Arles with a bit of salt
I heard of Camargue so many times in the past. And drove close to it quite a few times without being able to stop and visit this amazing area. Last week-end was set for a drive to Arles and then the salt flats of Salin de Giraud. We had many other places to visit but it takes more than two days to see most of it. Next time we'll stop in Baux-de-Provence, Saintes-Maries de la Mer, etc.
Arles was pretty quiet at this time of the year. Many restaurants, boutiques and hotels are closed for the season, but we had no problem finding a nice and quiet room in the center place, near the arenas. That's probably the main attraction as it now classified at Unesco. Stepping inside this monument is an experience, makes you wonder how it was back then, several hundred years ago. The Office du Tourisme is not far and has plenty of info available. As a photographer, I think I'll have to go back for Les Rencontres d'Arles later this year. It's certainly a great opportunity to meet other photographers. This is one of the biggest photography event in France.
From Arles, you can reach the salt flats in Salin de Giraud via highway D570 and then D36. This is a short 40 km drive and is an absolute must! That's where you find the salt hills, the flats and machinery collecting/processing the salt. Pushing a little further (10-15 min.) to the end of the road will bring you to the Mediterranean Sea, on Plage de Piémanson. Just before getting there you'll see some pink flamingos and a variety of birds. Gorgeous!
For more info:
- Les Rencontres d'Arles : www.rencontres-arles.com
- Office du Tourisme : www.arlestourisme.com
- Salin de Giraud : fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salin-de-Giraud
Good light!
Norm
© Normand Primeau