warbler, Damselflies, Scarce Chaser,
invited to make a note of your observations. Little Bittern, Stone Curlew Montpellier Snake, Ladder snake,
• During the winter : Parsley Frog…
Penduline Tit, Bluethroat,
Greylag Goose, Red-crested FLORE
D37 Key Pochard, Teal
Villeneuve Vers Arles
NORD Restaurant/food • During migration periods : Crypsis aculeata,

4
Spoonbill, Black-winged Stilt, Crypsis schoenoides,

D2
D35

Accommodation
Bearded Reedling, Little Crake Zannichellie pédonculée…
Cattle farm
2
Gr

Accessible by foot
an

Accessible by bike
dR

Mas Thibert
hô

Wine-yard
ne

1 Marais du Verdier
Trails > In the surrounding area
D3

Observation points
6

Camargue Park boundary ACTIVITIES FOOD ACCOMMODATION

Étang du
Vaccarès La Capelière 1 1
Guided tour of the Tour L’Estrambord Mas de Guinot
du Valat Regional Nature 7 rue de l’École du Sambuc Route de Guinot - Le Sambuc
Le Sambuc Réserve naturelle
Reserve 13200 Arles 13200 Arles
nationale des marais
1 ViaRhôna du Vigueirat Bureau des Guides Naturalistes  +33 (0)4 90 97 20 10  +33 (0)4 90 97 20 68
D36b

 +33 (0)6 95 90 70 48 www.lestrambord.fr www.mas-guinot.camargue.fr

www.guide-nature.fr
D36

2 2
www.tourduvalat.org La Chassagnette Mas de Peint
Tour du Valat Advance booking only Route du Sambuc - 13200 Arles Le Sambuc - 13200 Arles
Vers Salin- Vers Salin- 2 Vers Port St Louis  +33 (0)4 90 97 26 96  +33 (0)4 90 97 20 62
de-Giraud de-Giraud du Rhône
Visit an organic wine www.chassagnette.fr www.masdepeint.com
and rice farm
Domaine de Beaujeu - Sambuc
CONTACT 13200 Arles
 +33 (0)9 64 18 90 33 ARLES TOURIST INFORMATION
Address : Hameau du Sambuc www.domainedebeaujeu.fr E-mail : ot-arles@visitprovence.com / Website : www.arlestourisme.com
Town : 13200 Arles Arles office : Boulevard des Lices /  +33 (0)4 90 18 41 20
GPS : Lat. 43.5252715 - Long. 4.7061412 www.lesmaraisduverdier.fr
+ info Salin-de-Giraud office : Rue Tournaire /  +33 (0)4 42 86 89 77

6 7
 The Camargue Natural Reserve
3 La Capelière > Birds that can be seen here

Covering 13 000 hectares in the heart of the Camargue, the Natural Reserve is one of the largest LA CAPELIÈRE
wetland nature reserves in Europe. Its uniqueness and special interest to international heritage Night Heron
rests in its ecological function, as well as the vast diversity of inhabitants and species that are • All year round :
found there (in particular the 276 bird species, of which 258 are of special interest). The site Bittern, Great Egret,
ÉTANG DU VACCARÈS
White Stork, Kingfisher,
has been managed by the national society for the protection of nature since 1927 and was officially
Cetti’s Warbler
classed as a nature reserve in 1975. The Capelière visitor centre on the reserve is where you can Greater Flamingo, Osprey, Great
find all the information that you need concerning the various nature trails and sites of interest in the area • During the summer : Crested Grebe, Black-necked
Little Bittern, Night Heron, Grebe, Red-breasted merganser,
(La Capelière, Salin-de-Badon, Etang du Vaccarès, etc).
Black-winged stilt, Green Coot, ducks, Egret, Slender-billed
Open every day from April to September : 09:00 - 13:00 and 14:00 - 18:00 and from October to March, Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Gull, Bearded Reedling, herons,
apart from on Tuesdays : 09:00 - 13:00 and 14:00 - 17:00. Entrance : 3€. reed warblers Caspian Tern, Sandwich Tern,
• During the winter : Horned Grebe, Cormorant,
Teal, Shoveler Duck, Tufted Duck, Little Gull
Key Gageron Pochard, Snipe, Penduline Tit
ViaRhôna
Vers Arles
Restaurant/food NORD • During migration periods : SALIN DE BADON
Accommodation 2 Ducks, waders, plovers,
1 redshanks
Cattle farm Spoonbill, Greylag Goose, Marsh
Villeneuve
Wine-yard Sandpiper, Eurasian Curlew,
D37 2

