The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Bouches-du-Rhone, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur

Welcome to the “Auberge Cavalière du Pont des Bannes” a dreamland with its own stables, situated in the middle of Camargue’s heart in Provence. The country of horses, bulls and wild flamingos. It is the best way to discover the Camargue’s fauna & flora and enjoy an unforgettable horse ride. We offer excursions on horseback (from 8 years) in a small group. You can choose different types of outputs. We also offer lessons and for children from 4 years we can rent a pony. We work primarily with respect for our horses. They only come out two times per day with at least one day of total rest, we avoid high heat for their good slots be. In this context we offer you a quality saddlery. Finally the outputs are commented to allow you to discover our beautiful region.

This famous fortress, standing on a rocky island off the coast of Marseille, was immortalised by Alexandre Dumas in The Count of Monte Cristo as the prison where the novel’s hero, Edmond Dantes, was incarcerated before ultimately escaping. The castle was built by Francois I in 1524 and over the centuries it gained a fearsome reputation as many opponents of royal power were jailed and died in the fortress. The Castle of If has been perfectly preserved and is one of the most impressive historical sites on the Mediterranean coastline. Open: > 15th May to 20th September: from 9.30 a.m. to 6.15 p.m. > 21st September to 14th May: from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. The last visit depends on the timetable of boats, information at the tourist information center, on our website monuments-nationaux.fr or on Frioul If express. Closed: > Mondays from 21st September to 14th May. > 1st January, 25th December and subject to bad weather. Admission fees: Adults : 5,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups.

A protected natural site of 1,200 hectares at the junction in between the Rhône’s delta and the Crau steppe, the Marais du Vigueirat is classified as a National Nature Reserve and is one of the most remarkable properties of the Conservatoire du Littoral in Camargue. There are over 2,000 animal and plant species: more than 300 bird species have been observed (herons, flamingos, birds of prey), and 5 bull and horse breeders of Camargue’s race graze all year on the domain. With or without a guide, by foot, horseback or a horse-drawn carriage, come and discover Camargue’s nature!