Rice-growing in the Camargue: an activity worth discovering

The Parc naturel de Camargue is a unique natural territory in France. It extends over more than 100,000 hectares around the Rhône delta, the only delta on the Mediterranean Sea. Straddling the communes of Arles, Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, the Camargue is distinguished by its great diversity of landscapes, as well as its biological and cultural wealth. For centuries, people have exploited the Camargue and shaped its landscapes. In particular, it is an important rice-growing area.

The history of rice-growing in the Camargue

Rice production around the world dates back to ancient times. In the Camargue, it only appeared in the 13th century, and developed between the 14th and 16th centuries. Attempts to cultivate rice in other parts of France were unsuccessful. However, it wasn't until the 1940s that rice-growing really took off in the Camargue, following the food restrictions of the Second World War. Since then, the Camargue has remained France's leading rice-growing region.

Today, over 50% of the Camargue's cereal acreage is dedicated to rice cultivation. Rice-growing is therefore the most important economic sector in the Rhône delta region.

The importance of rice-growing in the Camargue

Rice is harvested every year between September and October, when the rice fields have dried out. The rice is first separated from its husk, and then whitened. This involves removing the thin bran film from around the rice grain. Together with the whitened grains, this produces broken rice, which cooks faster than the grains, making the rice sticky. Packets of IGP Camargue rice are certified as having little or no broken rice.

Rice-growing plays an essential role in the Camargue economy and local culture. The transformation of the land into rice paddies has reduced the salt content of the soil, making it more suitable for cultivation. Thanks to the considerable supply of fresh water, wheat and potatoes can now be grown in the Camargue.

Rice growing also plays an essential role in the ecological balance of the Rhône delta. By desalinating the land, it has helped to maintain the fragile balance of this region, which was previously essentially made up of salt marshes and salt steppes. The rice paddies create freshwater spots where migratory birds like to congregate during periods of drought.

Rice in Camargue gastronomy

Today, between 30 and 60 varieties of rice are grown in the Camargue. Half of the rices grown are long rices, but there are also :

• Round rice, used in paella or desserts, for example
• Medium-long rice, or risotto rice
• Very long fragrant rice
• Red and black rice

A true guarantee of quality, Camargue rice has the IGP label, is sold in supermarkets and can be found in many gourmet dishes in local restaurants: paella, bouillabaisse, risotto, seafood chicken...

Camargue rice activities

Every year, tourists can attend various rice-related events, including the Feria du riz in September, which invites them to discover local products through tastings, workshops and conferences.

September also sees the Fêtes des Premices du Riz, celebrated throughout the Camargue, in every village and every district of Arles. These convivial festivities are marked by a parade of floats around the theme of rice.

To find out more about the history of rice-growing and the importance of rice in the Camargue, you can also visit the Maison du Riz in Albaron, founded by the Rozière family, who cultivate rice with passion.

Our 4-star hotel the Auberge Cavalière du Pont des Bannes welcomes you to the heart of the Camargue. Come and stay in one of our one of our authentic gardian huts and discover the region, its history and the importance of rice-growing. Our restaurant also features IGP Camargue rice!

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