The Rhône delta, the only delta on the Mediterranean

Formed over 10,000 years ago, the Rhône delta is today a land of culture, biodiversity and tourism. Discover the history of the Rhône delta, its flora and fauna, and its tourist attractions.

The Rhone delta

The Rhône delta is the only delta in France. It was formed almost 10,000 years ago. Since then, its landscape has undergone constant change. Over the centuries, climate, sea movement, vegetation and human activity have all shaped this exceptionally beautiful area. 

Between rice paddies and wild beaches, marshes, ponds and salt marshes, the Rhône delta is home to an ecosystem that is unique in France. It's home to many species of animal, including wild horses and migratory birds. It's also a land of crops. Camargue rice is produced here, and is just as famous in food as it is in cosmetics.

The formation of the Rhône delta

In prehistoric times, the Rhône flowed into the sea in a gulf, which was then transformed into a vast plain: the Crau plain. This transformation took place in the Quaternary era through the agglomeration of pebbles. At the time, the Crau plain was a submerged layer of pebbles. It was only when the sea retreated over the following millennia that it emerged again.

Over the millennia, the area around the Rhône delta and the La Crau plain became a lagoon, then an archipelago of islets that gradually joined together as the Rhône filled in these spaces. This is how the Rhône delta came into being.

The Rhône divided into two narrower branches surrounding the island of Camargue. The land furthest from the river turned into marshes or ponds, while the land closer to the river became fertile land which, later, Man began to cultivate. Without human intervention, the Rhône would have continued to fill in other areas. These would have gradually changed from ponds to marshes, from marshes to arable land, and from infertile land to quality land.

The impact of man on the Rhône delta

It was in Roman times that man began to cultivate the Rhone delta region. In those days, farming was based on the extensive exploitation of large agricultural estates. In the Middle Ages, the first embankments were built along the river. Monks farmed the arable land of the Rhône delta. Wood was also produced for boat building. The first villages were built, notably Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

Between the 17th and 19th centuries, the Rhône was dammed. Agriculture expanded, as did the salt industry. Other towns were founded, including Salin-de-Giraud.

In the first half of the 20th century, the Rhône delta became a much more artificial region, with the creation of drainage and irrigation systems and the installation of pipes to control the river's flow. Agriculture became more intensive. In less than 50 years, almost 40,000 hectares of natural areas were lost.

It was towards the end of the 19th century that man began to protect the natural areas of the Rhône delta and the Camargue. Now classified as a regional nature park, the Camargue is a protected natural area where various plans for the rehabilitation and management of fauna, flora and landscapes are being implemented.

The flora and fauna of the Rhône delta

The Rhône delta boasts incredible biological wealth. Its landscapes are beautiful and varied. In particular, there are 150,000 hectares of wetlands, home to a unique and rich flora and fauna.

The Rhone delta is an ideal destination for nature lovers, and especially bird lovers. Every year, it welcomes more than 150,000 migratory birds of almost 250 species: egrets, grey herons, geese, storks, gulls... and the inevitable pink flamingos! Mammal species include Camargue bulls and Camargue horses, which are raised in semi-liberty in local herds.

The flora of the Rhône delta is also unique and rich, due to the high salt content of the Camargue soil. You'll find beautiful species like samphire, obione, reeds, saladelle, sand immortelle, tamarisk and Spanish thistle. There are also colorful flowers such as yellow iris, broom and forget-me-not.

Tourism in the Rhône delta

Thanks to its rich biodiversity, the Rhône delta is a destination that attracts many nature lovers. However, sports enthusiasts, culture lovers and history buffs will also find something to suit them.

A vacation in the Rhone delta will allow you to discover the Camargue Regional Nature Park, its ponds, wetlands and rice fields. To discover these landscapes on an unusual ride, book a horseback tour! Hiking and cycling are also great ways to enjoy the Camargue countryside.

You can also discover the region's beautiful beaches and enjoy water sports such as kite-surfing and windsurfing.

There are also a number of tourist attractions to discover all around the Rhône delta. Take a tour of the ancient city of Arles, visit the charming seaside resorts of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and Grau-Du-Roi, discover the ancient fortified town of Aigues-Mortes and stroll through the heart of the Salin de Giraud.

Where to stay in the Rhône delta?

To make the most of everything the Rhône delta has to offer, stay at the Auberge Cavalière. Our 4-star establishment welcomes you in the heart of the Camargue Regional Nature Park. Set in the heart of a 4-hectare estate, the Auberge Cavalière invites you to enjoy a relaxing stay in the Rhône delta, surrounded by nature.

L'Auberge Cavalière gives you the opportunity to sleep in a gardian's hut, an authentic accommodation in the Camargue region. You'll have all the comforts you need thanks to the host's many luxury amenities, as well as perfectly equipped stables.

Come and discover the Rhône delta, its history, biodiversity and landscapes through a wide range of activities from your 4-star hotel in the Camargue !

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