The Ornithological Park of Pont de Gau is situated in the Camargue Regional National Park near to Saintes Maries de la Mer. The park is about 30km south of the historic town of Arles.
Explore the Pont de Gau Ornithological Park
France This Way review: this park offers an amazing opportunity to see hundreds of flamingos as well as many other bird species up close.
The ornithological park covers 60 hectares of ponds, paths, reedbeds, and saltmarshes.
There are two main routes to follow. One is a fairly short walk of 2.6 km and is entirely accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs. A further trail of 4.3 km can then be added, or chosen instead.
Both routes wind through the distinct wetlands scenery of the Camargue.
Along both trails there are a number of key viewing areas where you can be close to the water and the birds. There are also a number of hides at the waters edge and a number of viewing platforms along the way.
Close to the entrance the viewing areas on the shorter trail were fairly busy when we visited in June but even on the short trail the numbers soon dwindled and it was possible to observe the birds in peace.
There are many birds to see all year round. The large number of flamingoes are the main draw and whilst these are nomadic they travel around the Mediterranean basin and there are always some at the Pont de Gau Ornithological Park.
In June there were hundreds in the park and seemed very unaffected by the people in the park. From the hides it was possible to get very close and the experience was fabulous.
However if you want to see "pink" flamingoes you will need to visit in autumn/winter when the flamingoes show off their new more colourful plumage in courtship displays.
Other birds that are resident all year round include various species of heron and birds of prey.
In the spring herons and egrets nest in the trees and terns, gulls and avocets settle on the islands in the lake. Many other species come to feed as they continue their journey to their northern breeding grounds.
Many species pass through again in the autumn on their annual migration to the south and some come to stay for the winter including various species of ducks, geese, birds of prey and cranes.
As you enter the park there is a notice board with information about which birds have been spotted at which points in the park and so if you are a serious bird-watcher this can help you plan your visit.
There are lots of information boards all round the park with details of the birds to be seen including their physical characteristics, diet and breeding habits.
Once you have toured the park there is a refreshment area where you can buy drinks and sit at picnic tables overlooking one of the lakes.
The park is open to visitors every day of the year from 9am to 6pm and the exit gate stays open until sundown.
Parking is fairly limited and so we would recommend visiting fairly early during high season.
Attractions nearby
Arles to the north of the park is a city full of Roman treasures and also a modern building by Frank Gehry.
On the coast nearby is the attractive town of Saintes Marie de la Mer.
You can find more travel ideas in the Bouches-du-Rhone guide and the Provence guide.
To make travel arrangements to visit Pont de Gau Ornithological Park see HERE
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Reserve excursions near Pont de Gau Ornithological Park
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Map of Pont de Gau Ornithological Park and places nearby
Places to visit near Pont de Gau Ornithological Park
Camargue
The Camargue region of marhes, with flamingoes and semi-wild horses and an unusual natural environment, make it very popular with nature lovers
Camargue guide
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
On the edge of the Camargue region, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is a very pleasant coast town well known for its gypsy festival
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer guide
Church of Notre-Dame in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
The Church of Notre-Dame is a fortified church with 9th century origins in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Church of Notre-Dame in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer guide
Aigues-Mortes
The remarkable town of Aigues-Mortes is a fortified town that retains its entire medieval defences and an interesting historical centre
Aigues-Mortes guide
Saint-Gilles
Saint-Gilles is a small town with an impressive 12th century abbey church
Saint-Gilles guide
Le Grau-du-Roi
Le Grau-de-Roi is one of the most eastern, and one of the most popular, beach resorts in Languedoc-Roussillon
Le Grau-du-Roi guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Bouches-du-Rhone
The French version of this page is at Pont de Gau Ornithological Park (Francais)