D35

4
D2
Accessible by foot Red-rumped Swallow,
1
Accessible by bike
Gr
Yellow Wagtail…
D36b

an
Trails Étang du
dR

Vaccarès
hô
Observation points
> In the surrounding area
ne

Camargue Park boundary

Réserve naturelle La Capelière
Camargue Nature
Reserve boundary nationale de Camargue Le Sambuc ACTIVITIES FOOD ACCOMMODATION
D36b

1 1
Manade Blanc La Telline Mas Saint-Germain
Tour du Valat Domaine de Paulon Villeneuve - 13200 Arles Villeneuve - 13200 Arles
Le Sambuc - 13200 Arles  +33 (0)4 90 97 01 75  +33 (0)4 90 97 00 60
D36

Étang du  +33 (0)4 90 72 27 73 www.restaurantlatelline.fr massaintgermain.com

Fournelet
www.manade-blanc.fr
2 2
Digue à la mer Chez Bob Mas Antonelle
Guided tour of an organic D 37 - Route du Sambuc Villeneuve - 13200 Arles
Salin de Badon wineyard 13200 Arles  +33 (0)490 97 00 32
Vers Port
Saint Louis Domaine de Valériole - Le Sambuc  +33 (0)4 90 97 00 29 www.antonelle.net
Phare de du Rhône
13200 Arles http://restaurantbob.fr
la Gachole Vers Salin-
Mer Méditerranée de-Giraud  +33 (0)4 90 97 10 41
www.masdevaleriole.com
CONTACT
ARLES TOURIST INFORMATION
Address : La Capelière Phone : +33 (0)4 90 97 00 97
E-mail : ot-arles@visitprovence.com / Website : www.arlestourisme.com
Town : 13200 Arles Email : infos@reserve-camargue.org Arles office : Boulevard des Lices /  +33 (0)4 90 18 41 20
GPS : Lat. 43.533733 - Long. 4.6521497 www.reserve-camargue.org
+ info Salin-de-Giraud office : Rue Tournaire /  +33 (0)4 42 86 89 77

8 9
 4 Mas du Pont de Rousty > Fauna and flora found here

To follow the tracks around Mas de Pont de Rousty is to immerse oneself in the fluvio-lacustrine BIRDS
zone of the Camargue where the natural habitat (reedbed marshes) is influenced by freshwater
sediments brought in by the Rhone and various agricultural activities such as rice and cattle • All year round :
production. Here, 80 hectares of reedbeds provide home to a wide range of birdlife (herons and Flamingo, herons, Bittern, Purple heron / Camargue bull
Great Egret, Reed Bunting,
reed passerines). The seasonal flooding of these fields of bulrushes creates feeding grounds for
Bearded Tit, Marsh Harrier,
waders in spring and ducks in winter. A purpose-built hide allows for the easy observation of these birds. Purple Gallinule, Kingfisher FAUNA
Nature trails with observation points and hides. Open all year round. Free to enter. • During the summer :
Information and starting point at the « Musée de la Camargue ». Glossy Ibis, Squacco Heron, Southern Festoon butterfly,
Collared Pratincole, Bee-eater, Pond Turtle, Mediterranean
Black-winged Stilt, Common Tern, Tree Frog, Green Lizard,
Yellow Wagtail Rabbit…
• During the winter :
Teal, Shoveler Duck,
SAINT-GILLES RD
572
N NORD Vers ARLES
Common Crane
FLORA

• During migration periods : Sea lavender, Stinking Iris,

E
Saliers Spotted Redshank, Snipe,

HÔN
lle Gimeaux Salicorna…
oste
omp

LE GRAND R
53
GR6 es de C
Great Spotted Cuckoo,
NE

qu
t-Jac Whiskered Tern
RHÔ

de S aux
min e
ETIT

Manade Che de Gim

te
LE P

Rou Manade
s

Salièrene
are

Mailhan
Fig
de

3
ute

> In the surrounding area

Ro

570
RD
Marais de 37 Musée de
RD
Saliers la Camargue Key ACTIVITIES ACCOMMODATION / FOOD ACCOMMODATION
Bois de Centre administratif Restaurant/food
Lauricet du Parc 1 1 2
Accommodation Camargue Museum Hôtel 2* Restaurant Gîtes du Mas de la Vigne
Cattle farm Mas du Pont de Rousty le Flamant Rose Chemin de Figares
Cabane
2 13200 Arles Route Départementale 37 13123 Albaron
de Gardian Champs Accessible by foot
Albaron de taureaux  +33 (0)4 90 97 10 82 13123 Albaron  +33 (0)4 90 97 11 29
1 1 Trails www.parc-camargue.fr/musee.html  +33 (0)4 90 97 10 18 www.masdelavigne.com
Roselière
Marais de Observation points www.leflamantrose.com
3
Bourgogne
Mas du Pont
Manade Mailhan Logis de France, 8 double rooms Mas du Grand Arbaud
de Rousty Mas de Bernacles - 13200 Arles Fish and local beef specialties Gageron - 13200 Arles
l
Cana

