Best time to travel to Provence & French Riviera

Birdwatching in Camargue Natural Park in Provence & French Riviera

Admire thousands of pink flamingos and other migrating birds on the waters of Camargue

Best time: March–May | September–November

Birdwatching in Camargue Natural Park
Birdwatching in Camargue Natural Park
Birdwatching in Camargue Natural Park
Birdwatching in Camargue Natural Park

The Carmargue region is basically a vast, swampy delta south of Arles. A large part of it is a biosphere is protected and contains lots of animals living in the wild. It can be visited all year round and any season is fascinating. Wild white horses and black bulls galloping around, thousands of pink flamingos in tall marsh grass—the wildlife of Camargue is really worth seeing. The park is at its best in spring and autumn when thousands of migrating birds come here. Birdwatchers from all over Europe visit Camargue to observe this natural beauty.

Practical info

When is the best time to go birdwatching at Camargue Natural Park and why?

To experience the peak of birdwatching at Camargue Natural Park, it's best to visit during spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September until November. During these periods, visitors can witness the arrival of thousands of migratory birds such as flamingos, teals, and waders. However, the park is open throughout the year with varied, abundant wildlife, stunning landscapes, and activities to explore and appreciate. Show more

What is the location of Camargue Natural Park in relation to the southern region of France and how can tourists reach it?

Camargue Natural Park is positioned inside the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, within Southern France, between the two branches of the Rhône delta and the Mediterranean Sea. It spans 820 square kilometers and is surrounded by Montpellier, Nîmes, and Arles. The park can be accessed by both road and train, with many entry points and tourist facilities available for visitors. Show more

Other than horses, bulls, and flamingos, what other animals can be encountered at Camargue Natural Park?

Camargue Natural Park houses a diverse range of wildlife beyond its famous white horses, black bulls, and pink flamingos. The park is home to multiple bird species, including storks, egrets, herons, terns, avocets, and bee-eaters. There is also a chance of witnessing sightings of foxes, badgers, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, and amphibians. Visitors during the summer may also observe the elusive European pond turtle thriving in the park's marshes. Show more

What are some of the popular spots for observing birds at Camargue Natural Park, and what are the possible ways to view them?

There are several birdwatching spots in Camargue Natural Park, with their accessibility differing seasonally. The most renowned birdwatching areas include Salins de Giraud beach, Etang de Vaccarès lake, Scamandre reserve, Capelière lighthouse and Ornithological park of Pont de Gau. Whether on foot, bicycle, car, boat, or hide, visitors can choose their preferred method of spotting birds based on their level of experience and preferences. Show more

Are there any guided tours available at Camargue Natural Park for birdwatching enthusiasts, and who provides them?

Guided tours and bird-watching walks for visitors are offered by various travel companies and organizations in Camargue Natural Park. Some of the available options include Provence & Beyond Tours, Alpilles Safaris, Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO), Sud Nature, Les Saintes Maries de la Mer tourist office, and La Maison du Parc visitor center. These tours vary in duration, scope, and cost, but most provide the necessary equipment and useful information to enhance the birdwatching experience. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin