Colourful traditions, medieval ports and breathtaking nature
The colourful Camargue region will enchant you. You'll love its bustling cruise ports, beautiful sandy beaches and traditional lifestyle of bullfighting, gypsy culture festivals and modern cowboys. This region is best explored from horseback, on an ATV or even on jet skis. You'll enjoy more sunshine than anywhere else in France.
The ideal weather for boating is from April to the end of October. Sail down the Etang de Thau, where there are no locks to stop you and where there are renowned oyster farms.
Wine, great gastronomy and culture
Fine dining can be found throughout France. But each region has its own speciality that keeps travellers coming back. Oysters are definitely one of these delicacies in the Camargue. Taste them in Bouzigues, where they were first artificially farmed. On the way, stop in Agde, one of France's oldest cities with a rich trading and maritime history. If you are not a fan of oysters, you should at least try the stewed bull meat, which is very popular in the area.
Lovers of fine wines must not miss the AOC Costières de Nimes wine cellars in Gallician. For a good aperitif, on the other hand, balance your boat in the towns of Marseillan and Frontignan, which boast beautiful historic centres in addition to top-notch alcoholic beverages. The medieval port and fortress of Aigues Mortes and the picturesque fishing villages of Mèze, Frontignan, le Grau du Roi and Bouzigues are also worth a visit. If you're in the area during the summer, make sure you check if the town of Cap d'Agde is hosting a rowing tournament. You could take away a very unusual experience from your holiday.
Extracting salt from seawater in the Camargue
Unprecedented fauna and flora
The largest river delta in Western Europe will entertain not only lovers of good food and drink, but also avid nature watchers. The Camargue Nature Park, which consists mainly of wetlands, salt lakes (étangs), sand dunes, ponds and lakes, is home to many rare species of birds and other animals. The sight of huge flocks of pink flamingos is breathtaking, but you can also spot herds of bulls or Camargue horses.
In addition, the region also offers clean sandy beaches that will literally tempt you to set aside some time for lounging by the sea. The family beaches of Palavas-les-Flottes, La Grande Motte and Carnon are perfect for relaxation and fun.
Useful information
- You can set sail from bases in Camargue or from selected bases on the Midi Canal.
- There are few locks in the region, and none on Lake Etang de Thau, so it's suitable for all beginners.
- We recommend mooring your boat for the night in the marina, as large river boats pass through at night and could rip you from your makeshift moorings.
- Short charters and longer cruises are possible from all our bases in the Camargue.