Vers Les Saintes- Camargue Park  +33 (0)4 90 97 00 12  +33 (0)4 90 97 02 17

Maries-de-la-Mer
boundary www.manademailhan.com www.topcamargue.com/
RD

mas-grand-arbaud
37

Manade Saliérène
CONTACT Saliers - 13123 Albaron
 +33 (0)4 66 87 45 57 ARLES TOURIST INFORMATION
Address : Mas du Pont de Rousty Phone : +33 (0)4 90 97 10 82 www.manadesalierene.com E-mail : ot-arles@visitprovence.com / Website : www.arlestourisme.com
Town : 13200 Arles Email : info@parc-camargue.fr Arles office : Boulevard des Lices /  +33 (0)4 90 18 41 20
GPS : Lat. 43.6245079 - Long. 4.8100102 www.parc-camargue.fr
+ info Salin-de-Giraud office : Rue Tournaire /  +33 (0)4 42 86 89 77

10 11
 5 Pont de Gau bird sanctuary > Fauna and flora found here

The « Parc ornithologique de Pont de Gau » is situated 4 km north of the seaside town of BIRDS
« Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer » and offers 60 hectares of nature reserve dedicated to the fauna
and flora of the Camargue. 7 km of nature trails and observation points cross different habitats, • All year round :
such as lakes, reedbeds and salt marshes. Many types of sedentary and migratory birds can be seen Greater Flamingo, Grey Heron,
Cattle Egret, Little Egret,
here. The sanctuary is also home to a wild animal care centre that nurses around 500 injured
Night Heron, Bearded Tit Grey Heron
birds each year.
• During the summer :
Open all year round from 9:00 am (April - Sept) or 10:00 am (Oct - March) until sunset. Little Terns, Mediterranean Gull, FAUNA
Cafe open for drinks and snacks from April - Sept. Slender-billed Gull, Pied Avocet,
Entrance : Adults 7,5€, Children 5€. Hoopoe, Bee-eater Montpellier Snake, Aesculapian
• During the winter : Snake, Grass Snake, Ladder Snake,
ducks (Shoveler, Gadwall, Dragonflies, Pond Turtle…
Widgeon), Peregrine Falcon,
D3
8a Key Booted Eagle, Marsh Harrier, FLORA
Manade Vers Arles
Hen Harrier
NORD Cavallini Restaurant/food
• During migration periods : 9 species of orchid are found
Accommodation
D3

Waders, Greenshank, Wood on site, including (O.fragrans),

8

Pet Cattle farm Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper,

it R Sea Lavender…
hô
ne Horse-riding Ruff, Curlew, plovers, Caspian,
Étang
2 de Ginès Accessible by foot Tern, Black and White Stork
Vers Sylvéréal
Accueil Trails
Observation points > In the surrounding area
Bac du Sauvage 1 Pont de Gau
bird sanctuary
Mas Farola D85 ACTIVITIES FOOD ACCOMMODATION

1 1
Manade Cavallini Cookery course Gite Mas Farola
D5

5a

Mas de Pioch - RD 570 with Roger Merlin Route du Bac du Sauvage

70

D8

Vers Les Saintes- 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Mas des Colverts 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Maries-de-la-Mer  +33 (0)4 90 75 00 06 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer  +33 (0)6 20 68 14 07
www.masdepioch.com  +33 (0)4 90 97 83 73 www.masfarola.camargue.fr
2 www.cuisineprovence.com
2
Mas de
Auberge Cavalière Hôtel 3*
2
la Grenouillère du Pont des Bannes L’Hostellerie Pont de Gau Mas de la Grenouillère
1 Mas des Colverts Route d’Arles - RD 570 Route d’Arles Chemin Haut des Launes
Étang 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
des Launes Pont des Bannes
 +33 (0)6 63 65 26 08  +33 (0)4 90 97 81 53  +33 (0)4 90 97 90 22
www.aubergecavaliere.com www.hotelpontdegau.com www.hotel-la-grenouillere.fr
CONTACT
SAINTES-MARIES-DE-LA-MER TOURIST INFORMATION
Address : Route d’Arles Phone : +33 (0)4 90 97 82 62
E-mail : info@saintesmaries.com / Website : www.saintesmaries.com
Town : 13460 Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Email : frederic@parcornithologique.com 5 avenue Van Gogh - 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
GPS : Lat. 43.4891318 - Long. 4.4038581 www.parcornithologique.com
+ info  +33 (0)4 90 97 82 55

