Tourist Attractions

The Pointe de l'Espiguette is a vast dune massif located on the Mediterranean coastline of the Gard department. Situated east of Le Grau-du-Roi in Petite Camargue and west of the Petit Rhône estuary, it stretches nearly 18 km and covers several hundred hectares.

The Pont de Gau Ornithological Park is the perfect place to observe and photograph a variety of birds, including hundreds of pink flamingos, in their natural habitat. This vast 60-hectare space is entirely dedicated to discovering the nature and birds of the Camargue, and is made up of ponds, marshes, grasslands, roubines (canals), reed beds and sansouïres (salt marshes). As you walk along the park's footpaths, where only birdsong breaks the silence, you can observe the birds, which seem completely oblivious to your presence, from even closer up.

Welcome to the Paul Ricard estate in Méjanes, where you can discover the best that the Camargue has to offer and enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities.

The Carbonnière Tower was first mentioned in a text from 1346, which describes its function: 'This fortress is the key to the kingdom in this land.'
Situated in the middle of the marshes, it was the only access point to Aigues-Mortes. A toll had to be paid to cross it. It was guarded by a garrison consisting of a castellan and several guards. Up to four artillery pieces could be set up on its terrace.

Gardiane de taureau is a traditional dish from the Camargue region. It owes its name to the gardian, the guardian of free-roaming herds of bulls – the famous Camargue manades. The bulls are raised in semi-freedom and choose their own food from the natural flora. This method of farming helps to preserve the balance of ecosystems and gives the meat a unique flavour. In order to promote local products, Camargue restaurateurs and breeders decided in 2004 to draw up a charter defining the characteristics of the gardiane.

The Place de la Comédie is Montpellier's central square. It is located in the south-east of the Écusson district, in the heart of what was once the medieval city. Extending over a former fortification area, it leads to the citadel of Montpellier (now the Lycée Joffre) and the Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle to the east. Roughly rectangular in shape, the square measures approximately 230 metres long by 50 metres wide. Together with the Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle (340 metres long by 50 metres wide), it forms one of the largest pedestrianised areas in France.
The square takes its name from the municipal theatre, whose monumental façade adorns the south-western side of the square. Place de la Comédie is the nerve centre and hub of all activity in Montpellier. As such, it is a major attraction and the starting point for exploring the historic city in more depth.

Located on a hill in the heart of the city, the Jardin de la Fontaine covers a magnificent 15-hectare historic and natural site. The first public garden in Europe, it consists of two landscaped areas:
- a classic 18^(th)-century garden
- a Mediterranean landscape garden.
Work on the gardens began in 1745. Louis XV commissioned the work and appointed Jacques Philippe Mareschal, the King's engineer and Director of Fortifications for the Languedoc provinces, as the designer.
 

The Pont du Gard is a Roman aqueduct bridge built in the 1st century AD. Exceptional in size, it is the tallest Roman aqueduct bridge in the world at 49 metres high. Consisting of three rows of superimposed arches (six on the first level, eleven on the second and originally 47), this was also a very rare feat for the time. Finally, its excellent state of preservation makes it a masterpiece of human creative genius. It is the only surviving example of an ancient three-storey bridge.
The site is full of unusual and unexpected places that you will enjoy discovering.
There are remains of the aqueduct, tree-lined paths and spectacular views, as well as Mediterranean flora and fauna. The site has not yet revealed all its secrets.
Our must-see attractions: a guided tour of the Pont du Gard and a relaxing moment in front of the stone giant at our Mediterranean restaurant, Les Terrasses.

Port Camargue marina is the leading marina in Europe in terms of the number of berths. Ideally located between the fishing port and the unspoilt Espiguette site, it feels like a haven of peace when you sail among the marinas or stroll along the quays. In this lush, water-surrounded setting, experienced sailors and amateur yachtsmen come together to share their passion for the sea.

A City of Art and History, Arles is renowned for its wealth of ancient and Romanesque remains. The city has several monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

• its Roman amphitheatre (the arena);
• its ancient theatre;
• the Alyscamps, an avenue lined with sarcophagi;
• the Cryptoporticus, a network of underground galleries supporting the ancient forum;
• the Baths of Constantine, the portal and the Saint-Trophime cloister. The Romanesque Saint-Trophime Church is an important stop on the Way of St James.

Arles offers a wide choice of museums, such as the Museum of Ancient Arles and Provence, the Museon Arlaten (traditional art and Provençal culture), the Réattu Museum (contemporary art) and the Camargue Museum.

