Horseback Riding in the Camargue: Purebred Camargue Horses

The horses are bred for this landscape, not borrowed from somewhere else.

Horseback riding in the Camargue pairs you with a purebred Camargue horse and a certified guide through France's protected wetlands, salt marshes and open plains. Groups stay under 10 riders, and the experience suits all skill levels from age 8 onward. Your guide matches the horse to your riding ability and supports you throughout; the route changes with the season—beaches and plains in cooler months, marshes when heat demands it for the horses' safety.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided horseback ride in Camargue

• Meet certified equestrian guide
• Ride purebred Camargue horse
• Explore natural reserve trails
• Observe local wildlife and flora
• Experience traditional ranching culture

The Experience

You'll ride a purebred Camargue horse, the white breed native to this region and built for the terrain. The guide leads small groups—8 to 10 riders maximum—through the natural reserve where the landscape shifts between lagoons, reed beds, and open plains. The Camargue sits between two branches of the Rhône River and the Mediterranean, a protected area where you move at a pace that lets you notice the region's wildlife: the black bulls, pink flamingos, and abundance of birds the area is known for. The ride lasts around 90 minutes, though you can book a shorter hour-long version or extend to two hours if you want more time in the marshes and along the water.

Your horse is matched to your riding level where possible, and the guides are licensed equestrian professionals who keep the focus on horse welfare and your safety. Beginners and confident riders both ride here; the experience is designed to be accessible without being simplified. All saddle and riding equipment is provided. The route itself adjusts to the season: in cooler months you'll ride beaches and plains, but when the weather turns hot, the guide moves the ride into the marshes instead, a decision made to protect the horses from heat stress rather than a limitation on what you see.

Guides speak English, French, or German depending on the departure you book. The activity is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or during pregnancy, and there is a maximum rider weight of 198 lbs (90 kg). After booking, you'll provide your age, height, weight, and riding experience so the operator can verify eligibility and match you to the right horse.

What’s included

• Guided horseback riding through the Camargue's wetlands and salt marshes.
• a purebred Camargue horse matched to your riding level.
• saddle and riding equipment.
• access to the natural reserve and beaches.
• a certified guide who speaks English, French, or German.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Sunday Stories

Is this one for you?Book the 90-minute ride if you want the full landscape without a long time commitment; choose the two-hour option if you prefer a slower pace through the marshes and more time to watch the wildlife. The one-hour version works for a first experience or if you're short on time.

Top questions

What are Camargue horses and why does it matter that I'm riding one?

Camargue horses are a purebred white breed native to this region and adapted to the wetland terrain—they're not horses brought in from elsewhere. Riding one means you're on an animal built for the landscape you're moving through, which changes how the experience feels and how the horse moves across marshes and salt flats.

What's the difference between the one-hour, 90-minute, and two-hour options?

All three follow the same route through the natural reserve with the same guide and group size. The one-hour ride is a shorter introduction; 90 minutes is the standard length; two hours gives you more time to explore the marshes and water edges at a slower pace.

What happens if it's very hot when I book?

On hot days, the guide moves the entire ride into the marshes instead of riding beaches and plains. This is a safety measure for the horses, not a cancellation—you still ride the full duration, just through a different part of the reserve.

Do I need to have ridden horses before?

No. The experience is open to all skill levels from age 8 onward. Your guide is a certified professional who will match your horse to your ability and support you throughout the ride, whether you're a beginner or already confident in the saddle.

What's included in the ride?

The guided horseback ride, your purebred Camargue horse, saddle and all riding equipment, and access to the natural reserve and beaches are included. Gratuities are not included.