Camargue
About Camargue
Relax amidst the natural splendor of sun-bathed Camargue
Broad saltwater lagoons, golden beaches, expanses of tawny reeds teeming with pink flamingos — Camargue, France, basks in sunshine most of the time. Romans plied these waters, and Crusaders followed. You can imagine the past as you approach fortress seaport cities like Aigues-Mortes, but beach resorts with zingy nightlife bring you frolicking back to the modern age!
Camargue map
= Le Boat Base 
= Canal 
= Navigable river 
= No navigation beyond this point
The perfect boating region for...
Swimming
The Camargue is known for its gorgeous beaches. They stretch out for miles along the Etang du Thau at Méze, a wonderful spot for lagoon swimming. Two Port Cassafières ocean favourites are La Redoute Plage and La Farinette Plage.
Family
The Camargue is a great family friendly destination. Beach resorts at Palavas-les-Flots and la Grande-Motte offer watersports and amusements. Play mini golf, go to a water park, see an aquarium and check out a dinosaur park at Le Cap d'Adge!
Wildlife
Bring binoculars whilst cruising in the Camargue! More than 400 species of birds live in the marshes, including pink flamingos. Wild horses and bulls graze amidst lush grasslands.
Horseback Riding
The Camargue is known for its wild white horses. You'll see herds as you travel. Ride the dunes and trails! The La Grande-Mott Riding School offers horse rides for kids age four and up! You can also ride at the resort of Le Cap d'Adge!
Learn more about the region
Useful information
Download our region guide
We've produced a handy PDF guide for this region to give you an overview of all the stops and things to do along the waterway.
The Canal du Midi leaves off at Étang du Thau, France’s second largest lake, and sets your path on the Canal du Rhône à Sète extending 98 kilometers (61 miles) all the way to beautiful Beaucaire. A look at a Camargue map reveals that you’ve entered a natural wonderland filled with undeveloped lakes and fronted with beaches right on the Mediterranean Sea. The country is low and flat, and the salt air invigorates as you travel to medieval fishing villages and cities. Loosely translated, the name of the canal means “canal from Rhône to Sète,” indicating its route from the Rhône River near Beaucaire south into the wetlands that make Camargue, France, such a special place. Here you’ll find real-life guardian cowboys, Romany gypsy festivals, luscious fresh oysters and superb Costières de Nïmes wines found in the cellars of Gallician.
It is said that the ancients built settlements in the Camargue and traded goods with their brethren in the Rhône Valley. Sète thrived in part because of the age-old Canal de la Radelle running to Aigues-Mortes. Eventually, lakes north of Sète silted in and the appropriately named Lakes Canal was dug. Born of more than 150 years of effort, the Canal du Rhône à Sète finally linked three canals together to create a single artery in 1811.
We've partnered up with some of the best local businesses from the towns and villages in the Camargue to help you get the most out of your Le Boat vacation.
Discover our range of exclusive offers, only available to Le Boat customers.
- The Camargue is easy to navigate and great for beginners due to the low number of locks.
- We highly recommend not to cruise the Petit Rhône to Arles waterway due to strong currents and high levels of algae in the water.
- Note: Use caution on Étang du Thau in strong winds.
Take a look at our waterway and lock closures page to find out if there are any scheduled cruising restrictions that will affect your vacation plans.
The Camargue region has no locks except for one near Beaucaire, so it is perfect for anyone new to cruising or looking for an easy cruising experience. The locks on the Canal du Midi, and the few locks in the Camargue, are electric and operated by a lock keeper who will of course help you if you need direction.
Lock opening times:
CANAL DU MIDI
Open between 9am - 12:30pm & 1:30pm - 6pm
Closed on 1st May
CANAL DU RHÔNE À SÈTE (NOURRIGUIER LOCK, near Beaucaire)
Open between 7am to 7pm
Canal du Rhône à Sète locks close on public holidays (Easter Sunday, 1st May, 14th July)
CANAL DU RHÔNE À SÈTE (FRONTIGNAN LIFT BRIDGE)
March: Open at 4pm only
April - October: Open at 8:30am & 4pm only
July and August : Open 8:30 – 01:00 pm – 7:00 pm
LEZ (LA TROISIÈME LOCK)
8:15am - 11:45am & 2:15pm - 4:45 (March)
5:45pm (April & September)
5:15pm (October)
6:45pm (May to August).
You will only be allowed through if you stay overnight in Lattes (Port Ariane).
