This protected wetland in southern France spans 13,117 hectares, sheltering pink flamingos, wild horses, and Europe's largest salt flats along the Mediterranean coast.
The Réserve naturelle nationale de Camargue protects 13,232 hectares of wetlands in southern France. You can spot flamingos wading through the Vaccarès lagoon, watch purple herons nest in the marshes, or photograph the Mediterranean coastline from La Gacholle lighthouse. In spring, pink tamarisk flowers bloom across the landscape, while autumn turns the glasswort fields bright red.
The Vaccarès lagoon sits at the center of this vast wetland system, with salt meadows (sansouires) extending outward to the Mediterranean Sea. Mudflats emerge in winter when the salt pans dry up, creating essential feeding grounds for migratory birds. Along the coast, you'll walk through untouched beaches where rare plants like sea daffodils and maritime pines grow among the dunes.
The reserve transforms with each season's wildlife migrations. Autumn brings thousands of wading birds stopping to feed before continuing to Africa. Winter fills the wetlands with ducks, including groups of Bewick's Swans. European Bee-eaters return in spring, building nests in sandy banks, while herons establish breeding colonies in the freshwater marshes. At night during summer, you'll hear Mediterranean Tree Frogs and Natterjack Toads calling across the wetlands.
Start your visit at La Capelière, where you can learn about the reserve's ecosystems through exhibits in a former farmhouse. A 1.5-kilometer nature trail leads to four wildlife observation hides. From La Gacholle lighthouse, you can walk or cycle 20 kilometers along the seawall path. The Salin de Badon area contains 4.5 kilometers of additional trails, but requires advance permission from La Capelière.
The Société nationale de protection de la nature has managed these wetlands since 1927. Archaeological studies from 1997 to 2002 uncovered evidence of human settlements dating from the 5th century BCE to the 5th century CE. In 2014, the organization began restoring wetlands around La Capelière to improve conditions for local wildlife, including creating new pools and managing water levels to support different species.
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