The Camargue Regional Park  One of the many Unesco world heritage sites in Provence, the Camargue is a huge area (about 350,000 acres) of wetlands, pastures and salt flats formed by the delta of the Rhône river.  The region has a unique ecological balance and is home to many pink flamingoes.  In the grassy pastures you will find sheep and small white horses grazing, these are ridden in the area by "gardians" a traditional part of the local community.  For more information visit the official website (french only) of the Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue.

Saintes Maries-de-la-Mer Beach

Location: In the heart of the Camargue just west of the town..
General Info: Tourist office website.
Description: Saintes Maries-de-la-Mer is a town with a romantic history and a very strong gipsy tradition with two very atmospheric (and busy) festivals each year when the gipsy gitane or gardians (cowboys) ride their white horses into the sea with the statue of their patron saint ‘black sarah’.   Just to the west of this pleasant town with its modern seaside facilities is a lovely and unspoiled beach. At the far end of the beach is a shallow lagoon – perfect for  kids.. Not many facilities but a couple of  beach cafes in season.
Our recommendations: All beaches in the area are busy in July and August.  Go early in the morning and leave as they get busy at around 11.

Aigues-Mortes is an excellent place to dine out and there are no shortage of eating places, ranging from the very expensive to seafood establishments. The central square is the place St Louis (the hub of the town) and here can be found a lot of reasonably priced restaurants. During the summer season these restaurants spill out into the square itself with one restaurant literally rubbing shoulders with the next. The food choices are varied, ranging from specialities of the region, grilled meat and fish on open fires, pizzas, fish, shellfish, bouillabaisse, mediterranean dishes and crêpes to name but a few. The restaurants start serving evening meals earlier than is the norm which is good news for families with younger children. We have enjoyed eating in the town on various occasions, most recently our evening was accompanied by a local guitarist which really added to the ambience.

Aigues-Mortes has a real buzz about it; the whole town is so very typically Mediterranean and a visit and meal out should not be missed.