Discover the 9 Most Beautiful Villages of the Camargue, France

When staying in the famous natural park, why not explore a village in the Camargue? Follow the guide for a complete immersion in the heart of Camargue traditions!

The Camargue, a protected natural park with exceptional fauna and flora, is also a land of traditions—festive and gourmet. And above all, it is incredibly beautiful! Come and discover without delay this place where rice and salt are cultivated and where horses and bulls are raised in semi-freedom in herds, tended by herdsmen. These animals are revered and are at the center of popular festivals known as votive festivals in the region. Another spectacle of the Camargue is the pink flamingos, which add a colorful touch to the ponds and salt marshes—perfect for your lens! As you can see, the Camargue is a magical place in France. Discover it through one of its symbols: the villages of the Camargue. So head to these enchanting locations…

1. Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is not just a village in the Camargue; it is THE capital of the Camargue! This small fishing town with white houses is known as the “welcoming land of gypsies.” It is here that the annual pilgrimage in honor of Saint Sara takes place. For several days, the place lives to the rhythm of flamenco and guitars.

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer also features charming cobbled streets, the Port Gardian, and fine sandy beaches. At the Étang des Launes, bulls, horses, and pink flamingos mingle, all set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean. If you enjoy water sports, head to the speed canal near the port, specially designed for windsurfing enthusiasts.

2. Le Grau-du-Roi

Le Grau-du-Roi is part of what is called the Little Camargue. Located in the Gard, this very touristy seaside resort perfectly reflects the art of living and the traditions of the Camargue. During the votive festival, which lasts eight days, the city buzzes with bullfighting activities, both in the streets and in its arenas, accompanied by lively music. Don’t miss the jousting battles on the canal, another emblematic tradition of this village.

Le Grau-du-Roi is home to the first trawl fishing port in the Mediterranean. Every evening, the return to port and unloading of the catch is a spectacle to see (and feel). Then there is its marina, aptly named Port Camargue. It is none other than the first marina in Europe and the second marina in the world—definitely a sight to behold with its thousands of boats, each more beautiful than the last.

For relaxation, visit the legendary Espiguette beach, which stretches for 10 km. If you want to unwind and enjoy some fresh air, nothing beats a bike ride on the Espiguette greenway, a walk in the Boucanet pine forest, or even a boat trip to the salt marshes!

3. Aigues-Mortes

Aigues-Mortes is another must-see village in the Petite Camargue, with a rich history. The medieval era has left many testaments, with the most striking being its ramparts, which have become its emblem. Inside, explore the old town and admire the Tour de Constance and the Church of Notre-Dame-des-Sablons. Take a break in Place Saint-Louis, where you can discover the city’s culinary specialties, such as the famous fougasse d’Aigues-Mortes, a delicious brioche flavored with orange blossom. You might also want to try a glass of gris de gris wine, IGP Sable-de-Camargue. Additionally, bullfighting culture plays an important role here, with the Saint-Louis festival in August providing the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in it!

Once you pass through the great door of the ramparts, the landscape becomes more natural and striking. Discover the famous Salins du Midi, the area for salt production, which is the main economic resource of Aigues-Mortes. Open to the public, visitors can watch the salt workers harvest this “white gold,” along with thousands of birds, including the iconic pink flamingos.

4. Saint-Laurent d’Aigouze

Just on the doorstep of Aigues-Mortes, discover Saint-Laurent d’Aigouze. This village is perfect if you want to enjoy tranquility and avoid the tourist crowds flocking to the neighboring villages. The Place de la République, where the Saint-Laurent Church stands proudly, represents the heart of the village.

This center of the Camarguaise breed is surrounded by over 8,000 hectares, with rice cultivation predominating. The surrounding rice fields are overlooked by the Tour Carbonnière, a former guard tower that is open to the public, providing breathtaking views.

5. Le Sambuc

Le Sambuc is a village of 600 inhabitants that belongs to the commune of Arles. Some consider it the “capital of the Camargue” due to its location — Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer should watch out!

The specialties here are bull breeding and rice cultivation. This Camargue village is renowned for having some of the most beautiful farmhouses in the region, such as Mas de Peint and Mas de la Tour du Cazeau. You can see for yourself by booking a dinner or even an overnight stay at one of these exceptional manades. A not-to-be-missed event in Sambuc is the Rice Fair in September, which features a magnificent equestrian show and offers the opportunity to taste regional delicacies, all accompanied by live music.

6. Gallician

Gallician is a small village of fewer than 1,000 inhabitants, located in the heart of the Petite Camargue, at the foot of the Costières plateau and its vineyards. The main activity here is viticulture.

This Camargue village boasts a charming little marina on the banks of the Rhône Canal. It is the perfect starting point for exploring the authentic Camargue. Greenways, mountain bike trails, and hiking paths (GR 653, GR 42), as well as ViaRhôna and various tourist loops, await you from the port of Gallician.

Not far from the village, in a place known as Les Iscles, you’ll find the remarkable regional nature reserve of Scamandre, which spans 146 hectares. It’s an opportunity to discover a unique biodiversity!

7. Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône

Welcome to Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, another lovely village in the Camargue. Like its neighbors, it embodies all the codes and symbols characteristic of the Camargue: herds, pink flamingos, horses, salt marshes, and beaches!

Visiting Port-Saint-Louis is also an opportunity to explore an authentic Guardian hut or the unique Ferrigno fish cannery. Another typical activity is to discover the marshes aboard a traditional boat known as a “nègo-chin.” The fishermen skillfully maneuver this light craft while standing and using a long stick called a “partego.”

Lastly, don’t miss the Tour Saint Louis, which hosts a permanent exhibition on Camargue ornithology on the first floor and a temporary art exhibition on the second floor. The rooftop offers a stunning view of the Camargue, the Canal Saint Louis, the mouth of the Grand Rhône, and the salt marshes.

8. Le Cailar

In the early 20th century, Le Cailar was nicknamed “the Mecca of Camargue bullfighting.” Two unique features give it a special touch: its distinctive signage created by the artist François Boisron, which embodies contemporary art principles, and the tomb of the bull “le Sanglier,” located at the village entrance to honor the famous cocardier (valiant bull) from the Fernand Granon herd.

This Camargue village is delightful to discover, with its small circular streets leading to picturesque buildings. Notable sights include the 11th-century Romanesque church, the 17th-century troop barracks, the listed wooden arenas, the clock tower, and the washhouses.

9. Salin de Giraud

Located 40 km from Arles, Salin de Giraud is a small Camargue village with 2,000 inhabitants. As its name suggests, salt exploitation is… everywhere. Do not miss the spectacular salt mounds—the long white hills or mountains of salt. The best way to visit Salin de Giraud is by bike, thanks to a network of paths that crisscross the area and offer unforgettable sights.

The large wild beach of Piémanson, with its seven kilometers of fine sand, is also a unique place for relaxation. It is also a well-known kitesurfing spot!