3 must-sees for a visit to the Camargue, by Daniel Jensen

My name is Daniel Jensen and I’m a travel photographer and filmmaker based in Copenhagen, Denmark.
In early October I got the opportunity to visit the Camargue region in Provence, France for five days and it was a trip that really took me by suprise. There are three experiences that I would pick as must see’s and do’s while in the region. Especially since it’s a region that has so much variety to offer.

1. Horseback riding on Camargue horses at sunset.

One of the most unforgettable moments of the trip was riding on horseback (External link) through the gorgeous Camargue meadows as the sun was setting in the distance. Our guide Heidi Seden was lovely in preparing up for riding, my girlfriend rode horses as a child, so she was up and going in no time. However, I don’t have that much experience, but Heidi was great at inspiring confidence and being gentle in teaching me, but at the same time not being afraid to push my limits a bit and we even had a little trot and gallop. This really is a must-do in you’re in the Saint Maries de La Mer (External link) area. Especially getting to explore the area this up close on something as local as a traditional Camargue horse. Trust me, you won’t regret this one.

2. Watching Flamingoes take off at sunset

I’d heard that the Camargue was the place with the flamingoes (External link) , but I don’t think I ever expected this amount of them, or just how abundant they would be all over the area. The flamingoes are a nomadic bird local to the Camargue region, and that also means that they take off every night at sunset to find a new home in the morning. We visited the Ornitholocial Park of Pont de Gau (External link) and had the best guide in Chloé who showed us around and told us all about the area and local birds in the morning. She was the one who recommended us to come back for sunset and wow are we thankful for that. The park closes at 18, but only for entrance, you can stay as long as you want. The birds took off around 18.45-19.00 and it was a sight to behold against a fiery sunset sky. Definitely one for the books.

3. Exploring the historical city of Arles

Arles really surprised me. It’s a city full of history dating back to the ancient roman empire found in it’s multiple awe-inspiring landmarks such as the roman amphitheatre (External link) . I could get lost in those roman ruins for hours, there’s just something so special about walking around these sights. And all around these beautiful spots you’ll find the cutest french town streets, especially the Roquette neighbourhood is fantastic with crooked little streets and lovely café’s.
And the icing on the cake is definitely the newly opened LUMA museum (External link) and art centre. With a tower designed by Frank Gehry and multiple great artists having their touches all over the buildings interior the structure itself is something to admire. Let alone the great exhibitions. While I was there I was struck by an amazing exhibition with the work of Annie Leibowitz.

Camargue