Exchange your wedding vows in the captivating sublime natural beauty of La Camargue with its pink flamingos, wild irises, and unforgettable sunsets.
To the French, the words are potent with magic. La Camargue represents much more than a geographical entity. Off the beaten path, it is a place where man and nature live as one. Its wild horses, bulls, birds, the sky, and water, are an extravagant delight of nature. With it's own unique palette of colors, the brilliant pinks, the vast blue-sky overhead with a sea below, it is truly a dreamy place to celebrate your wedding in Provence.
Situated at the mouth of the Rhone River, Camargue is one of the most exotic areas in Europe and a supremely romantic place for to exchange your wedding vows.
The lowlands and coastal marshes are home to French Cowboys, gardians, wild horses, bible legends, gypsy festivals, and pink flamingos. The Camargue has a unique culture and a long and fascinating history, which has been inspirational for writers and painters for centuries
Often called the French Texas, for its wild untamed feel, it is a strange and fascinating locale. Its luminous landscapes are captivating. Salt marshes and coastal dunes abound; this is where rare birds migrate, with houses made of mud and straw. All these factors m ake Southern Camargue a unique experience. Although only a small part of France, spanning two towns, Arles and Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer, the area has a large open feeling making it seem much larger than its true acreage.
The Camargue is also known for its geographical diversity and the fragility of it ecosystem. In 1927, the Camargue was made a botanical and zoological nature reserve to protect its natural habitat. It is famous for being the home of 5,000 pink flamingos, and salt and rice are its main cultivated products.
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Situated in the southern Camargue region, on the Mediterranean coast, in the heart of Camargue's Parc Naturel, Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer, is the only town of any size in the Camargue. Surrounded by immense plains filled with ponds, and wild lands, the city has many activities to offer all within the framework of a protected environment. There are many ranches (called manades) where both bulls and horses are bred. It is an excellent way to get to know the famous Camargue cowboys and their livestock.
Looking very much like a California seaside town, with whitewash and orange tile roofs, St. Maries' special beauty also lies in its long beaches and spectacular view of the open sea front the town. There is also a beach at Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer, which was several miles inland during the time of the Middle Ages.
Saintes- Maries is especially famous for its oldest tradition, which consists of being the meeting place for the gitans, gypsy people. Their rich folklore attracts visitors year round. The town's name, Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer means the three Mary's of the sea and has its own special story. Legend has it that just a few years after the death of Christ, three women named Mary (the sister of the Virgin Mary, the mother of apostles James and John, and Mary Magdalene...along with their servant Sarah) were set adrift in the Mediterranean by religious enemies, in a boat without sails, food or water. After many days adrift, the boat miraculously landed on the Camargue coast. Each year in late May and late October, Gypsies from all over Europe converge on Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer to re-enact the miracle, and to pay homage to Sarah. The Gypsies form a procession from the ancient church (not to be missed) and carry a statue of Sarah back to the sea. There is music, dancing and a festive air.
Close by is the only nesting site for the area's most famous birds: flamingoes. Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer and the entirety of Camagure are birdwatchers' unsurpassable paradise. On the outskirts of St Marie de la Mer is a park within the reserve, the well-known Parc Ornithologique de Pont de Grau, its twenty acres of marshland house most of the birds of the Camargue. They may be observed in their natural setting and up close in large cages. There are other birds of prey, owls, eagles, hawks, and harriers. Marsh and seabirds abound in this wonderful place. There are geese, swans, egrets, storks, herons, ducks, and, of course the Camargue pink flamingoes. Guided tours and nature walks through the swamps and lagoons surrounding Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer are available (in open top vehicles or on horseback...with a French cowboy guide). There is also a beach at Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer, which was several miles inland during the Middle Ages. So, don't forget your camera and your binoculars
The spring is the best time to visit, since the lagoons and swamps are filled with exotic migrating birds and beautiful flowers. Both the Camargue horses and the Camargue bulls are featured in the local Provençal style bullfights. The bulls are not killed or injured, and the crowds are just as likely to cheer for the bull as they are to cheer for the bullfighter. Bullfighting also can be seen in the Roman amphitheater in Arles, just a few miles away. The Village of Orange is close, and the home to some truly impressive Roman structures.
The village has some excellent restaurants. Many of the culinary offerings here specialize in fresh seafood. Everyone loves shellfish specialties like Terrines a la Provençale, featuring a tiny clam-like shellfish, which are traditionally served with the aperitif. And no visit is complete without tasting the famous Provençal paella.
The surrounding countryside is home to many exquisitely luxurious and romantic hotelsidyllic for your honeymoon.
The bewitching charms of La Camargue will stay with you forever. You will never forget the silhouettes of the salt marshes and flocks of pink flamingos across glowing sky at sunset an incredible backdrop to your destination wedding in Provence.
