Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PINK FLAMINGOS
Each year in the Camargue some 10,000 pink or greater flamingo
(Phoenicopterus ruber)
couples nest on the
Étang du Fangassier: the 4000-sq-m artificial island, constructed in 1970 as a flamingo-breeding colony, is one of
the rare spots in Europe that guarantees the flamingo protection from predators.
This well-dressed bird stands between 1.5m and 2m tall and has an average wing span of 1.9m. When the
flamingo feels threatened, its loud hiss is similar to the warning sound made by a goose. Flamingo courtship starts
in January, with mating taking place from March to May. Come the end of August or early September, thousands
take flight to Spain, Tunisia and Senegal where they winter in warmer climes before returning to the Camargue in
February. Some 6000 to 7000 flamingos, however, remain in the Rhône delta year-round.
Sights & Activities
MUSEUM
Musée de la Camargue
(Musée Camarguais; 04 90 97 10 82;
www.parc-camargue.fr
;
Mas du Pont de Rousty;
adult/child €4.50/free; 9am-12.30pm & 1-6pm Wed-Mon Feb-Dec)
Inside an
1812-built sheep shed, 10km southwest of Arles on the D570, the Camargue Museum
paints an exhaustive portrait of traditional life, its exhibitions covering local history, eco-
systems, farming techniques, flora and fauna. A 3.5km trail leads to an observation tower
with bird's-eye views of the
mas
(farmhouse) and its nature-protected surrounds. The mu-
seum is the main information point for the Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue (
Click
Le Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gau
( 04 90 97 82 62;
www.parcornithologique.com
; Pont du Gau; adult/child €7/4;
9am-sunset)
Pink flamingos pirouette overhead and stalk the watery landscape at this bird
park, home to every bird species known to set foot in the Camargue. Watch them from
7km of beautiful trails meandering through the site. Find the park on the D570 in Pont du
Gau, 4km north of Stes-Maries de la Mer.
NATURE PARK
Digue à la Mer
DIKE
The Digue à la Mer is a 2.5m-high dike built in the 19th century to cut the delta off
from the sea. A 20km-long walking and cycling track runs along its length, from Stes-
