Camargue
White horses, black bulls and pink flamingos
Beaches and salt marshes
The Camargue is a national park located south of Arles, in the Rhône delta. At 140,000 hectares, it is western Europe’s largest river delta.
This area of outstanding natural beauty known for its red salt flats, marshlands, semi-wild white horses, beaches, black bulls, pink flamingos, bird watching and rice paddies. Salt has been harvested here since at least the Middle Ages.
Black bulls
The Camargue is home to black bulls, raised for bullfights in France and Spain. They are herded by French cowboys (gardians). Bullfighting is banned in 90{dad2043e29fe7a95205858f4aee3eccfeae41a5ccda41d2c2c245dff5abd53c0} of France, but 5 departments have a legal exemption. Bullfighting festivals (ferias) are held in Arles, Nîmes and other towns in the region. The 5-day festival in Béziers, for example, attacts over a million visitors.
Over 1,000 bulls are killed in 800 fights (corridas) in France each year. But in the Camargue the challenge is often to pluck a ribbon from between their horns. Champion bulls live for many years.
Visiting the Camargue
Le Fort Pouzols-Minervois to the Camargue is a somewhat longer drive of around 2 hours (100 miles, 160 km) along the A9 motorway. Visitors can tour the area itself by car, on horseback, by boat, hovercraft, on foot, by horsedrawn carriage, bicycle and even by helicopter.
There are many themed routes to explore the Camargue. www.arlestourisme.com has 14 itineraries to inspire you. Remember to bring your mosquito spray though, especially during hot summers.
Things to do in the area
The Camargue is a bit further away from Le Fort Pouzols-Minervois, but you could decide to drive along the lagoons instead of taking the motorway home.
Le Grau-du-Roi and the fishing villages along the Étang de Thau specialise in excellent seafood straight from the lagoon. Why not go for oysters, mussels or amazingly fresh fish on the coast in Sète or Mèze? Meat, vegan and vegetarian options are available too in most restaurants.
Book your stay at Le Fort Pouzols-Minervois
Le Fort Pouzols-Minervois is a great base for exploring the Languedoc-Roussillon region.
Book your stay today on any of these great websites or directly with us.
Book your stay today on any of these great websites or directly with us.
