Tamaris Trail along the banks of the Étang du Méjean

Trail open from 9am to 6pm. Closed on Mondays.

In the heart of the Méjean nature reserve, set off to explore a unique landscape where ponds, reed beds and the wild spaces typical of the Camargue come together. The well-maintained trail, dotted with wooden footbridges, invites you to immerse yourself in remarkable flora and fauna: storks, flamingos, herons, coypu, Camargue horses and even bulls roam this unspoilt environment. A peaceful and accessible walk, ideal for a family outing in the heart of nature.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.70 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 7 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 7 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 7 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 0 ft
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ City: Lattes (34970)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 43.557093° / E 3.900462°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 2743ET
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

Trail open from 9am to 6pm. Closed on Mondays.

Parking is available in the car park on Avenue du Méjean at the Maison de la Nature (height limit 2 m).

(S/E) From the car park located approximately 600 m from the Maison de la Nature, start your walk by crossing the wooden bridge and then taking the path on the right, which runs peacefully alongside the Canal de la Roubine. From the very first few metres, you’ll enjoy a peaceful natural setting typical of the Méjean landscape.

(1) Then start the route by taking the footbridge on the right, followed by the wooden walkways for a short while, along the Canal de la Roubine. In this quiet, unspoilt area, it is not uncommon to spot a few coypu by the water’s edge. Take the time to look at the stork’s nest at the entrance to the Maison de la Nature: depending on the season, you might spot the birds nesting. If you like, you can also stop off at the Maison de la Nature, where various information displays help you better understand the richness of the local flora and fauna.

(2) Continue straight ahead, staying on the wooden path.

(3) Continue straight ahead once more (slightly to your right) to reach the end of the Grains du Méjean trail at the Bird Observatory.

(4) Retrace your steps.

(3) Turn right to discover a new path.

(5) Continue straight ahead, leaving this magnificent wooden footbridge to one side. Then, turn right to join the Sentier des Tamaris. If you turn left, you will reach the Maison de la Nature and the start of this walk. Throughout the walk, take the time to observe the many wild birds that inhabit this protected natural site. Depending on the season, you may spot different species coming to feed, rest or nest in the ponds and reed beds of Le Méjean.

(6) Start of the circular trail. Head off to the right or left, whichever you prefer. You’ll return to exactly the same spot once you’ve completed the circular trail.

(6) Return along the Tamarisk Trail in the opposite direction to your outward journey and head for the fork at the footbridge.

(5) Take the footbridge on the right to round off this walk in style. You’ll reach a junction you passed on the way out.

(2) Turn right and follow the path in the opposite direction to the outward journey, passing the Maison de la Nature and reaching the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 7 ft - Car park at the Méjean Protected Natural Area
  2. 1 : mi 0.41 - alt. 7 ft - Common junction (out and return) - Maison de la Nature
  3. 2 : mi 0.63 - alt. 7 ft - Junction - Étang du Méjean
  4. 3 : mi 0.95 - alt. 3 ft - Junction. Return to the observatory
  5. 4 : mi 1.1 - alt. 3 ft - Observatory
  6. 5 : mi 1.59 - alt. 7 ft - Junction at the footbridge - Étang du Méjean
  7. 6 : mi 2.36 - alt. 3 ft - Circular trail - Étang du Méjean
  8. S/E : mi 4.7 - alt. 7 ft - Car park at the Méjean Protected Natural Area

Notes

Trail open from 9am to 6pm. Closed on Mondays.

The trail offers little shade: it is therefore recommended that you bring plenty of water and a hat or cap, particularly in summer.

The Méjean nature reserve is subject to regulations designed to protect this sensitive environment. Access to the route is restricted to pedestrians and horse riders only. Bicycles are not permitted on the route, but parking spaces are available at the Maison de la Nature.

Worth a visit

During this walk through the heart of the Méjean nature reserve, you will discover a preserved environment comprising ponds, reed beds and wetlands rich in biodiversity. The footbridges provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in these characteristic landscapes, where you can spot numerous wild birds such as flamingos, storks, herons and other species that come to nest here depending on the season. Along the Canal de la Roubine, keep an eye out for nutria by the water’s edge. The banks of the Méjean offer beautiful views of this remarkable natural environment, whilst the Maison de la Nature allows you to learn more about the local flora and fauna through its information areas and educational activities for children. A peaceful, immersive walk, ideal for the whole family.

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