Cheap Weekend Breaks in the Camargue

Salt Plains of the Camargue

The Camargue is described as the wild west of south France (if that doesn’t confuse your compass too much.) It is western Europe’s largest river delta, formed as the Rhône River splashes into the Mediterranean Sea, a legendary place where cowboys ride on horseback, dicing with death and danger. Since the Camargue raises aggressive bulls to satisfy both France and Spain’s bullfighting traditions, perhaps there’s an element of truth in the myth.

For most visitors, however, the lingering memories will include fields of tawny-white horses, flamingos stretching their wings across the lakes and the violet salt plains.

Camargue Horses

Even in September, the Camargue is an exposed and windy place to visit, making August really the only alternative. What the Camargue offers in terms of natural beauty it sullies a little with concrete towns and mass commercial tourism: racks of nothing but flamenco dresses and soft, cuddly bulls that cry “Ole!” when squeezed.

Breeding Bulls for Fighting

It’s the camping that makes the delta a suitable place for a cheap weekend break, however – either isolated, alone and free on the beach – or strictly monitored within the grey campsites.

The colour and spice of the salt plains make it all worthwhile. Although it’s a drive through industrial wasteland to reach them, the shifting lilac, pink, crystallized white and charcoal form rippling horizons complete with chilled-out flamingos.  

You can reach the Camargue by car from Marseilles.