It's
been a couple of weeks since we stayed in the beautiful Camargue, and
it took me quite a long time to sort through the hundreds of pictures I
took in this magical place...
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 occasionaly
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.
Instead of booking a room, you can stay in one of the converted gypsy 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 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.
Wearing my Jumping boots for the first time this season, there could not have been a better occasion!
(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 galop 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
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 stockist or online stores in your area via google)
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