Focus On the Camargue: Something for Everyone

By A Venturing Nomad.

Whilst mentioning we are heading to the South of France usually generates loving smiles and nods of recognition but when you say the destination is The Camargue, the reaction tends to move to a slightly more quizzical look and a slight head tilt of 'where is that?'

Just south of Avignon and Nimes and nestled between Marseille and Montpellier lies a vast area of salt plains and wetlands that make up the Parc Natural Regional de Camargue, with Saintes Maries de la Mer prominently situated, as its name suggests, on the most southern point, gazing wistfully out over the Mediterranean Sea.

The Rhone majestically meanders from the Sea to the Roman city of Arles, known as Caesars Provencia; this area was largely created by the de-forestation that took place when the Romans decided to utilise the ancient woodlands to build boats for their navy. Arles boasts many attractions, mostly the only intact Colleseum outside of Rome.

For adventure lovers, there are mountain biking trails, zodiac boat trips, kayaking and canoeing. For those more interested in wildlife, there arenumerous ways to experience up close and personal the varied flora and fauna of the region, from 4x4 and boat safaris to our particular favourite horseback, for one thing you will notice as soon as you enter the region are the horse ranches.

Immediately catapulting you onto the set of any 'western' film, the horse ranches here all focus on the horse from which it shares its name. The Camargue white horse and the guardians (local cowboys who use them) are as synonymous with the region as the black bulls and pink flamingoes, which together provide the 'triumvirate' of heroes from the animal kingdom on which this area is built.

The town of Saintes Marie de la Mer has the typical winding streets, small artisan stores and a beautiful ancient church to visit; leather goods are prominent here along with the wicker baskets and lavender products, probably more recognisable from the area, so if a wandering saunter around town with a leisurely lunch or cocktail is on the agenda, then look no further than this quaint little town.

Culturally, food and wine tours and visits are plentiful, and the local bullring arena, whilst not on my particular shortlist, is a huge visible reminder that this region of France is heavily influenced by its proximity to Spain. Occasional local displays of horse riding that you can randomly stumble upon in the local square would forgive you for thinking you were at a Flamenco-inspired festival.

For those of you wishing for a poolside retreat with a book or a lazy sunny beach, these too are readily available, so if the group you are in all have a slightly varied version of the word 'holiday' you should all be able to indulge and meet at one of the many beachside restaurants in the evening to compare your day.

Whilst the Camargue may seem off the beaten track from the regular Provence / South of France itineraries, you will be welcomed with relatively few (at least British) tourists, a quiet, laid-back vibe that is truly needed for a vacation, stunning scenery and outdoors opportunities for those wishing to seek adventure, food and sunshine that we are all craving in these British grey winter days.

Salut

Not travelling overseas until age 19, this Venturing Nomad's work and life have taken her to just under 70 countries, with more adventures always planned. Twelve years as a Diplomat led to excitement and adventures across the globe, and she is now enjoying travelling with her young daughter and seeing the world afresh through her eyes.

A published author in fact and fiction, she firmly believes in the mantra "take only photos - leave only footprints". More of a feeder than a foodie, she has cooked her way around the globe, from the hill tribes in Thailand, Nonna's kitchen in Italy to the beachfront hotel in Morocco. There is always a story and, more importantly, a recipe.

You can contact her at [email protected]  or find out more on Instagram