The classified natural areas

At the gates of Aigues-Mortes, the Camargue Gardoise reveals an exceptional region, shaped by water and recognised at European and international level for its natural richness.

Between marshes, lagoons, dunes and reed beds, this unique landscape is home to remarkable but fragile biodiversity, which is the focus of ambitious protection measures to ensure its preservation for future generations.

Natura 2000 site

The Camargue Gardoise is part of the Natura 2000 network, a European initiative designed to preserve biodiversity while allowing human activities to continue.

It covers remarkable natural areas identified for the richness of their environments and the presence of rare or threatened species at European level.

The network is based on two European directives : the “Birds” Directive, which aims to protect rare or threatened wild bird species and their habitats, and the “Habitats-Fauna-Flora” Directive, which concerns the conservation of natural habitats and the species that live there.

In the Camargue Gardoise, Natura 2000 covers nearly 35,000 hectares, divided into three areas :

The Petite Camargue : 34,412 ha · 20 habitats · 11 species;
The fluvial-lacustrine Camargue Gardoise : 5,716 ha · 44 species;
The lagoon-marine Petite Camargue : 15,544 ha · 91 species.

Coordinated by the Syndicat Mixte de la Camargue Gardoise, these sites are subject to conservation and restoration measures for natural environments, as well as measures aimed at limiting the spread of invasive plant and animal species.

Lagoons, salt meadows, wet grasslands, wooded dunes and reed beds make up these landscapes and provide essential conditions for numerous species, particularly birds, which find places here to feed, reproduce or stop over during their migrations.

To find out more, discover the information from the Syndicat Mixte de la Camargue Gardoise on the dedicated roll-ups.

An exceptional diversity of habitats and species

Between fresh and salt water, the Camargue Gardoise is home to 20 habitats of European interest, shaping its diverse landscapes and supporting numerous species.

This biodiversity hotspot is home to rare or threatened species, some with high ecological requirements.

These habitats are closely linked to the territory’s traditional activities : extensive livestock farming, rice cultivation, reed harvesting, hunting and fishing.

The Natura 2000 approach supports practices that help preserve these habitats and promotes actions for knowledge, restoration and development, on both public and private properties.

The Grand Site de France label

In 2014, the Camargue Gardoise was awarded the prestigious Grand Site de France label, recognizing the quality of the preservation, management and enhancement of its landscapes. Renewed in 2023, it also recognizes efforts to improve visitor reception and promote the sustainable development of the territory.

The Grand Site covers nearly 40,000 hectares and includes four classified sites, which form the landscape heart of the territory :

The Tour Carbonnière marshes ;
The Étang de la Ville and its surroundings in Aigues-Mortes ;
The panorama of the ramparts from the coastal road RD62 ;
The Espiguette dune massif in Le Grau-du-Roi.

These sites illustrate the diversity of the landscapes of the Camargue Gardoise : marshes, reed beds, ponds, sansouires, salt marshes and dunes.

The Grand Site de France approach aims to preserve these landscapes while allowing visitors to discover them. It has notably helped to enhance certain areas, improve visitor facilities and develop soft mobility, with the creation of 130 km of hiking trails and a network of cycle paths. Facilities such as wooden walkways and beach access routes also help better manage visitor flows and reduce pressure on natural environments.