The Camargue is unlike any other place in France or Europe. It's a wide and vast flat land and consists of lakes and lagoons (étangs), reed-covered marshes and sandy beaches. In the étangs, you'll see wild pink flamingos among hundreds of other species of birds, and the stunning marshland scenery is dotted with black bulls and white Camargue horses. Many of the horses live as free-running herds and only get occasionally driven into the Manades (bull farm) by the cowboys of the Camargue (Gardians).
In the middle of this paradise, there is the tranquil and beautiful Mas de la Fouque. The many lounging areas of this 'petit paradis' invite you to relax and observe the surrounding beauty.
Poolside lunch
Instead of booking a room, you can stay in one of the converted gipsy caravans overlooking the gardens and lake.
the restaurant
Naturally, the restaurant favours local Camargue sea salt: 'Fleurs de Sel' by Le Saunier De Camargue.
Marius, the Mas de la Fouque's mascot
The best way to explore the beauty of the Camargue is by safari (4x4) or horseback. We booked a two-hour 'Ballade à Cheval' at the Les Arnelles Equestrian Center, which led us to discover places we would have otherwise not seen... we rode past thousands of flamingoes along the étangs and saw Camargue bulls and horses roaming through marshes and fields. Eventually, we arrived at the Mediterranean coast, where the fine sand beach went on for miles and was almost deserted. It was fantastic.
(You don't have to be an experienced rider for this. The stable has horses for all levels, and the guides make sure that beginners have a safe and comfortable experience. Advanced riders are given the chance to gallop along the marshes and beach. All in all, it was an unforgettable memory for everybody!)
Mas de la Fouque, Route Départementale 38, 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Les Arnelles Equestrian Center: Route d'Arles, 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer,
Tel: +33 (0) 4 9097 82865 www.arnellescamargue.com
Tel: +33 (4) 90 97 81 02 www.masdelafouque.com
Les Arnelles Equestrian Center: Route d'Arles, 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer,
Tel: +33 (0) 4 9097 82865 www.arnellescamargue.com
Camargue sea salt: 'Fleur de Sel' by Saunier de Camargue is harvested by hand and comes in a round box with a cork lid www.saunierdecamargue.fr (you can find stockists or online stores in your area via google)