A day at the Pont de Gau ornithological park in the Camargue, Provence, with Angela
- virginieinprovence
- Jun 26
- 4 min read
Hello! My name is Angela!
This winter, I decided to return to Provence for another French immersion stay with Virginie. The first time was back in 2018! Since then, I've been coming back regularly. I chose Virginie in Provence because the setting is absolutely beautiful, the French lessons are completely tailored to each student, and Virginie is an exceptional teacher.
During my stay, I discovered many Provençal traditions as well as some of the region's must-see attractions. Today, I'd like to take you with me to one of my favourite places: the Pont de Gau ornithological park, in the heart of the Camargue.
Pont de Gau ornithological park: where is it?
The Pont de Gau ornithological park is located in the Camargue, in the south of Provence.
Designated a Regional Natural Park in 1970 and recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Camargue is one of the largest wetlands in Europe. The region is famous for its unspoilt landscapes, marshes, white horses, black bulls and, of course, its thousands of birds.
The park offers visitors the chance to discover this protected natural environment while observing wildlife in its natural habitat. It is located just 30 minutes from Arles, on the road to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, making it the perfect day trip during a stay in Provence.
Our day at the Pont de Gau ornithological park
Virginie and I set off just after breakfast.
One of the great advantages of my French immersion stay was that we could make the most of each day while avoiding the traffic.
We visited in March. The weather was already pleasantly mild, and there were still very few tourists. We were lucky enough to enjoy the park in almost complete peace and quiet.
The only people we came across were a few school groups on nature field trips.
Learning French... even among the birds!
One of the greatest benefits of a French immersion programme is that every outing becomes a real French lesson.
Virginie explained that the Pont de Gau ornithological park is not only a wonderful place to discover the rich wildlife of the Camargue, but also a fantastic opportunity to expand your French vocabulary.
As soon as we arrived, I was surprised to spot a coypu. I had never seen one before. It looks a little like a beaver, but it is smaller and doesn't have a flat tail.
Throughout the visit, I learned lots of new French words, including coypu, stork, heron, egret, and of course pink flamingo.
Learning new vocabulary in a real-life setting makes it much easier to remember.
Watching birds in their natural habitat
The park features several kilometres of easy walking trails suitable for everyone.
Along the way, there are observation hides where visitors can quietly sit and watch the birds without disturbing them.
Whether you're passionate about birdwatching, enjoy wildlife photography, or simply love nature, the Pont de Gau ornithological park is a truly magical place.
Hundreds of bird species can be observed in their natural habitat throughout the year.
The famous pink flamingos of the Camargue
If there was one thing I couldn't wait to see again, it was the pink flamingos of the Camargue.
They are absolutely magnificent!
During my first visit in 2018, we were lucky enough to watch their daily feeding. Virginie told me that this no longer takes place today in order to better preserve the birds' natural behaviour.
Even so, it was an incredible spectacle.
As soon as the food arrived, hundreds of pink flamingos began calling loudly, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
Because we visited in March, it was also breeding season. The birds were displaying their most vibrant plumage, with an especially intense shade of pink.
It was simply breathtaking.
A truly fascinating way of eating
I also loved watching the way the flamingos feed.
They use one leg to stir up the mud at the bottom of the water, bringing their food to the surface.
Then they lower their heads into the water and filter tiny organisms through their uniquely shaped beaks.
Watching this behaviour up close was absolutely fascinating.
A must-see during a stay in Provence
Ever since my first visit, I've asked Virginie to take me back to the Pont de Gau ornithological park almost every time I come to Provence. I returned in 2022 and again in 2026, and I'm already looking forward to my next visit.
Every season offers a different atmosphere, and there's always something new to discover.
If you're thinking about coming to Provence for a French immersion stay, I highly recommend experiencing it with Virginie in Provence.
Beyond the personalised French lessons, Virginie introduces you to the region's most beautiful places, its breathtaking landscapes, delicious gastronomy, rich culture, and all those little hidden gems that only locals know about.
It's this unique combination of learning French, discovering Provençal culture, and enjoying authentic local experiences that makes every stay so rewarding.
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