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When you think of the South of France, you probably think of glitzy beach towns along the Mediterranean like Cannes or Nice, or charming provincial towns like Avignon or Aix-en-Provence. But did you know that between the coast and country lies a large nature preserve that is unlike anything you’d ever expect in the South of France? The Camargue is definitely worth exploring and with a vacation apartment rental from New York Habitat, it couldn’t be easier to see all that the Camargue has to offer.
Camargue: Blue Coast, France
Located along the southern coast just west of Marseilles, the area known as the Camargue is formed by the Rhone River delta and covers over 350 square miles, making it the largest delta in Western Europe. Made up of pastures, wetlands, marshes, lagoons, sandbars and salt flats, and home to over 400 species of plants and animals, most of the Camargue is a national park and wildlife refuge. Traveling through the area you are sure to see large flamingos and the small wild horses native to the region which are kept by the gardians. You’ll also see huge mountains of salt, the area’s main source of income. Throughout the dry season, sea water will evaporate, and the salty remnants will be gathered into mountains, sometimes as high as a house! There are not many towns and villages in the Camargue, with the exception of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, which is where Mary Magdalene, Mary Salome and Mary Jacobe were said to have landed when they left Egypt. The town is an annual gathering place for gypsies who celebrate Saint Sarah, who may or may not have been the daughter Mary Magdalene. Walk through the town to learn about these women and decide for yourself!
New York Habitat has some wonderful accommodations for your visit to the Camargue in the town of Carry-le-Rouet, a village on the eastern edge of the area known for its annual sea urchin festival that runs from December to February every year.
This 1 bedroom villa rental in Carry Le Rouet, Camargue - Blue Coast (PR-805) is just a two minute walk to the beach! But you can also take a dip in your private pool, just off the large terrace which is perfect for dining al fresco. The house itself is decorated in the charming Provincial fashion but the kitchen and bathroom include all the modern amenities for your comfort.
South of France: accommodation in the Blue Coast, Camargue (PR-374)
If you don’t want to stay too long in the Camargue this 2 bedroom villa bed and breakfast rental in Carry Le Rouet, Camargue - Blue Coast (PR-374) might be for you. Also in Carry-le-Rouet, this villa is a bit farther from the beach but still within walking distance. Enjoy the views, and breakfast, from the large terrace!
Both of these rentals are a short drive from the major cities in the area, such as Marseilles or Aix-en-Provence, if you need a break from quiet country living.
If you think you’ve seen and done everything there is to do in the South of France, the Camargue might just hold a few surprises for you. Though you won’t be surprised by your New York Habitat vacation apartment rental - it will be just as nice and accommodating as expected.
If you’ve been to the Camargue, please share your tips with us in the comments section.
Related apartment rental posts from New York Habitat:
- A Different Kind of Beach in the South of France
- Grasse, France: Perfume Capital of the World
- Fête de la Musique in the South of France
- South of France Hidden Gem: 3 Bedroom in Les Baux Provence
- Pont du Gard: Roman Aqueducts in the South of France
December 26th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
South France and Cote d’Azur is one of the most beautiful regions in the world. I spent a long vacation travelling South France and visiting towns such as Aix-en-Provence, Nice and Avignon. The land is beautiful, the weather was perfect and the people were very nice. It was a great vaction, and gave me all exactly what I needed.
December 26th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
I was in Camargue about 5 years ago at Sainte Marie de la Mer and I just loved the country side, wild horses and bulls. It is a area of France that people doesn’t know about. You can actually visit the area and it is not too crowded yet!!!
January 7th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Camargue is propably the area of South France, the less popular located between French Riviera and Languedoc-Roussillon. This area is still very natural and “rough”. I believe that’s the only area where you can see wild rice grow in Europe!!!!