12 13
 6 Draille des 5 gorges
7 Digue à la Mer > Birds that can be seen here

Draille des 5 gorges Digue à la mer DIGUE À LA MER

This driveway borders the Imperial lakes or This sea embankment stretches from Saintes- • All year round : Guépier d’Europe
« étangs » Malagroy and Vaccarès and presents Maries-de-la-Mer to Salin-de-Giraud and crosses Greater Flamingo, Shelduck, Spoonbill
various typical Camargue landscapes within the southern sector of the Camargue Nature Spoonbill, Avocet, Curlew,
a relatively short distance. Many species of Reserve. It offers 20 km of foot and cycle paths Redshank, Mediterranean Gull,

© Marais du Vigueirat
ducks and waders can be observed here. from which you can discover the wild open Kentish Plover, Dartford Warbler, DRAILLE DES 5 GORGES
The track crosses a number of agricultural spaces of the lagoons and saltmarshes. The Crested Lark
developments typical of the Camargue, such as track across the embankment is open throughout • During the summer : • All year round :
rice fields and wide open horse and cattle the year. It is strictly forbidden to leave the track Little Tern, Oystercatcher, Pink Flamingo, Great Egret
farms. Free access and open all year round. and venture onto the dunes, even on foot. Tawny Pipit, Yellow Wagtail
• During the summer : Kentish
• During the winter : Plover, Black-tailed Godwit,
GPS coordinates for the car park on the Cacharel GPS coordinates for the car-park at Saintes-Maries :
Dunlin, Little Stint, Sanderling Bar-tailed Godwit, Spoonbill,
road : Lat. 43.4852274 - Long.4.4453371 Lat. 43.4567338 - Long. 4.445432
• During migration periods : Eurasian Stone-curlew
GPS coordinates for the car park at the Domaine de GPS coordinates for the car-park at Etang du Passerines, Caspian Tern, • During the winter :
Méjanes : Lat. 43.5707716 - Long. 4.5064601 Fangassier : Lat. 43.4076627 - Long. 4.5981305 Whimbrel

© Marais du Vigueirat
Red-crested Pochard, Greylag
Goose, Greater Spotted Eagle,
Booted Eagle
Paty de • During migration periods :
la Trinité Key
D3 Stints, sandpipers
7
Restaurant/food
Vers Arles Domaine de Méjanes Vers Villeneuve
NORD Bergerie Accommodation
1
Château
d’Alivon
Accessible by bike
> In the surrounding area
d’Avignon
Mazet du Vaccarès Cattle farm
Étang de Vaccarès
Horse-riding ACTIVITIES FOOD ACCOMMODATION
Manade
Saint Antoine Réserve naturelle Boat trips 1 1
es Manade Saint-Antoine À fleur de sel Mas des Grandes
org nationale de Camargue Accessible by foot
Pioch Badet s 5G  +33 (0)6 10 66 02 12 43 avenue Frédéric Mistral Cabanes du Vaccarès
de
ille Presqu’île Trails www.manadesaintantoine.com 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Route Départementale 570
Dra des Mornes
D8

Observation points  +33 (0)4 90 97 83 42 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

5a

Étang du Bergerie d’Alivon www.camargue-  +33 (0)6 03 67 72 80

R

Pont des
out

Malagroy Camargue Park boundary

ed

2 5 Gorges  +33 (0)6 03 54 10 94 restaurantafleurdesel.com www.masdesgrandescabanes.com

eC
ach

www.bergeriealivon.com
are
l

2
La Casa Romana 2
Hôtel 3* Mas de Calabrun
Étang de Domaine de Méjanes 6 rue Joseph Roumanille Route de Cacharel
D36b

l’Impérial
 +33 (0)4 90 97 10 10 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
D5

13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
70

www.mejanes-camargue.fr  +33 (0)4 90 97 83 33

ône

à la mer  +33 (0)4 90 97 82 21

Digue
t Rh

Vers Salin- www.mas-de-calabrun.fr

Peti

Pont de de-Giraud
Rousty Boat trips le Tiki III
Ancien poste Phare de
douanier la Gachole
 +33 (0)4 90 97 81 68 SAINTES-MARIES-DE-LA-MER TOURIST INFORMATION
1 2 www.tiki3.fr E-mail : info@saintesmaries.com / Website : www.saintesmaries.com
LES SAINTES-MARIES- Mer Méditerranée Observatoire 5 avenue Van Gogh - 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
DE-LA-MER flamant
+ info  +33 (0)4 90 97 82 55

14 15
 8 Étang du Fangassier
9 Pointe de Beauduc > Birds that can be seen here

The Fangassier lagoon and the coastline of Beauduc make up part of the vast stretch ÉTANG DU FANGASSIER
of 6 500 hectares of the ancient Camargue salt works and lagoons that now belong to the
coastal protection agency the « Conservatoire du Littoral ». A large number of species typically • All year round :
found along the Mediterranean coast can be found here. Greater Flamingo, Avocet,
Kentish Plover Greater Flamingo

