Camargue and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

The Camargue is a wetland at the Rhone delta, about 130 km west of Marseille in the Bouches-du-Rhone department of Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France, known for white horses, black bulls and flamingos. The seaside pilgrimage town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, centred on Place de l'Eglise, offers long sandy beaches and a fortified church, and the Parc ornithologique du Pont de Gau lies along the road to it. The most practical transport is a car, which takes about 2 hours via Arles and the D570 and allows a stop at the bird park. Public transport means a TER to Arles of about 1 hour and then a regional coach of about 1 hour, per an older guide, for a total of about 2 hours 30 minutes or more. Timetables should be checked on zou.maregionsud.fr before leaving. A suggested day starts early with the drive, then spends the morning at the Parc ornithologique du Pont de Gau on flat unpaved paths, where flamingos and other wetland birds can be seen. Lunch fits in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, followed by a visit to the church, which has a few steps, and time on the beach or a walk through the town. The afternoon can include a look at horses and bulls along the roadside before the long return. Spring and autumn are best for birds and cooler weather, while midsummer brings mosquitoes and heat, so repellent and sun protection are important. April to June and September to October are the recommended windows. Because of the distance and the lack of frequent public transport, the day is long, which is why it is rated moderate. Visitors without a car may prefer a guided tour from Marseille or Arles. The terrain is flat, with few shaded rest points, so water and a hat are essential.