During the Second World War, 2,000 young Indochinese (now Vietnamese) mobilized by the French army were sent to the Camargue. Some to the salt marshes or vineyards, others to emerging rice farms. Their know-how was very valuable for the establishment of sustainable rice growing in the Camargue.<\/p>\n
In 2014, a remembrance stone was erected in Salin-de-Giraud in gratitude for their contribution to the development of rice farming in the Camargue.<\/p>\n<\/div> \n\n \n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wine of the Camargue:\u00a0 roots in the water, grapes in the sun<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Winegrowing has a long history in the Camargue, dating back to Roman times. It developed under the Second Empire and especially during the phylloxera epidemic. The insect imported from America actually did not resist the 40 to 50 days of immersion of the vineyards in winter. While most of the European vineyards were devastated, the Rh\u00f4ne delta became a refuge for the vine thanks to submersion and sandy soils. The larvae of this insect which kills the vine plant at the root simply suffocated. Today, the winegrowers of the Camargue carry out a selective and qualitative viticulture appreciated by lovers of sunny, fruity and fresh taste. Some still use submersion in order to limit treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Did you know?<\/h2>\n \n <\/p>\n
The voluntary floodings, originally used at the end of the 19th<\/sup> century to fight the phylloxera, still help to diminish the salinity of the vineyards\u2019 soils today.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div> \n\n \n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n![\"Vignes](https:\/\/destination-camargue.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/domaine-de-beaujeu-\u00a9-Agence_Cameleon-PNRC-bd.jpg "\\"domaine-de-beaujeu-\u00a9-Agence_Came\u0301le\u0301on-PNRC-bd\\"")
<\/a>Vignes du Domaine de Beaujeu© Agence Cam\u00e9l\u00e9on<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\nSand potatoes<\/h2>\n\n\n![\"Cultures](https:\/\/destination-camargue.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Maraichage_\u00a9Pauline-Daniel-bd.jpg "\\"Maraichage_\u00a9Pauline-Daniel-bd\\"")
<\/a>Cultures de pommes de terre© P. Daniel<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nTo avoid the inconveniences of intensive monoculture, farmers are diversifying their productions. They use Durum wheat, rapeseed or sorghum as intermediate crops. Some produce vegetables: melons, carrots, asparagus, tomatoes… and lately the famous sand potatoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the Park and its neighboring territories, a dozen farmers produce sand potatoes in organic farming or sustainable agriculture. Its subtle taste comes from the sea sands where it is grown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reed: treasure of the marshes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Emblematic of the Camargue, the phragmite reed is everywhere you look. The species is typical of the wetlands and grows mostly on the edges of ponds, streams or ditches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is a refuge for birds and offers a rich biodiversity. Called sagne <\/em>by the locals, the reed is a material exploited by the Camarguais for 700 years. Natural and ecological, it is traditionally used to cover the roofs of huts. It also provides bales for eco construction, windbreaks, hunting pitches or even mats to cover the crops. More than 9,200 hectares of the Camargue are covered with reedbeds. The Sagneurs<\/em> on their typical boats, the Nego-chin<\/em>, currently exploit 2,000 hectares of reedbeds. Their activity contributes to the maintenance and development of the marshes as well as to the maintenance of ecological balances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](https:\/\/destination-camargue.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Marais-ferme-apres-coupe2-bd.jpg "\\"Marais-ferme\u0301-apre\u0301s-coupe2-bd\\"")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe cabane de gardian<\/h3>\n\n\n![\"Cabane](https:\/\/destination-camargue.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Cabanne_Gardian_\u00a9PNRC-bd.jpg "\\"Cabanne_Gardian_\u00a9PNRC-bd\\"")
<\/a>Cabane de gardian© PNR Camargue<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe Camargue hut, also known as the cabane de gardian, <\/em>is a traditional dwelling of the area, recognizable by its shape, whiteness and thatched roof. No stones, no quarry, only locally available materials such as clay, salvage stones, tamarisk and reed.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe hut is 7 to 12 meters long and 4 to 5 meters wide, with 2 rooms separated by a reed wall. It is particularly adapted to the regional climate with its rounded shape oriented north – northwest. It is designed to withstand the Mistral wind. The sloping roof allows rare but violent rains to flow quickly. The openings are narrow and rare. The reed walls are covered with a whitewashed plaster. On the very end of its roof (the travette<\/em>) there is a cross. To visit a gardian <\/em>hut, go to Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rh\u00f4ne<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOf animals and men<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Camargue identity is strongly linked to the extensive breeding of horses and bulls which helps to preserve different habitats. Ever since the 1970s, the manades <\/em>have started to propose holiday rentals. They play an important role in passing on information to visitors: explain their work, transmit their passion and respect nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSheep\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n![\"Elevage](https:\/\/destination-camargue.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Mouton_Arles_13_fevrier_2015-bd.jpg "\\"Mouton_Arles_13_fe\u0301vrier_2015-bd\\"")