Between St. Gilles and Aigues-Mortes (good for bird watching) and between Palavas-les-Flots and Frontignan you can generally find mooring spaces along the towpath using your onboard mooring pins, although please refer to your waterways map for exact locations. Otherwise, you are advised to moor in ports or private marinas in the Camargue region, where a fee of between €10-€55 will usually apply. Most will have water refill points and electric hook-up facilities (not available on all boats).
To find out how to get to each of our bases in this boating region, as well as what facilities and amenities are available at each base or nearby, click on the relevant base below:
- Rental of the boat and its onboard equipment
- A fully equipped kitchen
- Towels and linen for all passengers
- A boat handling demonstration prior to departure
- Technical support
- On-board maps and visitor information
- Passage through locks
- Optional vacation extras
- Boat damage waiver
- Running costs (diesel, gas, engine wear and tear) - charged by the engine hour (by the litre in Scotland).
- Travel to and from the base(s)
- Waterside services if you use them (i.e. moorings where a charge is applicable, pump-out if needed, water, etc)
- Cancellation plan & any travel/personal insurance
- Food and drink
Interactive map of the Camargue
= Le Boat base 
= Point of interest
Great to see...
Itinerary suggestions
Our boating vacations allow you the freedom to stop when you want and take each day as it comes. However, you might like to be guided by one of our day-by-day suggested itineraries, complete with estimated cruising times and restaurant recommendations. You can follow it religiously or just use it for ideas – whatever 'floats your boat'. Please bear in mind that our itineraries are just suggestions. Cruising times are estimates and access to waterways, attractions and restaurants are all subject to availability at time of cruising.
Route suggestions
As well as the suggested itinerary shown above, all the routes available in this region are shown below. They aren’t as detailed, but they should help you get an idea of how far you can travel in the time you have. You won’t have time to stop at every single place listed on each suggestion – but they should give you an idea of what’s possible. Of course, cruising times are approximations and access to waterways, attractions and restaurants are all subject to availability at time of cruising.
= Click the arrow icon on each route suggestion, to flip the 'card' and reveal more details.
The Etang de Thau Short Break
Port Cassafières
Agde
Marseillan
Port Cassafières
7 hr(s) of cruising
38km 4 locks 3 nightsThe Etang de Thau Short Break
Port Cassafières RETURN via Marseillan
Scroll down using the bar to the right
Overview
Boating vacations in the South of France usher you into the arms of the Camargue, an absolutely fabulous region known for its sunny days, wild horses and pink flamingos, and miles of white-sand beaches along a vast saltwater lagoon. The charming city of Agde tempts you to linger! Then it’s off to see the famous Noilly Prat vermouth cellars in the fishing village of Marseillan!
Top highlights:
- Walking Agde's cobbled streets
- Eating shellfish in Marseillan
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Port Cassafières: Port Cassafières is a small marina where Le Boat has a base with fresh water and electricity points.
- Agde: Once a Greek city, a medieval fortress and a rich village during the Renaissance, Agde was largely built using black volcanic rocks. The old town has a lovely little centre with cobbled streets full of pleasant shops, restaurants and buildings with medieval architectural details and also has a pretty church and a local museum.
- Marseillan: Welcome to Marseillan, a welcoming and shining town famous for its vineyards and its know-how in shellfish farming. You will enjoy walking downtown and immersing yourself in local history. The shore is also beautiful to walk along, especially during sunset.
7 hr(s) of cruising
38km 4 locks 3 nights
The Crusader Cruise
Port Cassafières
Agde
Marseillan
Mèze
Bouzigues
Sète
Frontignan
Palavas-les-Flots
Carnon
La Grande Motte
Le Grau du Roi
Aigues-Mortes
Port Cassafières
28 hr(s) of cruising
168km 4 locks 7 nightsThe Crusader Cruise
Port Cassafières RETURN via Aigues-Mortes
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview
The boat moves slowly across stunning (lake) Étang de Thau, and the sheer serene beauty of your canal vacation in France practically overwhelms you. Birds ride the Mediterranean breeze, and the tang of the sea blends with the fragrance of flowers as the miles bring you closer to beach resorts and medieval Aigues-Mortes.
Top highlights:
- Walking Agde's cobbled streets
- Eating shellfish in Marseillan
- Views from Mont Saint-Clair hilltop in Sète
- The pyramid-like architecture of La-Grande-Motte
- The towers and walls of Aigues-Mortes
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Port Cassafières: Port Cassafières is a small marina where Le Boat has a base with fresh water and electricity points.
