From Sauvage ferry to Cacharel by bike

Description

Admire the singular landscapes of the Camargue, born from the marriage of land and water. From Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, this loop offers a parade of typical Camargue landscapes between land and water. You will appreciate along the Petit-Rhône, but also stepping over it with the Sauvage ferry. The Consécanière and the Empérial ponds will reveal you the richness of the natural inheritance of the Camargue. Traditional huts of guardian will complete the landscape. A hike that holds all its promises to contemplate nature Camargue! Back to the Tourist Office, head left on Van Gogh Avenue, towards Aigues-Mortes. Continue straight for 6 km and follow the Grau d'Orgon and the Petit-Rhône, on the D38. 1 - Turn left on the D85 and take the Sauvage ferry (information about ferry times at the Tourist Office). Continue on the D85 towards Aigues-Mortes and cross the small bridge that spans the Peccais Canal at Sylvéréal. 2 - At the intersection of the D58, turn right and continue for 350 m towards Arles. Take the bridge over the Petit-Rhône. 3- Do not miss turning right towards S33. Walk 2 km and reach the Astouin hamlet. Leave on the left the Astouin Castle estate. 4 - Take a right on the intersection with the D38. Go forward for 500 m. Turn left and continue on the D38b towards Pioch-Badet. VARIANT: a shorter variant is possible by going straight on towards the Cabanes de Cambon to join the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. 5 - Turn left, on the D570, towards Pioch-Badet and the Cacharel road. Follow Pioch-Badet, cross the village and take the road to Cacharel Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and return to the starting point by the D85A, along the several ponds that you will see on your left for 10 km.

Difficulty

Official rating: easy, by Parcs naturels régionaux de Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.

Before you go

• D58 up to Sylvéréal, dangerous road!
• Stay alert on the D570, busy road.
• At the crossroads of Pioch-Badet hamlet, caution, dangerous intersection.
• Respect the rules of the road on roads open to public traffic.

Getting there

Start: Office de tourisme, Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (13).

Sources

• Track: Parcs naturels régionaux de Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (Chemins des Parcs), Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (www.cheminsdesparcs.fr/trek/17404-SAINTS-MARIES-DE-LA-MER---A-velo%2C-du-bac-du-Sauvage-a-Cacharel). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 52 m, Parcs naturels régionaux de Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur