NATURAL BEAUTIES

The Camargue is one of the major natural wonders of Europe. A wetland created by the Rhone river running into the Mediterranean Sea. The delta is a real paradise for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds and is very popular with birdwatchers. There are over 400 species of birds in the Camargue including ibises, egrets, kingfishers, owls, wild ducks and ferocious birds of prey.

This is the only place outside of Africa where you can see pink flamingos. Large populations of rare plants persist over vast areas of the Camargue due to their isolation or to the limited extent of their environment. This land is the home of the white camarguais horses, whose ancestors were brought here by the Arabs long ago. They run wild in the national park, guarded by cowboys who wear large felt hats and carry long sticks to prod the cattle. You can explore the rugged terrain by boat, bike or jeep but the best way to discover this fascinating nature reserve is on horseback. The gracious white horses will take you to places where black bulls graze and rare birds nest.

You can also walk along the 7 km pathways that lead you into swampland where you can watch noiselessly the colorful bird species in their natural environment. Signs along the pathways provide useful information about the animals. This is an excellent day trip for kids and the park organizes themed activities which promote ideas on how can we help to protect the nature.

On Tuesday and Thursday visitors can take a guided walk of the pathways at night. This large plane of lagoons, salt-flats and marshes is remote, romantic and rich in experiences. Book our holiday homes to spend some great time in the nature in the Provence.

Mercantour National Park is protecting an extraordinary Alpine habitat. This area of 685 square kilometers of wild, mountainous landscapes is maintained primarily for the benefit of the natural environment. The park is very popular with hikers and ramblers having a network of well signed footpaths.

The majestic scenery includes the lake Allis, the largest high altitude lake in Europe. Within the protected area all vehicles are banned, just as are fires, noise, dogs and camping. The borderline area, includes 28 mountain resorts and a few ski resorts. It is managed to provide a balance between nature protection, visitors, local development and traditional activities. View our holiday parks for your trips and stay in the Provence.

As an intersection of Alpine and Mediterranean climates, the Mercantour park contains a variety of wildlife and landscapes. On the upper slopes, quiet walkers may spot an ibex or a chamois as well as large birds of prey like golden eagles and bearded vultures. In the lower areas stags, roe deers and wild boars live beside the black grouse along with small mammals like marmots and stoats. A landmark of the successful wildlife conservation is the return of wolves, crossing into the region from Italy after an absence of 70 years. Contrary to their fairy-tale image, they avoid humans and are very hard to spot.

There are more than 2,000 plant species identified in the Mercantile. Some of them are extremely rare and 40 are found nowhere else. View our holiday homes in the mountains for your best vacation in the Provence.

Gorges du Verdon is a spectacular area of dry mountains, steep valleys and gorges. During the centuries the Verdon River has cut Europe's biggest canyon into the surrounding limestone plateau.

Because it's very close to the French Riviera, the canyon is popular with tourists, who can drive around its rim or practice adventure sports like rafting, kayaking or hot-dogging. The several hundreds meters of high limestone rocks attract many climbers. It is considered an outstanding destination for multi-pitch climbing. There are routes containing cracks, pillars and seemingly endless walls.

Marked hiking trails, wild-water rafting tours, rappelling or para gliding clubs make the Gorge du Verdon an ideal active holiday destination. At the end of the canyon, the Verdon river flows into the artificial lake of Saint-Croix-du-Verdon. The beautiful scenery is enhanced by the abundance of wild flowers and bushes.