- Agde: Once a Greek city, a medieval fortress and a rich village during the Renaissance, Agde was largely built using black volcanic rocks. The old town has a lovely little centre with cobbled streets full of pleasant shops, restaurants and buildings with medieval architectural details and also has a pretty church and a local museum.
- Marseillan: Welcome to Marseillan, a welcoming and shining town famous for its vineyards and its know-how in shellfish farming. You will enjoy walking downtown and immersing yourself in local history. The shore is also beautiful to walk along, especially during sunset.
- Mèze: Like many seaside cities in the area, Mèze was historically a trade centre. In this wonderful town, you will have the chance to discover the old village with its winding streets, and also the Chapelle des pénitents. Take in the beautiful scenery with a walk along the shore.
- Bouzigues: Bouzigues is a charming little seaside town with a number of things to see. Spend time walking along the shore, guided by the fresh ocean wind, or maybe along the docks during sunset... The scenery here is just wonderful.
- Sète: Often called the Mediterranean Venice due to its numerous canals along the city, Sète is a wonderful and shining town that you will love exploring. Take a walk along the charming Promenade de la corniche, and discover the numerous monuments and churches downtown.
- Frontignan: Frontignan is a beautiful town, home to the pretty romanesque church of Saint-Paul. Enjoy a walk here, and don't forget to taste the delightful muscat.
- Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone: Before arriving in Palavas-les-Flots, on a small island in the middle of the lagoon you’ll find the Maguelone Cathedral. Stop by to discover this jewel of Romanesque art, built in the 11th century. This fortress was home for nearly ten centuries to the Montpellier diocese and successive popes often came to meditate in this peaceful haven.
- Palavas-les-flots: Once simply a fishing village, today Palavas-les-flots is a thriving seaside city with a long and peaceful beach. Downtown, you will find a dynamic city with sights to explore, like the Jeanne d'Arc foutain. And if you have time at night, the casino will probably be open!
- Carnon: Carnon is a seaside resort. The harbour is a beautiful and quiet place to have a drink, or a meal in one of the numerous restaurants, followed by a gentle stroll along the coast.
- La Grande-Motte: La Grande-Motte is a bustling seaside resort, home to some unusual architecture. It has buildings designed by the architect Jean Balladur to look like the precolumbian pyramids known as the Ziggourats. You can try your luck at the Casino; or maybe you will prefer a relaxing round of golf on the local golf course.
- Le Grau-du-Roi: What a pretty place to stop! In Le Grau-du-Roi, you will enjoy viewing the harbour and the old lighthouse. There are long and beautiful shores for you to walk along and downtown, you will discover interesting buildings, like the Villa Paris, or the old house from the 19th century.
- Aigues-Mortes: Welcome to Aigues-Mortes, a fortified town that once specialised in salt production. Don’t miss the large “Tour de Constance” (Tower of Constance), which is situated in a corner of the fortifications. The tower was previously named “big large tower” & was used as a prison for Protestants.
28 hr(s) of cruising
168km 4 locks 7 nights
The Flamingo Cruise
St. Gilles
Gallician
Aigues-Mortes
Le Grau du Roi
La Grande Motte
Carnon
Palavas-les-Flots
Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone
Frontignan
Sète
Bouzigues
Mèze
Marseillan
Agde
Port Cassafières
17 hr(s) of cruising
98km 2 locks 7 nightsThe Flamingo Cruise
Saint-Gilles to Port Cassafières ONEWAY
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Overview
Clouds of pink flamingos swirl across brilliant blue skies, creating a sight you’ll long remember on the beautiful Canal du Rhône à Sète. You gaze at the beauty around you, and you look forward to a delicious seafood dinner in La Grande-Motte. Along the way, you go swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, scuba diving, and horseback riding, enjoying a blissful canal vacation in France.
Top highlights:
- Historic Saint-Gilles and learning of its part in Christian pilgrimages of the twelfth century
- The towers and walls of Aigues-Mortes
- Views of the harbour and lighthouse in Le Grau-du-Roi
- The pyramid-like architecture of La Grande-Motte
- Eating shellfish in Marseillan
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Saint-Gilles: The city owes its name to the famous Father Gilles Hermit. It was one of the most important places for Christian pilgrimage in the twelfth century. Visit Saint-Gilles and its exceptional heritage, like the abbey of the twelfth century, the old crypt, and the romanesque museum.
- Gallician: Gallician is a quiet and peaceful rural village. Take the opportunity to walk the winding streets, and visit the little 18th century church. On the outskirts of the village lies the real treasure of Gallician: vast vineyards that are a must see!
