Camargue landscapes

In this portfolio dedicated to the landscapes of the Camargue, I present to you a series of photographs representative of my work in this field.

Between the Small Rhône and the Gulf of Fos, the Camargue is the largest wetland in Europe. It is one of the only real deltas (Rhone delta) in France, second in importance after the Nile among the four of the Mediterranean (Camargue, Nile, Ebro and Po). This essentially lacustrine region has many marshes and ponds, the most important being the Etang du Vaccarès. However, the Camargue remains a wetland of international importance, hosting a world biosphere reserve. It shares with the deltas of the Danube and the Guadalquivir the title of the richest wetland in Europe.

The Camargue is listed on the “convention of Ramsar” since December 1, 1986, the Little Camargue has been registered since January 8, 1996.

Fairly varied habitats make up and shape the landscapes of the Camargue.

• Landscape of ponds, marshes and brackish lagoons,
• Landscapes of sansouires, dunes and beaches,
• Landscapes of rice fields and crops.

The sansouïre is found on low and salty land. Rainwater largely floods this environment in winter. The clay soil dries out in summer and cracks to reveal whitish salt stains.

Camargue is a secret territory, which is quite difficult to discover at first sight. The many roubine marshes, as well as many fences do not facilitate the approach of this territory. It is a very flat region, which does not offer a three-dimensional space like the mountain. The elevations do not exceed ten meters and do not favor observation.

This cabin is built of cob, with a reed roof. It is designed to withstand the Mistral, the fierce wind in the region, thanks to its rounded apse, often surmounted by a cross and facing the wind. The small openings, and its white color allow it to resist the high heat of summer. Shepherds and Guardians once used these huts. We often found at his side a ladder in the shape of a large white mat (the escalassoun), which allowed the guardian to watch over his herd.

You can see the article on my site on The Camargue for more information on the Camargue and the Birds.