Turnkey corporate retreat in Camargue

The Benefits of a Customized Team Retreat in Camargue

Few regions in France are as exotic as Camargue, offering such a wide range of outdoor activities. From equestrian events, cycling, boat trips, magnificent Mediterranean beaches to a world-renowned Gypsy pilgrimage every May, Camargue has all this and more. The Camargue Natural Park, encompassing a vast UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve, can be visited any time of the year, but spring and fall are the best times. These are the seasons when the park's wetlands become a major gathering point for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds, drawing birdwatchers from all over Europe. However, visitors flock to the region throughout the year to admire its wildlife, particularly the thousands of flamingos which can be seen in many of the park's shallow water bodies, but most easily in the Camargue Ornithological Park located just north of the Saintes Marie de la Mer. The center, with its miles of trails, is home to many varieties of waterbirds, in addition to flamingos, white egrets, and herons, and also features a bird hospital. Everything is in place to allow nature to flourish in serenity.

Activities During Your Corporate Trip in Camargue

While flamingos are the most emblematic birds of Camargue, the region is more historically known for its white horses. The horses of Camargue are a special breed, believed to be one of the oldest horse breeds in the world, living in the unique saline marsh environment of Camargue for thousands of years. While some live in a semi-wild state, most are now used either by Camargue's traditional cowboys to round up the region's characteristic black bulls, or for horseback riding. There are numerous horseback riding opportunities in Camargue, with equestrian centers along many roads, especially around the Saintes Marie de la Mer. Most of these stables will take you on a ride through the fields or saline marshes. We can organize half-day or full-day rides at these stables, depending on everyone's level, whether it be a calm learning walk or something more challenging for experienced riders seeking more than just a leisurely walk in Camargue.

Other Activities and Places to Explore:

• Hiking, Cycling, and Beaches

Camargue offers great hiking and cycling opportunities for those who enjoy flat, hill-free terrain. Tracks and trails cross the Rhône Delta. To the east of the Saintes Marie, there are miles of largely deserted sandy beaches, accessible only by foot, horseback, or bike. Some places are car-accessible, but not all.

• Bullfights and Bull Races

Camargue bullfights are not like Spanish bullfights. Camargue bullfights are a competition of agility between men dressed in white, and black bulls. The goal is for the 'toreros' to steal trophies, such as ribbons, acorns, and rosettes, placed between the bull's horns. In the Camargue tradition of bullfighting, there are no matadors and bulls are not killed. However, Spanish-style bullfighting is also popular in Camargue, with major classical bullfighting events in the arenas of Nîmes and Arles.

• Salt and Rice

Besides its bulls and horses, Camargue is also famous for its salt and rice. Rice has been produced in Camargue since the Middle Ages, and today, there are about 200 rice producers and over 20,000 hectares of rice paddies in this small region, accounting for about 5% of Europe's rice production. Additionally, Camargue's unique "red rice" is a highly appreciated local souvenir.

• Aigues Mortes

At the western edge of Camargue lies the remarkable fortified town of Aigues Mortes. In the medieval period, it was the Mediterranean port from which the Crusaders departed. Since then, the Rhône Delta has silted up, and Aigues Mortes is now eight kilometers inland, emerging from the marshes. Aigues-Mortes is one of the most beautiful fortified towns in France, and it's possible to walk around the old city walls, which are largely intact. The ramparts are lit up at night.

Organizing an Offsite in Camargue

In conclusion, to ensure your corporate retreat in Camargue goes smoothly, it’s important to have the right support. We can offer a customized and adapted program to discover the most beautiful spots in Camargue and fully enjoy the exceptional nature this region of France has to offer.