You’re headed to France’s most untamed region. You’ll find wild horses, pink flamingo flocks, and endless marshes between the Mediterranean and the Rhône. This guide gives you everything you need before you book—best areas, top things to do and eat, tips. Feel the salt breeze, hear bird calls, and taste fresh seafood by sunset.
Best Hotels in the Camargue🔥
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: La Villa Mazarin
- ✨ 5-Star: Hôtel L' Estelle en Camargue
- 🏨 4-Star: MAS MLS
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Mas Des Salicornes
- 💸 Cheap: Hôtel Casa Marina
- 🏢 Apartament: Résidence L'Oiseau des Sables
- 👪 For Families: Le Maset en Camargue
- 🏩 For Couples: Lodge Sainte Helene Adult only
Quick Guide to Best Areas to Stay: 📋
| Best for | Area | Vibe/Why |
|---|---|---|
| Culture & History | Arles Old Town Boutique Hotels | Roman ruins |
| Beach & Pilgrimage | Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Beachfront Hotels | Seaside gypsy soul |
| Authentic Ranch Life | Le Sambuc Retreats & Ranch Hotels | Working farms |
| Medieval Walls | Aigues-Mortes Medieval Experience Hotels | Salt town fortress |
| Luxury Wildlife Lodges | Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Boutique Lodges | Exclusive nature |
1. Arles – Where to Stay in the Camargue for Culture & History
Arles anchors your Camargue trip with 2,000 years of history. The arles amphitheatre still hosts events while cobbled streets echo Van Gogh’s footsteps. Visitors love its museums and train links. Many places to stay here offer swimming pool access, private parking, and even a hot tub for a relaxing stay in a maison-style property.
Why Stay in Arles:
- Direct trains to Avignon and Nîmes
- High concentration of cafes and restaurants
- Walkable to Roman sites
The centre buzzes with morning markets and evening aperitifs by the Rhône. You’re 15 minutes by car from the nature reserve and 30 minutes from beaches. Outdoor terraces fill with chatter and the scent of lavender. Many maison options are located in the heart of the city of Aigues-Mortes, with on-site wi-fi and convenient access to Nîmes. Street parking is tight, but paid lots lie just beyond the old walls. The main tourist zones feel safe after dark.
Best Hotels in Arles
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Jules César Arles - MGallery — Luxury hotel with spa, outdoor pool, and unique Roman heritage ambiance.
- Hôtel Arles Plaza — Comfortable hotel near Arles center, perfect for exploring Camargue and Provence.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- Le Relais de Poste — Charming countryside hotel with peaceful gardens and traditional French decor.
- Le Mas de la Muette — Relaxing Provençal-style hotel surrounded by nature, offering outdoor pool and terrace.
💶 Smart Budget
- Hostellerie de la Source — Classic hotel with tranquil natural surroundings and excellent local cuisine.
2. Saintes – Where to Stay in the Camargue for Beach & Pilgrimage
Whitewashed houses face the Mediterranean, and flamingos gather in nearby marshes within Camargue National Park. The town hosts a famous gypsy festival each May. Stay here if you wake to waves and fresh seafood. Many boutique hotels in Camargue are ideally located, offering sun terraces and easy access to Parc Expo Nîmes. These are some of the best places to stay in Camargue.
The beach sits 5 minutes from town hall on foot. Local buses reach Arles in 45 minutes, but a car makes exploring marsh trails easier. Evening restaurants light up beachfront patios. Beachfront parking fills quickly in summer, so arrive early.
Travelers can find the best unique places to stay on the edge of the Camargue Nature Reserve, with options featuring outdoor swimming pools. This area is perfect for those wanting to discover the Camargue in the south of France.
Why Stay in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer:
- Direct beach access
- Top flamingo tours
- Lively seafood scene
Best Hotels in Saintes
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Lodge Sainte Hélène — Charming hotel in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer with pool, garden, and close to the beach.
- Les Arnelles — Peaceful accommodation in Saintes-Maries with garden, free WiFi, and family-friendly atmosphere.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- Hôtel Casa Marina — Beachfront hotel offering direct sea views, restaurant, and comfy rooms with balcony.
- Mas de Calabrun — Traditional Camargue-style house surrounded by natural park, offering outdoor pool and restaurant.
💶 Smart Budget
- Hotel Lou Marquès — Elegant rooms in central Saintes-Maries, with spa, garden terrace, and modern amenities.
3. Le Sambuc – Where to Stay in the Camargue for Authentic Ranch Life
Le Sambuc lives and breathes ranch life where guardians herd horses and bulls. Converted mas offer simple guest rooms and farm breakfasts with free private parking. It feels remote, and you’ll love its peace while riding through the marshes.
The nearby plage adds charm to the stay, and visitors appreciate that Camargue is known for its wildlife. Design hotels are rare here, giving a true taste of the historic city of Arles countryside.
