Réserve naturelle nationale de Camargue

The Réserve naturelle nationale de Camargue is one of the most significant natural areas in southern France, spanning the communes of Arles and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer at the heart of the Rhône delta. Covering roughly 13,120 hectares, it ranks as the second-largest national nature reserve in France and stands among the largest wetland reserves in Europe. At its center lies the vast saltwater lagoon of Étang de Vaccarès, surrounded by a mosaic of marshes, salt meadows known as sansouïre, reed beds, and rice paddies.

Why is this reserve so important for birds?

Camargue is best known as a haven for birdlife. The reserve is home to 276 recorded bird species, 258 of which are considered of significant conservation value. During migration seasons, more than 150,000 ducks and other waterfowl pass through the area, stopping to rest and feed in its nutrient-rich shallow waters. It is here that visitors can observe the reserve's signature pink flamingos wading through the salty shallows, alongside numerous species of herons, gulls, and wading birds that rely on these wetlands as a critical stopover on their migratory routes.

What does the landscape of the reserve look like?

The Camargue landscape is shaped by a constant interplay of fresh and salt water. Extensive salt marshes are covered in glasswort, a plant perfectly adapted to the highly saline soil. Dense reed beds form living ecosystems where many bird species nest and breed, while rice paddies cultivated along the reserve's margins create an additional, artificially irrigated habitat that draws in waterfowl. Each of these distinct environments shelters its own specific fauna and flora, giving this relatively low-lying delta an exceptionally rich biodiversity for its modest elevation above sea level.

Who manages the reserve and what is its purpose?

The reserve is managed by the Société Nationale de Protection de la Nature (SNPN), which oversees the protection of the area's natural heritage, scientific monitoring of its ecosystems, and environmental education. The management's core mission is to allow fauna and flora to develop freely with minimal human interference, while maintaining continuous environmental surveillance and scientific research into the delta's shifting hydrological conditions. The reserve also runs educational programs for visitors and the local community through permanent information points and nature education activities.

What should visitors know before coming?

The reserve sits right next to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, a well-known tourist hub in the Camargue region, making it an easily accessible gateway for anyone exploring the Rhône delta. Because of its protected status, strict conservation rules apply: visits are limited to designated trails and observation points, ensuring that natural processes are not disturbed by tourism.

Frequently asked questions

How large is the Réserve naturelle nationale de Camargue? The reserve covers approximately 13,120 hectares, making it the second-largest national nature reserve in France.

What birds can be seen in the reserve? Visitors can spot 276 recorded bird species, including the region's iconic pink flamingos, along with hundreds of thousands of ducks and waterfowl during migration.

Where exactly is the reserve located? It spans the communes of Arles and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, within the Rhône delta in southern France.

Who is responsible for managing the area? The reserve is managed by the Société Nationale de Protection de la Nature (SNPN), which handles nature conservation, scientific monitoring, and environmental education.