- The Camargue is a natural region located south of Arles between the two arms of the Rhone Delta which consists of marshes. It forms part of the Department of Bouches-du-Rhone.
- The ‘Parc naturel regional de Camargue’ is a protected regional park and nature reserve inside the Camargue.
Description
- The Camargue is Western Europe’s largest river delta and is made up of wetlands and lagoons which are home to the Camargue Pink Flamingos, Camargue Horses and Camargue Cattle, which are still used in bull fighting. All the animals roam free and are indigenous to the region.
- The capital of the Camargue is Arles. Other towns include Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone.
- Another marsh called the Petite Camargue lies to the west of the Petite Rhone which is the location of the medieval walled city of Aigues Mortes.
Pink Flamingo
- The Flamingo, meaning flame-coloured in Spanish, is a large pink long-legged wading bird which makes a distinct honking sound.
- The Greater Flamingo is one of six species of Flamingo and is native to Southern Europe, parts of Africa and south and southwest Asia.
- The best sites for viewing Flamingos in the Camargue are the Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gau at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and in the surrounding marshes and lagoons near Salin-de-Giraud.
Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gau
- The best site for viewing Flamingos in France is the Ornithological Park at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in the Camargue.
- Visitors can walk along platforms surrounding the lagoons and easily see and photograph the groups of flamingos.
- Website: Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gau
Photo and map: Camargue Regional Natural Park