HistoricalCulture

Camargue Small-Group Day Trip from Avignon

4.9(76 reviews)Avignon, France
9hDurationEnglishOffered inMobile ticketTicketNot includedPickupEasyLevel

About this experience

This full-day tour provides an opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes of the Camargue, one of Europe's largest river deltas. Participants will observe local wildlife, including Camargue horses and bulls, while learning about regional legends, traditions, and historical sites. The itinerary includes stops for photography and visits to towns such as Saintes Maries de la Mer and Aigues Mortes, known for their historic monuments and local cuisine. The tour also covers the entrance fee to the Bird Park, where visitors can see pink flamingos up close. This experience is suitable for those interested in nature and culture, but may not be ideal for travelers seeking a fast-paced itinerary.

Itinerary

1

Parc Ornithologique Du Pont De Gau

After a 1-hour drive through rice fields and brackish ponds, during which your tour guide will introduce you to the peculiarities of the Camargue, you will be dropped off at the beautiful Bird Park of Pont de Gau (admission ticket included). Created by a family of nature lovers in 1949, the Bird Park is situated in the heart of the regional nature park of the Camargue, which is how we call the delta of the Rhône river. There's no better place to observe the iconic bird of the region. An easy walk along marshes and ponds, following a well-signed footpath, will allow you to get very close to pink flamingos, that cohabit here with hundreds of other bird species.

2

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

The Camargue is also a country of traditions and history. Meet your driver again and head to the charming coastal town of Saintes Maries de la Mer. Discover the legend that led to the construction of the impressive fortified church Our Lady from the Sea, known in France for the celebrations it holds for each Mary's feast, in May and October. The feast held in May draws large numbers of Roma Catholics to the town for a week. They come here to worship the relics of Sarah, their patron saint. Don't miss a visit to the interiors of the church, dating back to the beginning of the 11th century, and enjoy a panoramic view from the sentry walk on the roof (4€/adult). Afterwards head to the beach, where you can go for a relaxing walk along the promenade, where reproductions of Van Gogh's paintings are exhibited, or for a swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Don't forget to taste some local specialties, like seafood, bull meat and rice (lunch not included).

3

Bac du Sauvage

After lunch, meet your guide again and continue the journey through wild landscapes and picturesque farms, ranches and salt marshes. Your tour guide will stop along the way to observe and photograph Camargue horses and bulls. These animals are a fundamental element of the region's culture, where it is not unusal to come across a bull race or a folklore event involving horses.

4

Aigues-Mortes

Before getting back to Avignon, discover Aigues Mortes, one of the highlights of the region, a wonderfully preserved walled city dating back in the 13th century. Funded by King Louis IX in 1240 as a starting base for the Crusades, Aigues Mortes comes out from nowhere among salt pans and rice fields. Its massive rampart shelters narrow paved streets and small squares, where you can do some shopping and taste delicious local desserts. You can also opt for a walk on the sentry walk atop the rampart, which is the best way to spot the neighboring salt marshes.

What's included / not included

Drive and drop-off tour with live commentary onboardAir conditioned vehicleEntrance fee to the bird parkParking fees
Food and drinksLunch

Additional information

Accessibility and comfort

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Good to know

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • The tour guide may have to speak multiple languages during the same tour.
  • In case you plan to get to the meeting point by car, please contact us in advance so that we can suggest a parking lot and a more convenient meeting place.

Traveller reviews

4.976 reviews

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