- Aigues Mortes: Welcome to Aigues-Mortes, a fortified town that once specialised in salt production. Don’t miss the large “Tour de Constance” (Tower of Constance), which is situated in a corner of the fortifications. The tower was previously named “big large tower” & was used as a prison for Protestants.
- Le Grau-du-Roi: What a pretty place to stop! In Le Grau-du-Roi, you will enjoy viewing the harbour and the old lighthouse. There are long and beautiful shores for you to walk along and downtown, you will discover interesting buildings, like the Villa Paris, or the old house from the 19th century.
- La Grande-Motte: La Grande-Motte is a bustling seaside resort, home to some unusual architecture. It has buildings designed by the architect Jean Balladur to look like the precolumbian pyramids known as the Ziggourats. You can try your luck at the Casino; or maybe you will prefer a relaxing round of golf on the local golf course.
- Carnon: Carnon is a seaside resort. The harbour is a beautiful and quiet place to have a drink, or a meal in one of the numerous restaurants, followed by a gentle stroll along the coast.
- Palavas-les-flots: Once simply a fishing village, today Palavas-les-flots is a thriving seaside city with a long and peaceful beach. Downtown, you will find a dynamic city with sights to explore, like the Jeanne d'Arc foutain. And if you have time at night, the casino will probably be open!
- Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone: Before arriving in Palavas-les-Flots, on a small island in the middle of the lagoon you’ll find the Maguelone Cathedral. Stop by to discover this jewel of Romanesque art, built in the 11th century. This fortress was home for nearly ten centuries to the Montpellier diocese and successive popes often came to meditate in this peaceful haven.
- Frontignan: Frontignan is a beautiful town, home to the pretty romanesque church of Saint-Paul. Enjoy a walk here, and don't forget to taste the delightful muscat.
- Sète: Often called the Mediterranean Venice due to its numerous canals along the city, Sète is a wonderful and shining town that you will love exploring. Take a walk along the charming Promenade de la corniche, and discover the numerous monuments and churches downtown.
- Bouzigues: Bouzigues is a charming little seaside town with a number of things to see. Spend time walking along the shore, guided by the fresh ocean wind, or maybe along the docks during sunset... The scenery here is just wonderful.
- Mèze: Like many seaside cities in the area, Mèze was historically a trade centre. In this wonderful town, you will have the chance to discover the old village with its winding streets, and also the Chapelle des pénitents. Take in the beautiful scenery with a walk along the shore.
- Marseillan: Welcome to Marseillan, a welcoming and shining town famous for its vineyards and its know-how in shellfish farming. You will enjoy walking downtown and immersing yourself in local history. The shore is also beautiful to walk along, especially during sunset.
- Agde: Once a Greek city, a medieval fortress and a rich village during the Renaissance, Agde was largely built using black volcanic rocks. The old town has a lovely little centre with cobbled streets full of pleasant shops, restaurants and buildings with medieval architectural details. It also has a pretty church and a local museum.
17 hr(s) of cruising
98km 2 locks 7 nights
The Camargue Short Break
St. Gilles
Gallician
Aigues-Mortes
St. Gilles
13 hr(s) of cruising
100km 0 locks 3 nightsThe Camargue Short Break
Saint-Gilles RETURN via Aigues-Mortes & Palavas
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview
Ease the boat into the canal and relax as you let the charm of a Camargue boating vacation recharge and rejuvenate you. Sip a cool cocktail at the resort beach of Palavas-les-Flots, and plunge into the Mediterranean for a refreshing swim. Feel invigorated as you climb the ramparts of the medieval city of Aigues-Mortes to check out splendid views!
Top highlights:
- The towers and walls of Aigues-Mortes
- Historic Saint-Gilles and learning of its part in Christian pilgrimages of the twelfth century
- Casino nights in Palavas-les-flots
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Saint-Gilles: The city owes its name to the famous Father Gilles Hermit. It was one of the most important places for Christian pilgrimage in the twelfth century. Visit Saint-Gilles and its exceptional heritage, like the abbey of the twelfth century, the old crypt, and the romanesque museum.
- Gallician: Gallician is a quiet and peaceful rural village. Take the opportunity to walk the winding streets, and visit the little 18th century church. On the outskirts of the village lies the real treasure of Gallician: vast vineyards that are a must see!
- Palavas-les-flots: Once simply a fishing village, today Palavas-les-flots is a thriving seaside city with a long and peaceful beach. Downtown, you will find a dynamic city with sights to explore, like the Jeanne d'Arc foutain and if you have time at night, the casino will probably be open!
