The protected natural areas

Natura 2000 Site

The Camargue Gardoise is part of the Natura 2000 network, recognised at European level for the rarity of its species and the richness of its natural environments. The system covers nearly 35,000 hectares across three major sites :

• The Petite Camargue,
• The Fluvio-lacustrine Camargue Gardoise,
• The Lagoon-marine Petite Camargue.

Coordinated by the Camargue Gardoise joint association, these sites aim to preserve and restore habitats of community interest, protect emblematic species, and limit invasive species.

With 20 mapped habitats and 69 protected bird species, the Camargue Gardoise is a territory of great natural heritage value. Lagoons, salt meadows, wet grasslands, and wooded dunes provide vital refuge for biodiversity.

The Grand Site de France Label

In 2014, the Camargue Gardoise received the prestigious Grand Site de France label, recognising the quality of its management and the enhancement of its iconic landscapes. The territory covers nearly 40,000 hectares, including four classified sites :

• The Carbonnière Tower marshes,
• The city pond and its surroundings in Aigues-Mortes,
• The panoramic view of the ramparts from the coastal road RD62,
• The Espiguette dune massif in Le Grau-du-Roi.

These sites represent the full diversity of the Camargue Gardoise : dunes, sansouïres, salt marshes, reed beds, and lagoons.

This initiative has improved visitor facilities while preserving natural environments : construction of wooden walkways, adapted parking areas, discovery trails, and 130 km of hiking and cycling paths promoting soft mobility.

Preserving a fragile balance

The Camargue Gardoise attracts millions of visitors each year, drawn by its landscapes and built heritage. This high level of tourism requires balancing visitor access, human activities, and ecosystem protection.

Protecting natural areas helps ensure the survival of rare species, the transmission of exceptional landscapes, and the opportunity for everyone to continue admiring the wild beauty of this territory.

By adopting simple actions — staying on marked trails, choosing soft mobility, and respecting the peace of natural environments — every visitor becomes part of this preservation effort and helps secure the future of the Camargue Gardoise.