Many places in the city, such as the garden of the nursing home (Van Gogh space), the forum square, the banks of the Rhône and the arenas, were immortalised by Van Gogh's famous paintings during his stay in Arles. A Van Gogh tour is available in the city, with panels representing the artist's works at the various places that inspired him.

Located at the gateway to the Camargue, the city has preserved its traditions: the Gardians festival, the Costume festival, the Easter and Rice ferias, and bullfights in the arena. As the capital of photography, Arles organises the Rencontres Internationales de la Photographie, a famous event featuring exhibitions, evening events and symposiums dedicated to this art form.

Located in the south of the Gard department, the Petite Camargue (also known as the Gard Camargue) offers nature lovers beautiful, wild and peaceful landscapes composed of ponds, reed beds, marshes and meadows, home to horses, bulls, flamingos and herons.

The Centre du Scamandre, a protected natural space covering 215 hectares near Vauvert, raises awareness of environmental protection through its museum, discovery trails and educational workshops.

In terms of gastronomy, some of the Camargue specialities to taste include rice, sand wines, salt and fleur de sel. This region is rich in traditions, especially bullfighting, and is also famous for breeding Camargue bulls and horses.

The tiella sétoise is a delicious culinary speciality from Sète, in the Hérault department. It is made with octopus and a spicy tomato sauce. The name comes from the Italian word tiella, meaning 'dish'.

Cod brandade is a dish made from dried and salted cod. This Nîmes speciality has spread throughout Occitania, from the Languedoc region to Liguria via Provence and Roussillon, and on to the Catalan regions.

The rouille or Provençal rouille(rouïo, in Provençal) is a traditional Provençal sauce with a rust-coloured hue. It is made using potatoes, tomatoes, monkfish liver and olive oil. It is traditionally served with garlic croutons, particularly alongside fish soup or bouillabaisse.

This special type of soft brioche is flavoured with orange blossom and sprinkled with sugar. It is a true symbol of the medieval town and was originally served at Christmas as one of the thirteen Provençal desserts.

Close to the capital of Aigues-Mortes, the Domaine Royal de Jarras is an extraordinary discovery. This vineyard in Les Sables is planted on an island formerly known as Isle de Stel, steeped in history and the sounds of the knights who followed King Saint Louis on his crusades to the Holy Land.

The Maison Méditerranéenne des Vins was created by Gardois producers in the 1980s and is located in the heart of the Camargue, on the classified Espiguette site. It brings together a variety of local products, including wines and beauty products, for you to discover. You will certainly find the perfect souvenir to take home with you from our beautiful region.

Discover unique wildlife, including 200 species of birds, 157 of which are protected. The vast landscapes of the Camargue provide an ideal habitat for migratory birds, which are hardly disturbed here. This vast region is an important breeding ground and food reservoir for the birds that live here in spring and summer.
Climb aboard the 'Petit Train' for a one-hour journey into the heart of the Aigues-Mortes salt marshes. You will discover the salt pans, fabulous Camargue salt, and the pink water that makes this place so unique and magical. You will learn all about the work of the saunier, the guardian of this pristine, untamed and bountiful natural environment. Visit our exhibition room, then climb aboard our 'camelle' for an exceptional view of the largest salt marsh in the Mediterranean and the town of Aigues-Mortes. And don't forget to visit our shop, which offers a wide range of gift ideas.Embark aboard the Petit Train for a journey of more than one hour in the heart of Salin d'Aigues-Mortes. Discover the salty tables, the fabulous Sel de Camargue and its pink waters that make the place magical and exceptional.

The work of the Saunier, guardian of this untouched, wild and generous nature will no longer be a secret to you. Also discover our Exhibition Hall and climb our «camelle» for an extraordinary view of the largest saline in the Mediterranean and the city of Aigues-Mortes. Not to mention our shop with lots of gift ideas.

Opened in 2014, the Marette (Maison du Grand Site de France) is an eco-museum dedicated to the discovery of the landscapes, traditions, fauna and flora of the Camargue gardoise. It offers a trail of discovery, a permanent exhibition and a program of events and animations. To discover in free and free visit at the opening hours of the Maison de Site or in guided tours

The Nîmes Arena is a perfect example of the degree of improvement achieved by Roman engineers in the design and construction of this very complex building. Indeed, it has a perfect symmetry. Of oval shape, it measures 133 meters long and 101 wide with a track of 68 by 38 meters. Measuring 21 meters high, its exterior facade is two floors of 60 superimposed arcades and an attic, separated by a cornice. At the top, protruding, pierced stones received mats to which hung a velum, an immense canvas spread over the spectators to protect them from the sun and the weather. Originally, all the arcades on the ground floor were open to serve as an entrance or exit. We know of larger Roman amphitheatres, but it is the best preserved of all.