<\/a>Elevage de moutons<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThis might surprise you, but from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 20th<\/sup> century, sheep herding was the main breeding activity in the Rh\u00f4ne delta. In the 16th<\/sup> century, herds of up to 20,000 animals could be seen in the vast Camargue pastures. A few decades ago, every summer, thousands of sheep still left the plains of Provence to reach the Alps. An annual transhumance along the drailles <\/em>(tracks followed by the herds) first led thousands of animals from the Camargue and the plateau of the Crau, between Arles and Fos-sur-Mer. Then, continuing their journey for several hundred kilometers, the herds aimed for the high valleys of the Alps, the Vercors or the C\u00e9vennes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSheep were mainly bred for the high quality of their wool. They were a crossing of the local breed and the Spanish Merino sheep. In 1922, Arles created a big wool fair and warehouses. This market lasted until the 1970s. In 2013, breeders revived the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The use of synthetic wool for clothing was the beginning of the decline of the activity in the 1950s. The wool of the M\u00e9rinos d\u2019Arles<\/em> sheep was known for its delicacy and quality. Nowadays, there is a renewed interest in this fabric. On the Camargue Regional Natural Park grounds, there are 12,000 sheep.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Maison de la Transhumance<\/em>, located in the heart of the Crau, in the town of Salon-de-Provence, promotes the M\u00e9rinos d\u2019Arles<\/em> and the transhumance through leisure activities, shows and exhibitions. The long distance hiking trail GR 69 La Routo from Arles to the Italian Piedmont retraces the transhumance route. It also connects many public and private partners involved in the promotion of sheep farming, its methods and products.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBulls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bulls are part of the Camargue landscape. They have become emblematic animals of the area. It is a local species, the Ra\u00e7o di Bi\u00f2u<\/em>, that grazes in the Camargue. They are lighter, more nervous and faster than their Spanish cousins. They carry the sturdy character of the land they grow up in. They are exclusively raised in outdoor and semi-free-range farms called Manades. <\/em>This extensive breeding method contributes to the maintenance of the Camargue habitats.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis breed is still considered a wild one. It was used for agricultural work before moving on to bullfighting and especially the Course Camarguaise<\/em>. The bulls that are not selected for the games are intended for consumption. The meat of the AOP taureau de Camargue<\/em> (certified origin) is particularly appreciated in a famous local stew: the gardiane de taureau<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"Manadier](https:\/\/destination-camargue.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/TES_9359_00336-G.Lebreton-bd.jpg "\\"TES_9359_00336-G.Lebreton-bd\\"")
<\/a>© G. Lebreton<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\nBull games<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
In the arena, the valiant bi\u00f2u <\/em>defends the attributes placed on his horns against the raseteurs<\/em>, who must catch them with a hook. After spectacular performances with the fighters during a Course Camarguaise<\/em>, the most courageous bulls can become real stars of the arenas. They are the pride of their owners and their manades.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn the Camargue and beyond (the departments of Gard and H\u00e9rault strongly influenced by the Camargue culture), each village lives to the rhythm of the abrivados <\/em>and bandidos <\/em>during the votive festivals.<\/p>\n\n\n\nApproximately 18,000 to 20,000 bulls are raised in more than 150 manades<\/em>. The horses, inseparable from the bulls, are closely associated with the work of the gardian <\/em>who leads the sorting of livestock.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCamargue horses<\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/p>\n
The voluntary floodings, originally used at the end of the 19th<\/sup> century to fight the phylloxera, still help to diminish the salinity of the vineyards\u2019 soils today.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div> \n\n \n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n To avoid the inconveniences of intensive monoculture, farmers are diversifying their productions. They use Durum wheat, rapeseed or sorghum as intermediate crops. Some produce vegetables: melons, carrots, asparagus, tomatoes… and lately the famous sand potatoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the Park and its neighboring territories, a dozen farmers produce sand potatoes in organic farming or sustainable agriculture. Its subtle taste comes from the sea sands where it is grown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Emblematic of the Camargue, the phragmite reed is everywhere you look. The species is typical of the wetlands and grows mostly on the edges of ponds, streams or ditches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is a refuge for birds and offers a rich biodiversity. Called sagne <\/em>by the locals, the reed is a material exploited by the Camarguais for 700 years. Natural and ecological, it is traditionally used to cover the roofs of huts. It also provides bales for eco construction, windbreaks, hunting pitches or even mats to cover the crops. More than 9,200 hectares of the Camargue are covered with reedbeds. The Sagneurs<\/em> on their typical boats, the Nego-chin<\/em>, currently exploit 2,000 hectares of reedbeds. Their activity