Camargue flamingos
 

Hi. We will be in southern France next month and would like to know where the best place is to see the flamingos at the camargue. Where are they most prolific? Also where is the most scenic part of the camargue to drive? We had thought we would just do the drive down to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and go to the bird park, but would consider driving over the other side towards Salin de Giraud if it was recommended. Thanks.

Hi Ruby,

Well the flamnigos are going to be where they want to be - no way to predict on that front, but in all the many times I've been to the Camargue, can't remember not seeing them.

As for where to drive around, if you are a bit adventurous, I'd head for the smaller little roads down towards the Salins and especially west of the main road. It'll get you away from the beaten tourist path and perhaps a taste of the quietude that can make the Camargue so special.

- Kevin

Thanks for your comments Kevin. Sounds like we just need to be flexible and go with the flow!

I have never driven the road between le Grau du Roi and Aigues Mortes without seeing flamingos in the marsh there. However, they are very shy animals and your chances of getting very close to them are minimal.

The flamingos are indeed unpredictable, but once you are in the Camargue, any guesthouse or horse ranch will be able to tell you where they are if they are in residence anywhere.

Like Sarastro, I have always seen flamingos on every trip -- sometimes a lot of them and sometimes not very many.

More important, I think you should be sure to visit Aigues Mortes, which is a much more interesting place than Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, although it is an interesting place to go as well.

http://anyportinastorm.proboards.com.../aigues-mortes

Thanks for your suggestions everyone. We did go to Aigues Morte 2 years ago and loved it. I have heard that Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer can be extremely busy during July and for that reason may not even bother with it. If it's anything like Gray du Roi is in the height of the season it will be heaving with people! Probably the main reason to go to the Camargue is the scenery, and horses, bulls and flamingoes.

Grau du Roi that is!

We were very fortunate during our visit to see a large herd of the white horses. Very striking!