With 5,000 berths and kilometres of quays, the marina is a practical point of reference when choosing Port Camargue for a stay by the water. Sailing, other water sports, a guided harbour tour and the marina’s architectural history appeal to different interests. When planning, you can consider whether you are mainly interested in water sports, a boat trip or the harbour’s architecture.
Marina and architectural history
The 5,000 berths and kilometres of quays describe two aspects of the marina: its berthing capacity and the extent of its quays. The harbour’s architectural history is also part of the picture. The Capitainerie in Port Camargue was built in 1973 by Jean Balladur and selected for the patrimoine du XXe siècle label.
The Les Camarguaises Sud marina was also selected for the label. It was built in 1972 by Joseph Massota. The two construction dates are close together, but refer to two different structures: the Capitainerie and the Les Camarguaises Sud marina. This makes it possible to trace the area’s architectural history through specific buildings and names, rather than linking it only to the size of the marina.
Sailing and water sports
Water sports in Port Camargue include sailing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, rowing and kayaking. Latitude 43 is a sailing school based in Port Camargue. It offers introductory sailing trips lasting half a day or taking place in the evening. The formats therefore differ mainly in their scheduled time: half a day or an evening. Availability may vary; check current options before making a trip a fixed part of your stay.
La Marinette offers a guided harbour tour. The harbour shuttle takes passengers on a 40-minute tour of the large marina and its marinas. Departures are scheduled from Parvis Jean Balladur by the Capitainerie and Quai Ulysse at Plage Sud. Departure points may change for operational reasons. So check where La Marinette is currently departing from before your trip; the stated duration will also help you plan your time.
Getting around
Some parking spaces at the marina are open to the public; others are reserved for boat users. As parking rules may change, it is a good idea to check the current arrangements before you arrive.
Port Camargue has three shopping centres. They offer groceries and other useful services, such as a laundry, prepared meals and souvenir shops. Individual businesses and services may change. These facilities are a practical complement to activities at the harbour during your stay: you can factor in shopping, meals and leisure activities as different aspects of your trip, rather than planning everything around a single boat trip.
Plage Sud, marine life and regional cuisine
Plage Sud is on the marina side of Port Camargue. The Seaquarium has 2,400 square metres dedicated to marine life. This adds further maritime themes to the sailing and harbour activities for you to consider when choosing what to do.
Regional dishes also offer a distinct way to experience the destination. Rouille Ă la Graulenne is made with squid, potatoes and aioli. Gardianne de taureau is a regional dish made with bull meat and served with Camargue rice. The ingredients clearly distinguish the two dishes: rouille centres on squid, potatoes and aioli, while gardianne features bull meat with Camargue rice. If you plan to explore regional cuisine as well as enjoy water sports and a harbour tour, these are two specific dishes to choose from.
Discover more destinations: Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, Saliers, Marseille, Les-Pennes-Mirabeau, Cabriès, Alleins, Maussane Les Alpilles, Venelles.
For the wider travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.