You can visit « L’étang du Fangassier » Unique to the site at « La pointe de Beauduc » • During the summer :
all year round, with or without a professional is a system of dunes and an exceptional vegetation Little Tern, Black-winged Stilt, POINTE DE BEAUDUC
guide. From April to September, a special guided pattern that are found nowhere else in the Rhone Slender-billed Gull,
visit is available to discover the unique colony of valley. The site is open and free to access all year round. Yellow Wagtail • All year round :
approximately 10 000 breeding couples of Pink Take care : the 10 km track to access the site is poorly • During the winter : Greater Flamingo, Dunlin,
Flamingo. maintained and is limited to vehicles < 2 m wide. Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Little Stint, Sanderling
Sandpiper, Dunlin, Little Stint, • During the summer :
GPS coordinates for the car-park at the « étang du GPS pointe de Beauduc : Curlew, Hen Harrier, Sandwich Tern, Little Tern,
Fangassier » : Lat. 43.4076627 - Long. 4.5981305 Lat. 43.4076627 - Long.4.5981305 Short-eared Owl Common Tern, Redshank
GPS coordinates for the Mas Saint-Bertrand • During migration periods : • During the winter :
(guided tours) : Lat. 43.4489629 - Long. 4.660796 Curlew, godwits, plovers, Eider Duck, Black-throated Loon,
redshanks Oystercatcher, Widgeon, sea-birds
• During migration periods :
waders, Curlew, Whimbrel,
Mas birds of prey, passerines
Vers Arles NORD
Saint-Bertrand
Phare de
la Gachole 1 > In the surrounding area

E
HÔN
Vers Les Dig
ue
Saintes-Maries- à la m Observatoire
de-la-Mer DR
er du Flamant
RAN

ACTIVITIES FOOD ACCOMODATION

D36

Étang
LE G

de Galabert D3
6C 1 1
Étang
Vers Port St Louis A guided tour of « étang Les Saladelles Mas Saint-Bertrand
Pla

du Rhône
du du Fangassier » 4 rue des Arènes 13129 Salin-de-Giraud
ge

Fangassier La Bélugue Bureau des Guides Naturalistes 13129 Salin-de-Giraud  +33 (0)4 42 48 80 69
de B

Mas
Cameroun  +33 (0)6 95 90 70 48  +33 (0)4 42 86 83 87 www.mas-saint-bertrand.com
eaud

Mer Tourvieille Salin de

Giraud  +33 (0)4 42 86 89 77 www.hotel-salin-beauduc.fr
uc

Méditerranée 2
Étang du www.guide-nature.fr Un nid en Camargue
Grand Rascaillon 2 1 2 From April to Sept. 2
La Camargue 15 rue de la Victoire
Faraman
Advance booking only 58 boulevard de la Camargue 13129 Salin-de-Giraud
e
ôn
Rh

13129 Salin-de-Giraud  +33 (0)9 73 16 04 68

ux

Key Bike rides  +33 (0)4 42 86 88 52 www.gdf13.com

Vie

Pointe de Restaurant/food Trails www.parc-camargue.fr/

Beauduc ou Étang Accommodation Observation points itineraires.html
de Sablon du Étang
du Faraman
Accessible by foot Zone reserved
Vaisseau for aquatic sports
Phare de Accessible by bike Zone reserved ARLES TOURIST INFORMATION
Beauduc for swimming E-mail : ot-arles@visitprovence.com / Website : www.arlestourisme.com
Fence Natural Reserve Arles office : Boulevard des Lices /  +33 (0)4 90 18 41 20
+ info
(no vehicles allowed)
Salin-de-Giraud office : Rue Tournaire /  +33 (0)4 42 86 89 77

16 17
10 Domaine de la Palissade > Fauna and flora found here

Property of the « Conservatoire du Littoral » coastal protection agency, the Palissade estate BIRDS
reaches over 702 hectares on the south-eastern territory of the Camargue, on the estuary of the Grand Osprey
Rhone. The estate works actively to promote environmental protection and education. From here is a great • All year round :
place to visit the last remaining natural space in the Camargue that hasn’t been the subject of embankment Greater Flamingo, Kentish Plover,
Redshank, Bearded Tit, Gadwall,
work. Choose between three trails of 1 km, 5 km or 8 km from which you can discover, with
Mallard, Red-crested Pochard FAUNA
or without a professional guide, an archetypal Camargue landscape full of many types of wildlife.
• During the summer :
Open every day from 09:00 - 17:00 (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays from mid-November to February) Slender-billed Gull, Common Tern, Eurasion Beaver, Common Genet,
Closed 11/11, 25/12, 01/01 and 01/05. Black-winged Stilt, Spectacled Alosa Agone, butterflies (Southern
Entrance : Adults 3€ (Children go free). Warbler, Tawny Pipit, Black Kite Festoon, Painted Lady, pieridaes…)
Advance booking necessary for guided tours.
• During the winter :
Teal, Shoveler, Wigeon, Pintail, FLORA
Greylag Goose

