The Regional Nature Park In Camargue
The Camargue Regional Nature Park is one of 42 parks throughout France, run by the 'Federation des Parcs naturels regionaux de France'. A sort of French version of the National Trust I suppose.
Formed in 1967, from a mixture of local and national government, the Federation was designed to stop, and even reverse the damage to the French landscape and it's wildlife being caused by urbanisation, tourism and large building projects.
The Camargue Regional Nature Park lies at the southern end of France, below Nimes , between Arles and Montpellier , with the river Rhone bordering it's eastern limit.
Even though the Camargue Regional Nature Park covers nearly 300 sq miles, it is still one of the smaller of the 42 official parks.
An area of wetlands, pastures, dunes and salt flats the Camargue is a largely untamed natural reserve, inhabited by egrets, pink flamingos and ibises. The pastures provide gazing for sheep, and small white horses, ridden by the "gardians" (i.e. cow-boys), a hardy community who traditionally lived in thatched huts ("cabanes"), and still play their part in keeping Camargue traditions alive.
Here are some interesting facts about The Regional Nature Park In Camargue
There are no restrictions on where you can go within the park
Unlike the majority of the National Parks, the Camargue Regional Nature Park is inhabited by people.
There are two 'Communes' within the park. Arles and Les Saintes.
The park is one of the oldest national parks in France.
The park covers 60% of the Rhone Delta
Apart from residents in Arles and Les Saintes, the park is home to approx 30 herds of Camargue wild horses.
Although the Camargue horses are an ancient species, they were not recognized as a breed until 1967. Perhaps this coincides with the creation of the park ?
It is believed to be descended from prehistoric horses that lived during the Palaeolithic period, 17,000 years ago.
The Camargue horses are actually considered ponies due to the fact that they average 13 - 14.2 hands high.
Finding The Camargue Regional Nature Park
For more information about the Camargue Regional Nature Park
Be sure to visit the official park website. For other places of interest in the Languedoc, visit my page on Languedoc sightseeing. Here you can find details on lots of other interesting places to visit in the Languedoc such as the Pont du Gard, Carcassonne, or perhaps somewhere on the coast where you can enjoy the sun, sea and sand, such as Cap D'Agde?