- Aigues Mortes: Welcome to Aigues-Mortes, a fortified town that once specialised in salt production. Don’t miss the large “Tour de Constance” (Tower of Constance), which is situated in a corner of the fortifications. The tower was previously named “big large tower” & was used as a prison for Protestants.
13 hr(s) of cruising
100km 0 locks 3 nights
The Guardians Cruise
St. Gilles
Gallician
Aigues-Mortes
Le Grau du Roi
La Grande Motte
Carnon
Palavas-les-Flots
Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone
Frontignan
Sète
Bouzigues
Mèze
Marseillan
St. Gilles
22 hr(s) of cruising
146km 0 locks 7 nightsThe Guardians Cruise
Saint-Gilles RETURN via Étang de Thau
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview
Walled fortress cities, imposing watch towers, and graceful cathedrals can be found in many port towns in the Camargue, making the cruise a bit like travelling back in time. The fortified Aigues-Mortes is a gem of the region. Juxtaposed against the historic villages is the natural beauty of Étang de Thau, which offers abundant wildlife and excellent beaches.
Top highlights:
- Historic Saint-Gilles and learning of its part in Christian pilgrimages of the twelfth century
- The towers and walls of Aigues-Mortes
- Views of the harbour and lighthouse in Le-Grau-de-Roi
- The pyramid-like architecture of La Grande-Motte
- The view from Mont Saint-Clair hilltop in Sète
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Saint-Gilles: The city owes its name to the famous Father Gilles Hermit. It was one of the most important places for Christian pilgrimage in the twelfth century. Visit Saint-Gilles and its exceptional heritage, like the abbey of the twelfth century, the old crypt, and the romanesque museum.
- Gallician: Gallician is a quiet and peaceful rural village. Take the opportunity to walk the winding streets, and visit the little 18th century church. On the outskirts of the village lies the real treasure of Gallician: vast vineyards that are a must see!
- Aigues Mortes: Welcome to Aigues-Mortes, a fortified town that once specialised in salt production. Don’t miss the large “Tour de Constance” (Tower of Constance), which is situated in a corner of the fortifications. The tower was previously named “big large tower” & was used as a prison for Protestants.
- Le Grau-du-Roi: What a pretty place to stop! In Le Grau-du-Roi, you will enjoy viewing the harbour and the old lighthouse. There are long and beautiful shores for you to walk along and downtown, you will discover interesting buildings, like the Villa Paris, or the old house from the 19th century.
- La Grande-Motte: La Grande-Motte is a bustling seaside resort, home to some unusual architecture. It has buildings designed by the architect Jean Balladur to look like the precolumbian pyramids known as the Ziggourats. You can try your luck at the Casino; or maybe you will prefer a relaxing round of golf on the local golf course.
- Carnon: Carnon is a seaside resort. The harbour is a beautiful and quiet place to have a drink, or a meal in one of the numerous restaurants, followed by a gentle stroll along the coast.
- Palavas-les-flots: Once simply a fishing village, today Palavas-les-flots is a thriving seaside city with a long and peaceful beach. Downtown, you will find a dynamic city with sights to explore, like the Jeanne d'Arc foutain and if you have time at night, the casino will probably be open!
- Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone: Before arriving in Palavas-les-Flots, on a small island in the middle of the lagoon you’ll find the Maguelone Cathedral. Stop by to discover this jewel of Romanesque art, built in the 11th century. This fortress was home for nearly ten centuries to the Montpellier diocese and successive popes often came to meditate in this peaceful haven.
- Frontignan: Frontignan is a beautiful town, home to the pretty romanesque church of Saint-Paul. Enjoy a walk here, and don't forget to taste the delightful muscat.
- Sète: Often called the Mediterranean Venice due to its numerous canals along the city, Sète is a wonderful and shining town that you will love exploring. Take a walk along the charming Promenade de la corniche, and discover the numerous monuments and churches downtown.
- Bouzigues: Bouzigues is a charming little seaside town with a number of things to see. Spend time walking along the shore, guided by the fresh ocean wind, or maybe along the docks during sunset... The scenery here is just wonderful.
- Mèze: Like many seaside cities in the area, Mèze was historically a trade centre. In this wonderful town, you will have the chance to discover the old village with its winding streets, and also the Chapelle des pénitents. Take in the beautiful scenery with a walk along the shore.
- Marseillan: Welcome to Marseillan, a welcoming and shining town famous for its vineyards and its know-how in shellfish farming. You will enjoy walking downtown and immersing yourself in local history. The shore is also beautiful to walk along, especially during sunset.
22 hr(s) of cruising
146km 0 locks 7 nights