Vers Salin-de-Giraud Vers Port Saint Louis du Rhône • During migration periods : Iris Maritime, Sandcarrot,
NORD
Osprey, Marsh Tern, passerines, Serapias parviflora…
1 2 waders (sandpipers, curlew…)
Rou
1 2 te d
e Nap
oléo
n
Accueil
LE
Les Salins du Midi
GR
n
so
an

> In the surrounding area

AN
iém

D
eP

RH
ed

Key
ut

ÔN
Ro

Baisse
-

ACTIVITIES FOOD ACCOMMODATION

E
6d

Restaurant/food Claire
D3

Accommodation
Accessible by bike
Horse-riding
Accessible by foot
Trails
Observation points
Domaine de la Palissade
Camargue Park boundary
Méditerranée
CONTACT
Address : Domaine de la Palissade
Town : 13129 Salin-de-Giraud
GPS : Lat. 43.376238 - Long. 4.8100102
They
Horse riding 1
Les Saladelles 1
Un nid en Camargue
La
de Béricles Sableuse Domaine de la Palissade 4 rue des Arènes 15 rue de la Victoire
et de 13129 Salin-de-Giraud 13129 Salin-de-Giraud 13129 Salin-de-Giraud
la Palissade  +33 (0)6 87 84 33 72  +33 (0)4 42 86 83 87  +33 (0)9 73 16 04 68
www.cheval-camargue-palissade.fr www.hotel-salin-beauduc.fr www.gdf13.com
From April to October
2 2
La Camargue La Cabane de Salin
Plag Bike rides 58 boulevard de la Camargue 6 rue d’Arles
e de
Piém www.parc-camargue.fr/ 13129 Salin-de-Giraud 13129 Salin-de-Giraud
Mer anso itineraires.html  +33 (0)4 42 86 88 52  +33 (0)4 42 86 82 10
n www.cabanedesalin.fr
Piémanson beach
ARLES TOURIST INFORMATION
Phone : +33 (0)4 42 86 81 28
E-mail : ot-arles@visitprovence.com / Website : www.arlestourisme.com
Email : palissade@parc-camargue.fr Arles office : Boulevard des Lices /  +33 (0)4 90 18 41 20
www.palissade.fr
+ info Salin-de-Giraud office : Rue Tournaire /  +33 (0)4 42 86 89 77

18 19
 11 They du Mazet > Fauna and flora found here

Situated on the south side of the town Port Saint Louis du Rhône, the « They du Mazet » was acquired BIRDS
by the « Conservatoire du Littoral » coastal protection agency in 1980 and consists of a dune
formation sculpted by the actions of the river and sea. An integral part of the Camargue delta, this zone • All year round :
is a feeding, resting and breeding ground for many types of birds. During high waters, the area Greater Flamingo, Great Crested Redshank
Grebe, Mute Swan, Little Egret,
becomes flooded by seawater, giving rise to a saline soil and a unique and abundant vegetation pattern.
Grey Heron
A purpose-built track with information panels is open and free to access all year round, • During the summer :
(outside of rainy conditions). Redshank, Kentish Plover, FAUNA
Little Tern, Oystercatcher,
Gadwall 3 species of reptiles (snakes and
• During the winter : lizards), 3 species of amphibians,
Hoopoe, Teal, Shoveler Duck dragonflies…
• During migration periods :
1 2 Caspian Tern, Red Kite, FLORA
RD
35

Vers bac Bee-eater, Green Sandpiper

du Barcarin PORT ST LOUIS DU RHÔNE Plage de NORD
Carteau Sea lavender, salicornia, Marsh
Vers Salin-de-Giraud Port Navy Daisy, Limonium girardianum,
2 Service Anse de Carteau Dwarf Eelgrass, Seawrack,
D3 (conchyliculture) Mediterranean grasses…
6d 1
Conserverie
Ferrigno
Port Napoléon

> In the surrounding area

Rou
te d
e Nap
Légende oléo ACTIVITIES FOOD ACCOMMODATION
n
Restaurant, snack
1 1
Bike hire Joaline coquillages Mas du Grand Peloux
LE GRAND RHÔNE

Hébergement
Accessible en vélo
Accessible à pied
Sentiers
Point d’observation
Domaine They Capitainerie du Port Avenue de la première Division Chemin Départemental 35
de la de 13230 Port Saint Louis du Rhône Française Libre 13230 Port Saint Louis du Rhône
Palissade Roustan  +33 (0)4 42 86 39 11 13230 Port Saint Louis du Rhône  +33 (0)4 42 86 26 04
 +33 (0)4 42 86 01 90 www.grandpeloux.fr
For a guided tour of www.joalinecoquillages.fr
2
the Saint-Louis Tower Meublé Lou Cigalou
n
léo