Why Stay in Le Sambuc:
- Genuine working ranch stays
- Closest wild horse encounters
- Secluded and quiet
You’ll hear roosters at dawn and splash boots through marsh paths. This retreat in the countryside is a short drive from Arles, while guided wildlife tours start at your doorstep. Located on the outskirts, the paths feel safe, though bring a flashlight for night walks. Evening meals happen around long tables with farm owners, and the area is situated in a quiet spot where stars shine clearly and phones falter.
Best Hotels in Le Sambuc
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Mas de Peint — Charming Camargue farmhouse with garden, pool, and traditional decor.
- Le Jardin — Cozy self-catering studio near natural parks, great for wildlife lovers.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- La Pradeto gite rural Camargue — Authentic Camargue ranch offering horseback riding and peaceful surroundings.
- Logis Longo Mai — Quiet countryside hotel with rustic charm and friendly service.
💶 Smart Budget
- Estrambord Appartement Terrasse Camargue — Modern apartment with terrace close to beaches and nature spots.
4. Aigues – Where to Stay in the Camargue for Medieval Heritage
Aigues-Mortes rises from pink salt flats, encircled by ramparts built in the 13th century. Historic walls guard narrow streets lined with shops. Ideally located in the heart, stay here if castle views and salt lakes appeal. This spot is ideal for couples and lies near the centre of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, with salt marsh trails located just outside the town.
Everything is within 500 meters of the city gates, and the Pura Vida Trailer adds a touch of charm for visitors. Montpellier is 30 minutes by car; Arles is 45 minutes. A tourist train links the town and marsh stations, while walls glow at sunset and streets feel very secure after dark.
Why Stay in Aigues-Mortes:
- Fully intact medieval walls
- Active salt production sites
- Walk everywhere
Best Hotels in Aigues-Mortes
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Les Remparts — Elegant hotel inside historic ramparts of Aigues-Mortes, close to city center and local cuisine.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- Chambre d'Hôtes Adoya — Quiet guesthouse with garden and terrace, offering traditional French breakfast and cozy rooms.
💶 Smart Budget
- Hotel des Croisades — Modern hotel near city walls, with restaurant, bar, and spacious air-conditioned rooms.
5. Mas Retreats – Where to Stay in the Camargue for Luxury Wildlife
Provençal mas transform into luxe retreats with pools, spas, and fine dining. Many occupy a building dating from the 15th century, adding historic charm. Guided horse rides and private flamingo tours await. Stay at hôtels like Hotel Plage Palace for pampering and peaceful surroundings, while still being within easy reach of the centre of Arles. It’s remote, pampering, and peaceful.
Why Stay at Mas Retreats:
- Private reserve access
- Heated outdoor pools and spa
- Gourmet Camargue cuisine
Mas de la Fouque and others blend local stone walls with modern comforts. Located in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, you’re 20–40 minutes from Arles or Nîmes by car. Guided riding tours depart daily at dawn. Evening terraces overlook marshes alive with crane calls. Roads are quiet and well signed, and night security feels comprehensive. These properties rank among the best boutique hotels in the region.
Best Hotels in Mas Retreats
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Luxury Mind Vue Mer Centre Ville Parking Rooftop Neuf — New luxury apartments with sea views, rooftop terrace, parking, and concierge services.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- Golf Hotel La Grande Motte — Golf resort featuring a pool, tennis courts, and restaurant near the beach.
💶 Smart Budget
- Le Royal Hotel Aigues Mortes — Historic hotel with elegant rooms, spa, and central location in Aigues-Mortes.
FAQ About Staying in Camargue
Where is the best area to stay in Camargue for first-time visitors?
I always recommend Arles for newcomers. You get Roman ruins and Van Gogh sites in town, plus 15 minutes by car to wildlife reserves. The train station connects to Avignon and Nîmes, and you’ll find the most restaurants and accommodation options. The old town stays lively in evenings, which helps first-time visitors feel comfortable.
Do I need a car to explore the Camargue properly?
You absolutely need a car for the full experience. Public transport reaches Arles and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, but the best wildlife spots and ranch experiences require driving country roads. Rental cars are available in Arles and at Nîmes or Montpellier airports. GPS signals can be weak in marsh areas, so download offline maps.
When is the best time to visit Camargue for wildlife watching?
May through September gives you the most active wildlife and warmest weather. June and July are particularly rewarding when flamingo colonies are established and horse herds are most visible. Spring migration in April can be spectacular for bird watchers, though weather is less predictable.
Is the Camargue region safe for solo travelers?
The Camargue feels very safe with virtually no serious crime in rural areas. The main precaution is getting lost in marsh areas where cell coverage can be spotty and trails flood with tides. Always tell your accommodation where you’re going. Wild bulls should be observed from a distance during spring breeding season.
How much should I budget per day for a Camargue trip?
Budget travelers can manage on 80-120 euros per day including accommodation in Arles, basic meals, and car rental. Mid-range visitors spend 150-250 euros daily for better hotels and guided tours. Luxury mas retreats start around 300-500 euros per night with meals included.
