Unusual accommodation in the Camargue: which home would you choose?

The gardian's hut, the perfect unusual accommodation 

If you're looking for unusual accommodation in the Camargue, you'll probably hear about roulottes, wigwam tents or yurts. But also tree houses, Nordic villas or even barrels. Or even barges! These accommodations are indeed unusual, but they're not linked to our traditions or history.

If you're looking for unusual accommodation with a close link to Camargue culture, we recommend two types of accommodation.

We'll be talking about mas provençaux, which, as their name suggests, are found in Provence - but also in the Languedoc and Roussillon regions. We adapted these mas to create our Mas Camarguais, which were simply farmhouses. In fact, our hotel features a Mas Camarguais, completely renovated in 2020. 

But here we're going to talk about the most traditional of the Camargue's unusual accommodations: the gardian's hut.

The story of the cabane , unusual accommodation in the Camargue

There are many modern cottages to choose from in the Camargue, but the cabane de gardian is the traditional dwelling of our region.

These huts were built and lived in by the gardians, shepherds from the beginning of the last century. The role of the gardians was to manage the herds of bulls, living in semi-freedom. Their huts also served to protect their livestock from predators, and to provide shelter in extreme weather conditions.

The gardians had the status of farm workers, and were therefore at the bottom of the rural ladder. Their picturesque huts have become one of the most important symbols of our region. A number of them have been preserved. We are fortunate to be able to maintain the folklore of the Camargue by protecting our cottages, which have been completely renovated in their original spirit. This is what makes our guests' experience unique, and gives them a total change of scenery.

Indeed, their journey is an immersion: in a new place, but also in another time.

Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is the perfect place to stay in a cabin

If we're going back in time, let's take a look at one of the greatest painters of the 19th century: Van Gogh. It was in fact at Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer that the artist stayed in 1888. This experience enabled him to take a decisive step forward in his vision of painting. Since then, he has dared to use strong contrasts in complementary colors, and to sharply contrast and even exaggerate the most intense colors. What could be more unusual?

If you stay at the Auberge Cavalière du Pont des Bannes, you'll have the opportunity to visit the church of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. It's a remarkable monument as well as a sacred site. It was built in the 9th century, on the ruins of successive religious sites. Originally, it was an ancient temple to Artemis, the Greek goddess of nature and hunting. Yet another unusual detail in our beautiful surroundings. This church dominates the village, and can be seen from 10 km inland. It's a veritable fortress, 15 metres high, surrounded by a parapet walk lined with battlements and machicolations.

Another typical tradition: gipsy music. An essential part of the Camargue heritage. Every Friday, you'll be immersed in the sound of José & Paco's guitars at the restaurant Le Pont des Bannes.

Finally, the Festival de la Camargue et du Delta du Rhône is held in Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer every May. In addition to the unmissable nature outings throughout the area, the program is rich and always original. Visitors can plan their own itinerary between exhibitions, nature outings, masterclasses, debates, shows and themed meetings.

Our establishment pays tribute to the typical gardian huts

Our estate offers a variety of room categories, with names that reflect our traditions:

• Typicalgardian huts. You can also stay in our gardian huts with mezzanine or our more spacious deluxe huts.
• This time, the Manadier room honorsthe owner of a manade. A key player in the preservation of the Camargue bull breed, working closely with the gardians.
• The Cavalière room may already hold no secrets for you. The name refers to the equestrian center on our estate.
• The Massouscles and Massouscles famille rooms refer to the Massouscles pond. This pond is located just a few dozen meters from the hotel, which explains the choice of these names.
• The Razeteur room pays tribute to the Camargue tradition of challenging a bull to the cocarde between its horns. This tradition is still alive and well at Camargue races, such as the abrivades.

Each air-conditioned room features a private terrace, desk area and Wi-Fi connection.

If you're already looking ahead to your next vacation or weekend, book your roomnow.

‍