Hello! My name is Angela!
This winter, I decided to take an immersion course in Provence. It was my first time in 2018! I chose the immersion of Virginie because the place is absolutely sumptuous and Virginie is an outstanding teacher. I had the chance to discover many Provençal traditions and places to see in Provence. In this article I will tell you about one of them: the Camargue ornithological park.
The Camargue ornithological park - Where is the park located?
The Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gau is located in Camargue, in Provence. Camargue is a region classified as a regional natural park since 1970. It is also recognized as a biosphere reserve.
Camargue is one of the largest wetlands in France, renowned for its wilderness, and of course, its birds. The park offers an immersion in this exceptional natural environment, allowing visitors to appreciate the fauna and beauty of Camargue.
To be more precise, the park is located thirty minutes from Arles, to the south.
The ornithological park of Camargue - Our day
With Virginie, we left after breakfast. This allowed us not to leave on an empty stomach but also to avoid traffic jams. We’re in the middle of March. The temperatures are mild. And there’s no influx of tourists yet. So we’re practically alone in the park. We sometimes run into classes from the surrounding schools that go on a field trip.
The Camargue ornithological park - A new vocabulary
Virginie explained to me that the Camargue Ornithological Park is an experience at the heart of the world of birds and Camargue nature. But it’s not just birds. At the entrance of the park, I was surprised to discover a coypu. I didn’t really know this animal. The coypu looks like a beaver. The coypu is smaller and does not have a flat tail. So I’m learning a lot of new words like “ragondin” (a coypu in English) or “cigogne” (a stork in English) for example.
The Camargue ornithological park - Bird watching in their natural habitat
We walk on different paths along which we can find shelters where it is possible to sit and observe birds in their natural habitat. It is an ideal place for birdwatchers, nature lovers and all those who wish to discover the unique beauty of Camargue.
The ornithological park of Camargue - The pink flamingos
Personally, I love flamingos! So I am thrilled when at the bend of a path, I attend the distribution of their meal. Virginie told me that since our first visit, this has not been done. But when we first went there in 2018, it was possible to see the flamingos being fed. It’s been a while! I know!
It’s a real show. The flamingos are so happy that they make an incredible noise. The mating season starts in December and ends in March, so the flamingos were as colorful as ever when we went there. It was so beautiful!
I also like to watch how they eat. They scratch the floor with their paws to bring up their food. They then plunge their heads into the water to catch their findings.
I have asked Virginie to go back every year. I went back in 2022. I look forward to 2024.
If you are coming for an immersion stay in Provence, I really invite you to contact Virginie in Provence. She will be happy to make you discover the different aspects of Provence: landscapes and scents, but also culture, gastronomy... while helping you to improve your French.
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