Port-Saint-Louis-Du-Rhône can be explored through several distinct themes: the Camargue landscape and beaches, water sports, heritage and cycling. When planning a hotel stay in the town, it helps to decide first which focus you want to devote your time to.
Camargue, water and beaches
Since February 2011, Port-Saint-Louis-Du-Rhône has been within the Parc naturel régional de Camargue. The landscape includes freshwater canals and brackish lagoons. Plage Napoléon is one of the largest beaches in the Camargue and offers ten kilometres of fine sand. This makes the landscape and the beach two clearly identifiable themes for a visit to the town.
The beaches of Port-Saint-Louis-Du-Rhône offer good conditions for practising and learning kitesurfing. Sea kayaking is available at the Base Nautique de Port Saint Louis; check availability for your visit before travelling. Depending on your interests, you can therefore focus your stay on water sports or on the beaches and landscape.
Tower and traditional houses
The Tour Saint Louis was built in 1737 and added to the inventory of Monuments historiques in 1942. It has a terrace with panoramic views. The tower also houses an ornithological collection featuring more than 165 birds on display. Before visiting, it is advisable to enquire about access to the terrace and the current exhibition details. The tower thus brings together architectural history, views and ornithology in one place.
Nègo-Chin excursions start at the Tour Saint Louis, go to the They du Pégoulier and last more than an hour. Allow for this as a separate block of time, not a brief stop. This makes it possible to plan a visit to the tower separately from the longer excursion.
The Cabane de gardian can be visited as a traditional home of the « gens du marais ». On display are everyday objects, tools, old furniture and animal sculptures. Here, the focus is on a traditional form of dwelling and objects used in daily life, making it a different theme from the architectural history of the Tour Saint Louis.
Activities and local products
Visits to the Manade Carreton include a demonstration of cattle sorting and a tasting of local products. The visit therefore offers both an insight into a traditional activity and a tasting experience.
Camargue Coquillages offers on-site sales in Port-Saint-Louis-Du-Rhône by appointment. Arrange your visit in advance. The Moule de Carteau is produced in the Anse de Carteau, southwest of the town; this locates the local product more precisely without implying that it is the same as the product sold by Camargue Coquillages.
Cycling and choosing accommodation
Port-Saint-Louis-Du-Rhône is the endpoint of the 815-kilometre ViaRhôna. The cycle route begins in Saint-Gingolph on the French-Swiss border. Check the route details before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Trets, Plan-D'orgon, Saint-Mitre-Les-Remparts, Mouriès, Eygalières, Martigues, Saintes-Maries-De-La-Mer, Entressen
For the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.
