Camargue Small-Group Day Trip from Avignon

Avignon , France

Camargue Small-Group Day Trip from Avignon

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About this experience

Choose this full-day tour to have plenty of time to discover the different faces of one of the most fascinating regions of France. The Camargue being one of the widest river deltas in Europe, it takes time to explore it! This tour will allow you to observe iconic animals as well as discover local legends, traditions and historical monuments. Your guide will stop along the road to give you opportunities to photograph Camargue horses and bulls. We include the entrance fee to the Bird Park, the best place in the region to see pink flamingos from close. Saintes Maries de la Mer and Aigues Mortes are lively little towns with century-old monuments, rich gastronomy and lovely shops. This tour is a real digest of the Camargue!

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Camargue Small-Group Day Trip from Avignon

What's included

Drive and drop-off tour with live commentary onboard

Air-conditioned vehicle

Entrance fee to the bird park

Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

After a 1-hour drive through rice fields and brackish ponds, during which your tour guide will introduce you to the peculiarities of the Camargue, you will be dropped off at the beautiful Bird Park of Pont de Gau (admission ticket included). Created by a family of nature lovers in 1949, the Bird Park is situated in the heart of the regional nature park of the Camargue, which is how we call the delta of the Rhône river. There's no better place to observe the iconic bird of the region. An easy walk along marshes and ponds, following a well-signed footpath, will allow you to get very close to pink flamingos, that cohabit here with hundreds of other bird species.

The Camargue is also a country of traditions and history. Meet your driver again and head to the charming coastal town of Saintes Maries de la Mer. Discover the legend that led to the construction of the impressive fortified church Our Lady from the Sea, known in France for the celebrations it holds for each Mary's feast, in May and October. The feast held in May draws large numbers of Roma Catholics to the town for a week. They come here to worship the relics of Sarah, their patron saint. Don't miss a visit to the interiors of the church, dating back to the beginning of the 11th century, and enjoy a panoramic view from the sentry walk on the roof (4€/adult). Afterwards head to the beach, where you can go for a relaxing walk along the promenade, where reproductions of Van Gogh's paintings are exhibited, or for a swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Don't forget to taste some local specialties, like seafood, bull meat and rice (lunch not included).

After lunch, meet your guide again and continue the journey through wild landscapes and picturesque farms, ranches and salt marshes. Your tour guide will stop along the way to observe and photograph Camargue horses and bulls. These animals are a fundamental element of the region's culture, where it is not unusal to come across a bull race or a folklore event involving horses.

Before getting back to Avignon, discover Aigues Mortes, one of the highlights of the region, a wonderfully preserved walled city dating back in the 13th century. Funded by King Louis IX in 1240 as a starting base for the Crusades, Aigues Mortes comes out from nowhere among salt pans and rice fields. Its massive rampart shelters narrow paved streets and small squares, where you can do some shopping and taste delicious local desserts. You can also opt for a walk on the sentry walk atop the rampart, which is the best way to spot the neighboring salt marshes.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

16 reviews

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

56 reviews

5★

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Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The tour guide may have to speak multiple languages during the same tour.

In case you plan to get to the meeting point by car, please contact us in advance so that we can suggest a parking lot and a more convenient meeting place.

Meeting point

To ensure the smooth running of the day, please plan to arrive a few minutes early, as we will depart promptly at 8:45 AM.

Important notes

Don't forget mosquito repellent!

About Avignon

Avignon, a historic city in southeastern France, is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and its role as the seat of the Papacy in the 14th century. The city is surrounded by impressive medieval walls and is home to the stunning Palais des Papes, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Top Attractions

Palais des Papes

The Palace of the Popes is one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. It served as the papal residence in the 14th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours €12-15

Pont d'Avignon (Pont Saint-Bénézet)

A famous medieval bridge over the Rhône River, known for the song 'Sur le Pont d'Avignon'. Only four of the original arches remain.

Historical/Architecture 30-60 minutes Free to walk, €6 to visit the museum

Rocher des Doms

A beautiful public garden with panoramic views of the Rhône River and the surrounding countryside. It's a peaceful escape from the bustling city center.

Nature/Park 1-2 hours Free

Musée du Petit Palais

A fine arts museum located near the Palais des Papes, housing a significant collection of medieval and Renaissance art.

Museum/Art 1-2 hours €8-10

Les Halles Market

A covered market offering a variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and local specialties. It's a great place to sample the flavors of Provence.

Market/Food 30-60 minutes Free to enter, prices vary

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bouillabaisse

A traditional Provençal fish stew made with a variety of fish, shellfish, and aromatic vegetables. Often served with rouille, a spicy saffron mayonnaise.

Dinner Contains seafood, gluten-free if prepared without bread

Tapenade

A savory spread made from olives, capers, and anchovies, blended with olive oil. Often served with bread or crackers.

Appetizer Contains anchovies, gluten-free if served with gluten-free bread

Ratatouille

A classic Provençal vegetable dish made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and herbs de Provence.

Side Dish Vegetarian, gluten-free

Daube Provençale

A rich and flavorful beef stew made with red wine, garlic, and herbs de Provence. Often served with pasta or potatoes.

Dinner Contains beef, gluten-free if served with gluten-free pasta

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby Luberon Mountains Kayaking on the Rhône River Picnicking in Rocher des Doms Wine tasting at local wineries Visiting the Palais des Papes Exploring the historic center of Avignon Swimming in the nearby rivers and lakes Boat tours on the Rhône River

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the busiest time of year with warm weather, festivals, and outdoor activities. However, it can be crowded and more expensive.

20°C to 35°C 68°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Provençal (Occitan)
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Avignon is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable taxi companies or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Avignon-Provence Airport • 10 km from city center
Marseille Provence Airport • 100 km from Avignon

By train

Avignon Centre Station, Avignon TGV Station

By bus

Avignon Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network is efficient and affordable, with frequent services throughout the day.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Intra-Muros Rive Gauche Rive Droite

Day trips

Château de Beaucastel

15 km from Avignon • Half day

A historic winery and château offering tours and tastings of its renowned Rhône Valley wines. The château is also known for its beautiful gardens and historic architecture.

Pont du Gard

25 km from Avignon • Half day

A remarkable Roman aqueduct and UNESCO World Heritage site. The Pont du Gard is one of the most impressive ancient Roman structures in France and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's history.

L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

20 km from Avignon • Half day

A charming town known for its canals, markets, and antique shops. The town is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and exploring the picturesque waterways.

Festivals

Festival d'Avignon • July Festival des Lycéens et Apprentis à la Découverte du Cinéma • October Fête de la Musique • June 21

Pro tips

Visit the Palais des Papes early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience
Explore the historic center of Avignon on foot, as many of the city's attractions are within walking distance of each other
Try local specialties like tapenade, ratatouille, and daube Provençale at traditional Provençal restaurants and markets
Take a day trip to the nearby Pont du Gard, a remarkable Roman aqueduct and UNESCO World Heritage site
Attend the Festival d'Avignon if you're visiting in July, but book your accommodation and tickets well in advance