The Camargue
Written: Feb 07 '00 (Updated Jan 24 '02)
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Pros: unique, different, and really off the beaten path
Cons: Very warm and humid in the summer
The Bottom Line: The Camargue is a beautiful area with a unique culture and a long and fascinating history. It has inspired writers and painters for centuries.
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| Howard_Creech's Full Review: Provence |
At the mouth of the Rhone River is one of the most fascinating areas in Europe. The lowlands, swamps, lagoons, and coastal marshes of the Camargue are home to French Cowboys (gardians), wild horses, wilder bulls, bible legends, gypsy festivals, and pink flamingos.
The main town of the Camargue is the village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer (the three Mary's of the sea) The legend is that just a few years after the death of Christ, three women named Mary (the sister of the Virgin Mary, the mother of apostles James and John, and Mary Magdalene...along with their servant Sarah) were set adrift in the Mediterranean, by religious enemies, in a boat with no sails, no food, and no water. After many days adrift the boat miraculously landed on the Camargue coast.
Every year in late May and late October Gypsies from all over Europe converge on Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer to re-enact the miracle, and to pay homage to Sarah. The Gypsies form a procession from the ancient church (not to be missed) and carry a statue of Sarah back to the sea.
Tours of the swamps and lagoons surrounding Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer are available (in open top vehicles or on horseback...with a French cowboy guide) There is a fine beach at Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer (which was several miles inland during the middle ages) and the village has some great restaurants, specializing in fresh seafood.
Be sure to visit the perfectly preserved fortified village of Aigues-Mortes (Dead Water)nearby which defended the French Royal salt monopoly. Don't miss the Lighthouse of St. Louis, which is now more than three miles inland (it was built at the mouth of the Rhone in 1737)
The spring is the best time to visit, since the lagoons and swamps will be filled with exotic migrating birds and beautiful flowers. Both the Camargue horses and the Camague bulls are featured in the local Provencal style bull fights (the bulls are not killed or injured, and the crowds are just as likely to cheer for the bull as they are to cheer for the bullfighter) which can also be seen in the Roman amphitheatre in Arles, just a few miles away. The Village of Orange is also close, and the home to some truly impressive Roman structures.
If you enjoyed reading this European Travel Review, please read my other European Travel Reviews:
France
Paris
http://www.epinions.com/trvl-review-4566-DD8CC47-39FC9BA6-prod2
The Camargue
http://www.epinions.com/trvl-review-3617-567A49E-389F1000-prod4
Italy
Venice
http://www.epinions.com/content_41123483268
Volterra
http://www.epinions.com/trvl-review-5B99-E9DE7DC-38B6B8D7-prod7
Bomarzo
http://www.epinions.com/trvl-review-720F-803CA72-38A1AC5B-bd3
Spain
Catalonia/Catalunya
http://www.epinions.com/trvl-review-3F7-31C0CC75-3A588817-prod2
Germany
Bavaria (Oberpfalz)
http://www.epinions.com/content_17703145092
Belgium
Bruges
http://www.epinions.com/trvl-review-1E23-1CAF201-38CD2F37-prod2
Scotland
Edinburgh
http://www.epinions.com/trvl-review-5B99-E9DE7DC-38B6B8D7-prod7
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Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Howard_Creech
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Member: Howard Creech
Location: Louisville, KY
Reviews written: 334
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About Me:
Photographer/Writer fascinated by Movies, Music, Books, American Diner Food, History, "Popular Culture", and Travel.
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