2
(18th Century) Joséphine 51 rue Crémieux
po

They du Mazet Mer

Na

Quai Bonnardel Presqu’île le Mazet 13230 Port Saint Louis du Rhône

ge

Méditerranée
Pla

Limite Parc de Camargue 13230 Port Saint Louis du Rhône 13230 Port Saint Louis du Rhône  +33 (0)6 08 58 82 70
 +33 (0)4 42 86 01 21  +33 (0)4 42 48 84 60 www.loucigalou.info

CONTACT Napoleon beach

Address : Route Napoléon
Town : 13230 Port Saint Louis du Rhône
GPS : Lat. 43.370750 - Long. 4.845981
PORT SAINT LOUIS DU RHÔNE TOURIST INFORMATION
Phone : +33 (0)4 90 98 70 91
E-mail : contact@portsaintlouis-tourisme.fr /  +33 0(4) 42 86 01 21
www.conservatoire-du-littoral.fr/siteLittoral/ 170/28-
Website : www.portsaintlouis-tourisme.fr
theys-du-mazet-et-du- levant-13_bouches-du-rhone.htm
+ info Tour Saint-Louis - Quai Bonnardel - 13230 Port Saint Louis du Rhône

20 21
 Park advice
This booklet has provided the opportunity to showcase the work of environmental managers,
farmers, restaurant owners and people working in the tourist industry that have committed to high
quality standards and sustainable development via the following labels :
The label « Camargue Regional
Nature Park » is given to produce and
services that are specific to the region.
Holders of this label must build their
business on a human scale, upkeep local traditions
and value and preserve the environment in which they
work in conjunction with solid local connections.
The European Charter for Sustai-
nable Tourism in protected areas
aims to assure that tourism within
protected spaces throughout Europe contributes to
a balanced economic, social and environmental
development. Tourist operators that sign up to this
charter promote responsible and sustainable tourism.
Le « Conservatoire Grand Sud des
Cuisines » is an association between
professional chefs and local producers
with the aim of promoting Mediterranean
culinary heritage. The prerequisite of this label is the
utilisation of fresh, authentic, seasonal produce and the
valorisation of its regional identity and taste, as well
as its nutritional aspects.
+ info
Birdwatching with
a specialist guide
Bureau des Guides Naturalistes
 +33 (0)6 95 90 70 48
contact@guide-nature.fr - www.guide-nature.fr
Scientific and naturalist database
• Gateway to the collaboration on regional
biodiversity : www.faune-paca.org
• Database of the « Tour du Valat » :
www.obsnature-camargue.net
22
The « Marais du Vigueirat », the « Camargue »,
the « Mas du Pont de Rousty », the « étang du
Fangassier », the « Beauduc », the « Domaine
de la Palissade » and the « They du Mazet »
are all natural spaces that belong to the
« Conservatoire du Littoral », a government
agency that pursues a policy of the acquisition
of coastal land in order to preserve a biological
heritage, landscape and identity and make
it accessible to everyone. In the Camargue,
25 000 hectares fall under its protection.
Works by Cyril Girard
The illustrated guide to birds of the Camargue
and the Mediterranean lagoons
Ed. Marais du Vigueirat, 2014
Available in french and english
Works by M. Gauthier-Clerc et Y. Kayser
Observez les oiseaux en Camargue
« Birdwatching in the Camargue »
Ed. Delachaux et Niestlé, Tour du Valat, 2012
Available in french only
ADVICE… EMERGENCY NUMBER
You are in a Regional Nature Park
SOS
• Park only in designated areas and don’t leave 112 04 91 75 25 25
anything valuable in your vehicle European emergency Anti-poison clinic
number in Marseille
• Don’t forget to carry a bottle of drinking water
at all times
• Don’t forget your sun cream and insect repellent
15 18
Ambulance Fire Brigade
• Stay on the path, do not enter onto private property
and don’t climb over any fences
17 3250
• Do respect animals and keep the noise down Police Weather
• Don’t leave anything behind, especially rubbish
• Nature is at its best early in the morning
or late in the afternoon
• Avoid going out before 9:30 am during the hunting
season (mid-September - mid-January)
• Check the weather forecast before leaving the house
and avoid going out in high wind
This project has been brought to you with the help of funding from Europe and the region of
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and with the technical support from our partners :
• December 2014 • Coordination : Capucine Ser - Camargue Regional Nature Park • Picture : Tour du Valat (P1, 7) - Marais du Vigueirat (P5)
Société nationale de protection de la nature (P9) - Parc naturel régional de Camargue (P11, 13, 15, 17, 23) - Parc ornithologique du Pont de Gau (P13)
J. E. Roché / PNRC (P15) - Bureau des Guides Naturalistes (P17, 22) - E. Vialet / PNRC (P19) - OT Port Saint Louis du Rhône (P21)
• Drawing : Cyril Girard • Graphic design : Séverine Bourdeaux • Maps : Jean-Louis Escaguel • Translation : Jeannette Freynet
• Printing : Pure Impression • Printed using vegetable-based ink and certified chlorine-free white paper sourced from sustainable forests
23
 Caps et
Marais d'Opale
Lille

