Immersion in the Pont de Gau Ornithological Park

This easy circular takes you to the heart of one of the jewels of the Camargue: the Pont de Gau Ornithological Park, located a few kilometres from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Between marshes, reed beds and lagoons, the trail winds through a landscape shaped by water and wind, offering a total immersion in the world of migratory birds.
Flamingos, herons, egrets and sometimes even rarer species can be seen by walkers, often just a few metres away. Discreet observatories are dotted along the route, allowing you to watch without disturbing the birds.
Beyond birdwatching, this hike is an invitation to slow down, listen to the rustling of wings and the song of the marshes. A timeless interlude, where the Camargue reveals its wild and poetic soul.
Admission fee

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Une journée en Camargue : l’essentiel sans compromis

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.23 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 0 m

Photos

Description of the walk

To access the park, head towards Pont de Gau, 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Parking is available along the RD570, near the park entrance. Then, go to the reception area to pay the entrance fee and obtain useful information.

Signposting: signposts will guide you to markers numbered 1 to 16. Each marker corresponds to an observation area.

(S/E) After the reception desk, follow the signs indicating the direction of marker no. 1. Walk around the Marais A. Lamoureux until you reach marker no. 5 and its observation area.

(1) Turn left (south) and follow the Pont de Joux Marsh. Continue to marker no. 8, where you will find an observatory.

(2) Continue around the Pont de Gau marsh, pass the observation point at marker no. 9 and continue to the footbridge that crosses the Ruisseau de la Roubine de la Fadaise stream.

(3) (If you want to do a short circular loop, you can return to the starting point by turning left before the footbridge.) Cross the footbridge and then turn left at marker no. 11. Follow the signs to marker no. 12, walking along the dyke between the stream and the Francis Fabre Nature Reserve. Pass an observatory and continue to observation area no. 13, at the crossroads.

(4) Follow the path on the right, which runs alongside the Francis Fabre Nature Reserve on your right. At the crossroads, pay attention to the signposts. Continue to the observation area at marker no. 15.

(5) Turn right at the intersection and continue to the observatory upstream from Pointe d'Icard.

(6) Continue to marker no. 16, then turn right to reach an observatory.

(7) Retrace your steps, then turn right at the first intersection. Continue north-east and, at the end of the path, turn right. You will arrive at the footbridge over the Ruisseau de la Roubine, which you must cross.

(3) Turn right to continue along the bank between the stream and the Marais A. Lamoureux. Continue south-west to the reception area and car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1 m - Reception
  2. 1 : km 0.72 - alt. 1 m - Terminal No. 5 and its observation area
  3. 2 : km 1.33 - alt. 0 m - Borne 8 Observatory
  4. 3 : km 1.82 - alt. 1 m - Footbridge over the Roubine stream - Étang de Ginès
  5. 4 : km 2.37 - alt. 1 m - Observation area at marker 13
  6. 5 : km 3.48 - alt. 0 m - Observation area at marker 15
  7. 6 : km 3.89 - alt. 0 m - Observatory after Pointe d'Icard
  8. 7 : km 4.42 - alt. 0 m - Observatory
  9. S/E : km 5.23 - alt. 1 m - Reception

Notes

Park admission fee: adults €8, children €5.
Toilets, water point and picnic area available in the park.

Worth a visit

The park is home to abundant and varied wildlife, making it a particularly rewarding visit.

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