contributes to the maintenance and development of the marshes as well as to the maintenance of ecological balances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n The Camargue hut, also known as the cabane de gardian, <\/em>is a traditional dwelling of the area, recognizable by its shape, whiteness and thatched roof. No stones, no quarry, only locally available materials such as clay, salvage stones, tamarisk and reed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The hut is 7 to 12 meters long and 4 to 5 meters wide, with 2 rooms separated by a reed wall. It is particularly adapted to the regional climate with its rounded shape oriented north – northwest. It is designed to withstand the Mistral wind. The sloping roof allows rare but violent rains to flow quickly. The openings are narrow and rare. The reed walls are covered with a whitewashed plaster. On the very end of its roof (the travette<\/em>) there is a cross. To visit a gardian <\/em>hut, go to Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rh\u00f4ne<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Camargue identity is strongly linked to the extensive breeding of horses and bulls which helps to preserve different habitats. Ever since the 1970s, the manades <\/em>have started to propose holiday rentals. They play an important role in passing on information to visitors: explain their work, transmit their passion and respect nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This might surprise you, but from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 20th<\/sup> century, sheep herding was the main breeding activity in the Rh\u00f4ne delta. In the 16th<\/sup> century, herds of up to 20,000 animals could be seen in the vast Camargue pastures. A few decades ago, every summer, thousands of sheep still left the plains of Provence to reach the Alps. An annual transhumance along the drailles <\/em>(tracks followed by the herds) first led thousands of animals from the Camargue and the plateau of the Crau, between Arles and Fos-sur-Mer. Then, continuing their journey for several hundred kilometers, the herds aimed for the high valleys of the Alps, the Vercors or the C\u00e9vennes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sheep were mainly bred for the high quality of their wool. They were a crossing of the local breed and the Spanish Merino sheep. In 1922, Arles created a big wool fair and warehouses. This market lasted until the 1970s. In 2013, breeders revived the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The use of synthetic wool for clothing was the beginning of the decline of the activity in the 1950s. The wool of the M\u00e9rinos d\u2019Arles<\/em> sheep was known for its delicacy and quality. Nowadays, there is a renewed interest in this fabric. On the Camargue Regional Natural Park grounds, there are 12,000 sheep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Maison de la Transhumance<\/em>, located in the heart of the Crau, in the town of Salon-de-Provence, promotes the M\u00e9rinos d\u2019Arles<\/em> and the transhumance through leisure activities, shows and exhibitions. The long distance hiking trail GR 69 La Routo from Arles to the Italian Piedmont retraces the transhumance route. It also connects many public and private partners involved in the promotion of sheep farming, its methods and products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bulls are part of the Camargue landscape. They have become emblematic animals of the area. It is a local species, the Ra\u00e7o di Bi\u00f2u<\/em>, that grazes in the Camargue. They are lighter, more nervous and faster than their Spanish cousins. They carry the sturdy character of the land they grow up in. They are exclusively raised in outdoor and semi-free-range farms called Manades. <\/em>This extensive breeding method contributes to the maintenance of the Camargue habitats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This breed is still considered a wild one. It was used for agricultural work before moving on to bullfighting and especially the Course Camarguaise<\/em>. The bulls that are not selected for the games are intended for consumption. The meat of the AOP taureau de Camargue<\/em> (certified origin) is particularly appreciated in a famous local stew: the gardiane de taureau<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n In the arena, the valiant bi\u00f2u <\/em>defends the attributes placed on his horns against the raseteurs<\/em>, who must catch them with a hook. After spectacular performances with the fighters during a Course Camarguaise<\/em>, the most courageous bulls can become real stars of the arenas. They are the pride of their owners and their manades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the Camargue and beyond (the departments of Gard and H\u00e9rault strongly influenced by the Camargue culture), each village lives to the rhythm of the abrivados <\/em>and bandidos <\/em>during the votive festivals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Approximately 18,000 to 20,000 bulls are raised in more than 150 manades<\/em>. The horses, inseparable from the bulls, are closely associated with the work of the gardian <\/em>who leads the sorting of livestock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Vignes](https:\/\/destination-camargue.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Riz@VinziStudio-bd.jpg "\\"domaine-de-beaujeu-\u00a9-Agence_Came\u0301le\u0301on-PNRC-bd\\"")
<\/a>Sand potatoes<\/h2>\n\n\n
<\/a>Reed: treasure of the marshes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe cabane de gardian<\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/a>Of animals and men<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sheep\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/a>Bulls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Bull games<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Camargue horses<\/h3>\n\n\n