Camargue: Private 4x4 safari with guide from Saintes Maries

Summary

Private Camargue safari—horses, bulls & rice fields up close

You’ll ride through the Camargue’s wild landscapes in a private 4x4 with your own local guide, spotting white horses, black bulls, and endless rice fields. Expect close-up moments with wildlife, stories you won’t find in guidebooks, and time to breathe in salty air—little memories you’ll carry home long after leaving Saintes Maries de la Mer.

What’s the experience like?

We bounced along the dirt tracks just outside Saintes Maries de la Mer, dust swirling behind our 4x4 as our guide, Jean, grinned at us in the rearview. The Camargue felt wide open—flat land stretching out under a sky that kept changing its mind about the sun. I could smell salt and something earthy, maybe from the marshes or the rice paddies we passed. Jean slowed down so we could watch a group of white horses grazing; he called them “les chevaux de Camargue” and told us how they’ve lived here for centuries. I tried to snap a photo but mostly just stared.

We stopped by a field where black bulls were clustered together, flicking their tails and ignoring us completely. Jean explained which ones were bred for local festivals—he even pointed out one with a notch on its ear and said something in Provençal that made him laugh (I didn’t catch it, but his laugh was contagious). The air was thick with birdsong and sometimes you’d catch the sharp scent of wild herbs when the wind shifted. At one point I leaned out to touch the tall grass, just to feel it between my fingers—kind of silly but it made me feel more there.

I didn’t expect to learn so much about rice farming or why flamingos come here every spring. There was this moment when everything went quiet except for the engine idling and some distant gulls—I still think about that silence. The whole private tour felt relaxed; no rush, just stories and small surprises along the way. We ended back in town with muddy shoes and a phone full of blurry photos—good ones though, because I remember exactly how it felt.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 4x4 Safari in Camargue

• 4x4 Safari tour with guide

Top questions

How long is the private Camargue 4x4 safari?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The safari starts from Saintes Maries de la Mer.

Is pickup included for this Camargue safari?

Yes, pickup is included in Saintes Maries de la Mer.

What animals can you see on this day trip?

You may see Camargue horses, black bulls, and various birds.

Is this tour suitable for families?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and infant seats are available.

Are there any restrictions for travelers?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your experience includes private transportation in an open 4x4 vehicle with a knowledgeable local guide just for your group; pickup is provided in Saintes Maries de la Mer so you don’t have to worry about getting there yourself.