The Camargue
Scarpe-Escaut

Avesnois
Boucles Amiens Ardennes
de la Seine
Normande
Marais Oise-Pays

Regional Nature Park

Rouen
du Cotentin de France Reims Metz
Vexin
et du Bessin Caen
français Montagne Vosges du Nord
Paris de Reims Lorraine
Haute-Vallée Strasbourg
Normandie-Maine de Chevreuse
Armorique Perche
Gâtinais Forêt d'Orient
Rennes français
Ballons des Vosges
Orléans
Brière
Besançon
Loire-

LIST OF PARKS THAT HAVE PUBLISHED A BOOKLET

Nantes Morvan
Anjou-Touraine
Fort-de-France Dijon

Brenne

OF THIS KIND « WHERE TO WATCH BIRDS » Poitiers

Haut-Jura

Martinique Massif
Millevaches Clermont
en Limousin -Ferrand Lyon des Bauges
Limoges
Livradois

• The Brière Regional Nature Park Périgord-Limousin

Volcans
d'Auvergne
-Forez
Pilat
Chartreuse

www.parc-naturel-briere.fr Cayenne Bordeaux

Causses
Monts
Vercors
Queyras
d'Ardèche
Landes de du Quercy
• The Brenne Regional Nature Park Gascogne

SURINAME GUYANE Grands Causses Luberon Préalpes

www.parc-naturel-brenne.fr Verdon d’Azur

(Echelle des DOM non représentative)

Alpilles
Montpellier
BRÉSIL Toulouse
Haut-Languedoc Camargue

• The Forêt d’Orient Regional Nature Park

Marseille

Pyrénées Narbonnaise
Ariégeoises en Méditerranée
Guyane française
www.pnr-foret-orient.fr Pyrénées
Catalanes

• The Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park ESPAGNE

Parks that have published a booklet entitled Corse

www.parc-haut-languedoc.fr « Where to watch birds in a Regional Natural Park » Ajaccio

• The Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park

www.parc-loire-anjou-touraine.fr
• The Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin Regional Camargue Regional Nature Park
Nature Park www.parc-cotentin-bessin.fr Mas du Pont de Rousty - 13200 Arles
• The Narbonnaise Regional Nature Park  +33 (0)4 90 97 10 40
www.parc-naturel-narbonnaise.fr
E-mail : secretariat@parc-camargue.fr
• The Perche Regional Nature Park www.parc-camargue.fr
www.parc-naturel-perche.fr
www.facebook.com/parcnaturelregionaldecamargue

ISBN : 2-906632-53-8 / Dépôt légal : 4e trimestre 2014

HOW TO GET TO THE CAMARGUE

The Camargue Regional Nature Park is situated on the Mediterranean ORANGE

coast, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in the south of France. A9 AVIGNON

Close to the town of Arles, the park is 45 km south of Avignon, NÎMES A7

75 km east of Montpellier and 80 km west of Marseille. 25 Parc naturel

régional
des Alpilles SALON-DE-
ARLES PROVENCE
MONTPELLIER
A54
BY CAR www.viamichelin.co.uk/ >
M
AR
Motorways, direction ARLES
Parc naturel
régional S EI
de Camargue LL
E
• A6 & A7 : Paris - Lyon - Orange - Avignon - Marseille (Rhone Valley)
MER MÉDITERRANÉE
• A9 : Orange - Nîmes - Montpellier - Narbonne - Barcelone (Spain)
• A54 : Nîmes - Salon-de-Provence

BY TRAIN www.voyages-sncf.co.uk
Arles train station : trains direct from the Gare de Lyon station in Paris,
and from regional networks coming from Bordeaux - Carcassonne - Toulouse,
Nice - Montpellier - Marseille, Avignon and Nîmes…
Cycle compartments are available on some trains.

BY PLANE
• Nîmes airport (20 km) : destination London and Liverpool
• Marseille airport (70 km) : destination London, Edinburgh, Dublin
• Montpellier airport (70 km) : destination London, Edinburgh, Dublin
• Beziers airport (150 km) : destination London, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh
• Carcassonne airport (230 km) : destination London, Liverpool, Bournemouth,
East Midlands, Glasgow, Dublin, Cork