Visiting the Pink Flamingos of Camargue in Provence

Flamingos in Provence

Did you know that we have a lot of pink flamingos in Provence? It’s not something that one would associate with the place of hilltop towns, olives, almonds, sunflowers, and lavender but that is my favourite thing about this region- it’s diversity.

From our location in Provence, close to St Remy, we can drive an hour in any direction and reach the sea, mountains, or lakes. Or in this case, the salty marshlands of the Camargue are known for their bulls, horseback riding prowess, and diverse bird wildlife.

Continue reading here to see Ashley’s gorgeous photos of their visit to the Camargue this wildlife park.

Visiting the Camargue

As Ashley points out, in this natural environment of brackish water, reeds and thistles, seagrass, and small canals there are mosquitos. So plan your visit accordingly and take bug repellent, wear long sleeves and if possible visit on a windy day.

These beautiful pink flamingos are only one of five reasons to visit the Camargue. There are horses with coats that turn from grey to white by the time they are three years old. Iconic jet black bulls are raised for one of two activities fighting or their meat. These taureaux (bulls) are the same ones that you see in the local arenas or running in village streets during summer festivals. The roots of this cowboy culture run deep in the Bouches du Rhône, these equine activities migrated to the region from Italy, and Spain remains immensely popular.

Plan to visit Aigues Mortes (translates to dead waters), the last town on the Rhône River before it flows into the Mediterranean near Saintes Maries de la Mer. Surrounded by restored ramparts, you get the impression of what it might have been like living in a fortified city. Plan to do the self-guided rampart tour, and make sure to get the informative audio guide.

Outside the town walls is the Salins d’Aigues Mortes, where you can see how the fleur de sel (sea salt) is harvested. During the busy summer months, buy your entry tickets in advance to guarantee spots on the little train tour.

Shopping tip: Before you leave the Camargue, sample some wine from Sable de Camargue, a vineyard with grapevines planted in sandy soil, buy some taureaux sausage, and eat the local rice.

Ashley Tinker

Ashley was born and raised in Montréal, Canada. She has always been drawn to the history, way of life and beauty of Europe. Her feelings for Europe were reconfirmed while studying art in Florence, Italy. Ashley says that stone buildings, colourful shutters and terra cotta tile rooftops fill her dreams and now her days.

Ashley moved to Provence in 2014 with her partner Robin (he also shares her Francophile passions). They are in search of the French joie de vivre, which they find at every turn in the local markets and natural beauty of Provence. This couple are indulging in local olives and wine as the Provencal sunshine changes craggy rocks into things of beauty.

You can see all of Ashley's blog posts on Curious Provence.

Take a look at Ashley's beautiful fine art photography on her Photographer in Provence website.