Go qround Vaccarès in 2 days by bike

Description

Real heart of the delta, discover the diversity of the Camargue, both in terms of landscapes and fauna and flora ... Cycling along the largest pond in Camargue, is to discover many migratory birds, flamingos, horses but it is also to walk paths with unique vegetation. It is sometimes necessary to listen, to scrutinize the horizon for a few minutes to see the emblematic species of this preserved place. A perfect combination to enjoy remarkable views of the pond and to admire the rich diversity of fauna and flora of Camargue! Back to the Tourist Office on Van Gogh Avenue, head right. At the roundabout, take the second exit and cross the village towards the Cacharel road for 4 km. 1 - Around the small parking, before the Cacharel farmhouse, take the track of the Five Gorges (said Méjanes) on the right. Continue for 11 km to the Méjanes estate. 2 - After the Méjanes estate, at the sign "give way", go right on the D37 and continue for 8 km. Go along the Vaccarès pond. Pass in front of the observation point of Mas Neuf Vaccarès (set up by the Camargue Regional Nature Park). After the observatory, continue towards Arles and Salin-de-Giraud. 3 - At the intersection of Villeneuve and the snack bar Les Salicornes, turn right on the C134 "Fiélouse" towards La Capelière. Cycle there for 14.5 km. Go along the pond Pass in front of La Capelière, Mas de Fiélouse, then Salin-de-Badon. 4 - Continue straight towards the dike to the sea. Continue on the trail to the Flamingo Observatory. 5 - At the observatory, turn right and take the dike to the sea towards the Gacholle lighthouse (trail accessible only on foot and by bike). Enter the Camargue National Nature Reserve. Pass the lighthouse and continue. Continue on the dike to the sea until Pertuis de Rousty. At Pertuis, continue straight to the village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer which is located 6 km from there.

Difficulty

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

Before you go

• Respect the rules of the road on roads open to public traffic.
• Stay alert on the D37, dangerous and busy road!
• The itinerary being done in 2 days, think to reserve an accommodation according to the distance to be crossed the first day. Contact the tourist offices of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and Salin-de-Giraud.
• Several starting points are recommended: The Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, the Domaine de Méjanes or Salin-de-Giraud.
• Park your car in a secure location.
• At La Capelière, you will find the information point of the Camargue National Reserve.

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/58305-SAINTES-MARIES-DE-LA-MER---Le-tour-de-Vaccares-a-velo-en-2-jours). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 44 m, Parcs naturels régionaux de Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur