A walk through the past with a visit to the Camargue Museum

Located at the Mas du Pont de Rousty, the Musée de la Camargue is an essential stop for understanding the cultural and environmental evolution of the region. The museum is housed within a beautifully restored sheepfold, a traditional stone structure that reflects the rural character of the land. It provides a thoughtful, high-level look at how the people of the Camargue have adapted to this challenging and unique environment over the centuries. Inside, you will find exhibits detailing the life of the gardians, the history of local agriculture, and the delicate balance required to preserve the biodiversity of the marshes and salt flats. The experience extends far beyond the walls of the museum. A 3.5 km discovery trail winds through the surrounding landscape, taking you past reed beds, irrigation canals, and traditional dwellings. It is an unhurried walk that allows you to see the flora and fauna mentioned in the local lore. Along the path, informational points explain the hydraulic systems that manage the freshwater of the lakes and rivers of the Gard as they flow toward the sea. This context is vital for understanding why symbols like the Camargue Cross (representing faith, hope, and charity) remain so deeply important to the local community today. It is not merely a museum of the past, but a living record of a region that continues to value its heritage. After your walk, the small boutique offers a selection of books and local crafts that focus on the authenticity of the Camargue rather than standard souvenirs. It is the perfect place to ground your knowledge before heading further toward the coast. The Camargue Museum Mas du Pont de Rousty Chemin 6399 RD 570 - 13200 ARLES Museum: 04 90 97 10 82 Park: 04 90 97 10 40 BY CAR Located on the RD 570 (Route Départementale 570). 10 km from Arles and 27 km from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. GPS: lat. 43.6238067 / long. 4.5287493 BY BUS Winter: LINE A50 - Arles > Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Summer: LINE A50 - Arles > Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Stop: "Pont de Rousty"