10 gastronomic specialities from the Camargue to discover!

In the south of France, between the Mediterranean Sea and Arles, you'll find a magnificent nature reserve. Here you can enjoy long stretches of golden sandy beaches and plenty of activities to keep you entertained all day long. If this sounds like your ideal vacation destination, it's time to book your flights! There are also plenty of Camargue gastronomic specialties not to be missed during your stay in the region. In today's article, we present 10 delicious dishes from this French region that are well worth trying out during your visit! You'll love these traditional dishes! Let's take a closer look at some of the region's best-known local recipes.

1) Anchoïade, a well-known Camargue gastronomic specialty

Camargue gastronomic specialties include anchoïade. Anchoïade is a traditional paste from the south of France, similar to tapenade. As its name suggests, it's made with anchovies and garlic - two ingredients that were already common in the Camargue before refrigerators became popular. Anchoïade can be spread on bread or cookies and served as an aperitif with drinks in our local bars!

2) Bull gardiane, for carnivores

On the carnivorous side, there's more to Camargue gastronomy than the barbecue festival! The gardiane is a typical Camargue bull-farming dish. It consists of meat, offal and vegetables such as carrots, leeks and potatoes. The gardiane can be eaten hot or cold, as you prefer! And if you'd like to try bull meat in our restaurants, you'll be well served, with our Grilled Camargue Bull Steak with Maitre d'hôtel butter!

3) Salaisons de taureau, for dried meat lovers

This is another typical Camargue dish. It consists of dried beef, seasoned with black pepper, garlic and olive oil. This delicious dish can be found all over France, but it's at its best in its native region!

4) Octopus rouille, another Camargue gastronomic speciality

This dish is served in many restaurants, but can also be prepared at home. It consists of reddish-purple octopus served with a creamy sauce flavored with chili and garlic.

5) Bourride, a delicious fish dish

This is a traditional Provencal dish made with white fish, garlic and vegetable broth. It's usually served with a rouille sauce (octopus rouille) that coats the dish! 

6) Fish soup, for those who like bouillabaisse

This is a traditional soup based on tomatoes, onions and garlic. It can be eaten as a starter or main course at lunchtime.

7) Fougasse, Provençal or Camargue-style

This is a traditional bread made with olive oil and salt, found throughout Provence. It can be eaten on its own or dipped in soups like bouillabaisse! Fougasse d'Aigues-Mortes with orange blossom is another popular variety of fougasse, which you can find in Aigues-Mortes - a town near the Camargue. It, too, is one of Camargue's gastronomic specialties. It's usually served with orange blossom water and sugar! 

8) The Camargue seafood platter, to sample several Camargue gastronomic specialties

This is the perfect solution if you want to sample all the local specialties in one go. The seafood platter includes rice, sea snails - these tasty little mollusks are a popular and traditional dish in the Camargue region - mussels and shrimps. It'll give you a real taste of what life is like on the Mediterranean!

9) Aïoli, a sauce used throughout France

This typically Mediterranean sauce is made from a garlic mayonnaise and can be eaten with fish or vegetables to make the experience even more delicious! If you're not too fond of this ingredient, that's no problem: simply ask for your dish without aioli when ordering in Camargue restaurants!

10) Camargue rice, the starting point for many Camargue gastronomic specialties

For a truly traditional taste, try this local rice. In fact, it's currently on the menu of our restaurant Le Pont des Bannes! The Camargue region is renowned for the excellent quality of its rice, which can be found all over France! You'll find that locals use their locally-grown red Camargue rice to prepare delicious dishes such as bouillabaisse or chicken and seafood paella. 

Has this list whetted your appetite? Come to Provence and try all our specialties! And discover other local culinary specialties in our restaurants!

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