A short hiking tour in France with light hikes and coastal touring.
This walking break in France, Camargue Hiking, starts from medieval Aigues-Mortes and finishes in Arles. Situated on the Rhône delta, and delineated by its two main branches and the shores of the Mediterranean, the Camargue affords you a fascinating insight into one of the finest and most fragile ecosystems in France.
Camargue Hiking is one of our most multi-faceted walking holidays in France. It is especially suitable for those who love the smell of sea air, the feel of sand underfoot, the taste of shell-fish and the sight and sound of wildlife.
Fact File:
- A self-guided, light hiking trip in France.
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Four nights, with three days of hiking and arrivals any day, all year round.
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A drive-hike tour - you bring your own car or hire a car. Tour starts in Aigues-Mortes and finishes in Arles.
© Clothilde Tomei
a) Theme
Hiking in France's Camargue delta has been likened to hiking the "French Texas" due to its wild and untamed nature. Yet the comparison ends there. The Camargue is a unique and magical country, where preserved natural spaces share a fragile sanctuary with man’s economic and domestic endeavours.
Camargue Hiking is one of our most multi-faceted walking holidays in France and its main themes are threefold:
1. An exceptional natural environment marked by river and sea. The Rhône is the only river in France that has a delta.This has given rise to a mosaic of environments, including salt plains, lagoons and dunes, salt and freshwater marshes and reed beds, pasture land and forest. A variety of walking in the Camargue is guaranteed.
2. Walking the Camargue immerses you in an area of outstanding European flora and fauna: rare plant species like the glasswort, giant provençal reeds and the summer sand lily - of the 4700 species of flowering plants recorded in France, over 1000 are found in the Camargue; yes, the ubiquitous white horses and black bulls, but also thousands of birds who breed or use it as a resting place on the great north-south migratory route, such as the white egrets (often seen sitting on the backs of horses or bulls) and the emblematic pink (great) Flamingos, our adopted friends, who have chosen La Camargue as their only regular nesting ground in Europe.
3. The diverse economic activity that has evolved as a result of local circumstances, especially the ‘war on water’ between stakeholders about what constitutes the appropriate water and salinity level at any given time: the growers of the protected Camargue rice; the winemakers of the unique ‘sand wine’; the producers of salt for culinary and chemical use and for the manufacture of Marseille Soap; reed harvesters, the largest in France and, last but not least, the 7000 permanent inhabitants of the Delta who require water for drinking.
As with all of our hiking tours in France, you have the opportunity to explore these issues on the ground and witness the splendour of this protected, fragile, ecosystem. Binoculars are de rigeur. Optional visits can be made to the Parc Ornithologique, le Maison du Cheval and the Domaine de Chateau d’Avignon.
b) Further Information
Hiking Petite Camargue,
and
c) Model Programme: Camargue Hiking
Day 1. Aigues Mortes.
Arrival at this walled town on the Canal du Rhone at Sete and the chance to walk its imposing and perfectly preserved ramparts and streets, before visiting France’s largest wine domaine and sampling probably the best accompaniment for seafood that exists.
Night at Aigues Mortes.
Day 2. St-Maries. 8 kms-5 miles.
This walk takes you along beach and over dune, along canal, past lagoon and dyke and offers opportunities to see flamingos, grey herons, cormorants and gulls as well as fishermen and their catches of clams - and the chance of a dip. Later on, another 3.5 km/2 mile trail, taking around 2 hours to walk, crossing pastures, crops, marsh land and reed beds, with their bird life, which can be seen from an observation post.
Night at St-Maries.
Day 3. The sea dike. Three walk options:
5 kms-3 miles, 10 kms-6 miles or 18 kms-12 miles.
Whichever route you choose, you’ll gain remarkable views of sea, lagoon and salt plain positively rippling with wildlife, especially at day break and dusk. Later you visit some salt lagoons and dunes in search of flamingos.
Night in the Camargue Delta
Day 4. Arles – urban walk
Originally a Celtic city, colonized by the Greeks and later by Julius Caesar, Arles is a city of art and culture in the true tradition, with many of its buildings listed as Unesco world heritage monuments. This urban walk covers 2000 years of history.
Night in Arles
Day 5. End of your hiking in France programme
To airport or rail station after breakfast
Note: The above France hiking tour is a guide only. As part of our policy of continual review and improvement, we reserve the right to make alterations to our walking holidays in France.
d) Access
Easy and convenient access by car is from the north, dir. Lyon, via the A7 autoroute, or by the A9 from Montpellier or Nimes.
Nearest TGV rail stations are Montpellier or Nimes, and Nimes or Montpellier airports are even nearer - why not arrrange to collect your hire car from either of these options?
Total driving time is approx. 30 minutes from Montpellier airport and 45 from Nimes. You will need a few Euros if driving from Nimes to pay the motorway toll.
e) Accommodation - Short hiking tours in France: Camargue Hiking
You stay:
- One night in Aigues-Mortes
- One night in Les Saintes
- One night in The Camargue Delta
- One night in Arles
Your accommodation is:
f) What's included in this 4-night France hiking tour: Camargue Hiking
Included
- 4 nights B & B in three different 2-star hotels
- Hiking Insight Notes™ that empower & make orientation easy
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Themed vacation dossier
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Comprehensive travel notes & logistical information;
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Emergency telephone help-line service with local British backup
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Loan of mobile phone where required - subject to availability
Not included
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Remaining meals
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Car hire, car insurance & Gas/petrol
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Personal expenses
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Travel and entrances to optional cultural visits and sightseeing programme
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Travel, walking and personal insurance
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Single rooms – unless booking at single person rate
g) Prices: 2010 walking holidays in France - Camargue Hiking
Price per person based on 2 persons sharing room £350.00 or €390.00 or $585.00
Single person price POA
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