It’s hard to say when the Barefoot Blogger will ever get her fill of visiting the Camargue.
Visiting the Camargue
The preserved area south of Arles, the Parc naturel régional de Camargue, is between the Mediterranean and the Rhone River delta. One-third of the Camargue is marshland, lagoons, and lakes. The rest is cultivated fields brimming at different times of the year with rice, grapes, and grain.
The ecology of the area is unlike any other place in the world. White Camarguais horses roam on open fields with Camargue bulls and feed only on natural grass and grasses. Salt mines that create pink-tinted lagoons and canals produce some of the world’s finest salts. Shrimp that thrive on the algae in the pinkish waterways feed flamingoes that gather in ponds and pools alongside the fields and roads. The shrimp diet colors the birds’ feathers pink. It’s all a grand circle of life.
The Camargue Safari
The most recent jaunt to the Camargue was with my guests from the States, including 10-year-old McKenna. While her mother and I thought a safari would be a huge thrill for McKenna, we all totally enjoyed the 4-hour tour by jeep. It wasn’t just because of our adorable and multi-lingual guide; we learned there are at least 7 reasons this place is so amazing … and so popular for tourists.
Reason #1: The Camarguais horses
Reason #2: The Camargue bulls
Camargues Bulls
Reason #3: Flamingos
Flamingos in the Camargue
Flamingo
Reason #4: Salt mines
Salt processed in the Camargue
Balin Salt brand from the Camargue is exported worldwide.
Reason #5: Rice
Rice fields in the Camargue
Reason #6: Wine
Reason #7: The culture
A home of a Gardian, or “rancher”
The Camargue cross is a symbol of “faith, hope, and charity” to dwellers of the region.
For more about the Camargues, please see these earlier posts:
Tour South France for White Horses on the Beac
Back to the Camargue: The White Horses
Day Trip from Uzes: Arles, Saintes-Maries-De-La-Mer and the Camargue
Categories: Around France, Blog, Camargue, Memories Tour
Such a cool experience, isn’t it? Glad you enjoyed it.
Yes! More fun on the way!
Were you able to do this 4 hour safari leaving from Uzes, or were you closer to the Camargue at the time ? Will be in Uzes next year and would love to do this trip.
You can go from Uzes to the meeting place of the safari easily. In fact, we stopped for lunch in Aigues Mortes too. The Safari begins at 2 or 2:30. Nancy McGee is listed now on the post to set up the date for you. She’s fabulous to work with for any plans you want to make. Thanks for the email, too. Apologies for not getting back sooner. Let me know when you’re in Uzes!
Thanks so much for this. No apology needed – wasn’t sure if I had the right email, and then I found the web page comments. Keep up the posts – make us all envious!
Glad you enjoy reading the blog. I love doing it!let me know if there’s anything you want to know about Uzes, etc. I’ll try to help answer or find someone who can.
Oh they all look like lovely reasons, but the wine! You got me at the wine! Now I’ll have to visit for sure. 🙂
I had no idea about the wine, Tracy. You’re right. That makes it even better … and a reason for a return visit!
Oh those all look like lovely reasons, but the wine! Yes please!
Didn’t know if you signed up for Her Bligh. Neat pictures.
Sent from my iPhone
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Thank you, Linda!
oh what fun!
We had a great time, even though it was sooooooo hot! The cute guide surely helped!