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How to Get to Camargue

How to Get to Camargue

Camargue France Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports

The Rhône delta does not have its own major airport directly within its borders. The closest international airports serve the region.

Nearby Airports

  • Marseille Provence Airport (MRS): Approx. 60 east of Arles. Major international hub with European and some intercontinental links.
  • Montpellier Méditerranée Airport (MPL): Approx. 60 km west of Aigues-Mortes. Well-connected to European cities.
  • Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes Airport (FNI): Closer to Nîmes, mainly serves budget airlines (e.g., Ryanair).

Transfer Options from Airports

Efficient transfers from the airport to your accommodation are vital for a smooth arrival.

Getting to Camargue

  • Marseille (MRS): Shuttle bus to Vitrolles-Aéroport Marseille Provence train station, then regional train (TER) to Arles.
  • Taxis are available outside airport terminals. Ride-sharing services may operate.
  • Renting a car directly from Marseille airport is highly advisable for exploring the Camargue, DiscoverCars.com is an option.

Flight Prices

Flight prices are highest during summer (June-August) and major holidays. Shoulder seasons often yield better value. Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner assist with finding deals.

Airport Facilities

All three airports (MRS, MPL, FNI) furnish standard facilities and services: car hire counters, taxi stands, public bus services, ATMs, currency exchange, shops, and restaurants. Wi-Fi is generally available.

Typical Routes

Most international travelers will require a connection in a major European gateway city (e.g., Paris, London, Amsterdam) before connecting to MRS or MPL.

Airlines Serving the Region

Marseille MRS

  • Major carriers: France's National airline, Lufthansa, British Airways.
  • Low-cost carriers: Ryanair, EasyJet.
  • Routes link to major European hubs like Paris, London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt.
  • Limited direct flights from North America or other major global hubs.

Montpellier MPL & Nîmes FNI

  • MPL airlines: Ryanair, EasyJet, Volotea, Air France.
  • MPL connections to various European cities, especially within France and Western Europe.
  • Nîmes (FNI): Ryanair is the main airline, mostly operating routes to/from the UK.
  • Flight options from Nîmes are more limited.

Departure Information

Exit Fees

France imposes no specific exit fees or taxes on departing travelers.

Departure Timing

For international flights (outside Schengen), arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure. For domestic/intra-Schengen, 1.5-2 hours generally suffices.

Airport Facilities

Airports (Marseille, Montpellier, Nîmes) offer standard facilities: duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, and lounges. Train stations have simple amenities.

Land Transportation

Train Services

France features an extensive and efficient train network.

Connecting to Camargue by Rail

  • Arles: A main gateway to a Wetland paradise, served by high-speed TGV trains.
  • TGV trains: Connect Arles to Paris (approx. 4 hours), Lyon, Marseille, and other major French cities.
  • Regional Trains (TER): Link Arles to Nîmes, Montpellier, and Marseille.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Long-distance buses present a budget-friendly alternative to trains for reaching the region.

Bus Travel in France

  • FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus: Connections to Arles and Nîmes from French and some European cities.
  • These services are generally less frequent than trains but are more economical.
  • Regional buses (LiO network): Operate between Arles and Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, and Aigues-Mortes to Montpellier.

Self-Driving Considerations

Renting a car is the most recommended way to explore the Camargue, offering unparalleled flexibility.

Driving in Camargue

  • A car provides the most flexibility for exploring the vast and rural Camargue.
  • Requires a valid national driving license. Non-EU/EEA citizens require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • Roads are generally well-maintained. Some smaller roads within the regional park may be narrower.

Sea/River Arrivals

While the Camargue is a delta region, direct sea or river arrivals for tourists are limited to specific tour operations rather compared to public transport routes.

Water-Based Transit

  • No main ferry or cruise ports for public transit in the Camargue.
  • Private boat tours operate on the Rhône River branches and various canals for sightseeing.
  • The Bac du Sauvage, a small, free ferry, crosses the Petit Rhône near Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

Safety on the Roads

  • Be aware of wildlife (horses, bulls, birds) on or near roads, especially in rural areas.
  • Drive cautiously and observe speed limits, that are enforced.
  • Minimum driving age in France is 18, but rental companies often require drivers to be 21 or 25.
  • Parking in towns may be metered or require specific local rules.
  • Surcharges often apply for drivers under 25 for car rentals.
  • Road network consists mainly of well-maintained D-roads.

Border Crossing

Land Borders

The Camargue lies entirely withthroughout France, so no international border crossings occur when traveling withthroughout France.

Intra-Schengen Travel

  • When arriving from a neighboring Schengen country by land, you will not encounter formal border checks.
  • Travel within the Schengen Area is generally seamless.
  • Carry your passport or national ID at all times, even within Schengen.

Sea Port & River Procedures

Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for direct arrival to the Camargue, as there are no international municipal ferry routes directly into the region.

Direct Entry Restrictions

  • Marseille functions as a key cruise port for general France travel, not direct Camargue access.
  • No mass river transportation for entry; only private tours for sightseeing.
  • No formal immigration checkpoints for these types of journeys within the region itself.

Seamless Land Travel

Travel by street or rail from other Schengen countries means no cumbersome border stops, making for smooth journeys.

Passport Readiness

Even with no border checks, carrying your valid passport or national ID is always recommended for identification purposes.

Local Orientation

Focus on local navigation within the Camargue rather than international transit complexities as soon as you are in France.

Airport Transfers

Marseille MRS to Camargue

Marseille Provence Airport is a key entry point, offering several transfer possibilities to the Camargue.

MRS Transfer Options

  • "Navette" shuttle bus connects MRS directly to Vitrolles-Aéroport Marseille Provence train station.
  • From Vitrolles, take a regional train (TER) to Arles (approx. 1 hour total journey).
  • Taxis are available outside airport terminals. Ride-sharing services like Uber may operate.

Montpellier MPL & Nîmes FNI

Montpellier and Nîmes airports also serve as gateways, with bus and car rental options.

MPL & FNI Transfers

  • MPL: Shuttle bus connects to Montpellier city center. From Montpellier, regional bus or train to Camargue towns.
  • Car rental directly from airports offers the most flexibility for exploration.
  • FNI: Shuttle bus to Nîmes city center, then regional connections to Camargue. Taxis available.

Car Rental at Airports

Major Companies

Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise have offices at MRS, MPL, and in major cities like Arles.

Advance Booking

Booking in advance secures better rates and vehicle availability, especially during high season.

Requirements

Valid national driving license, IDP for non-EU/EEA, credit card in main driver's name for deposit.

Travel Flexibility

Renting a automobile from one of the regional airports truly unlocks the Camargue experience, granting unparalleled freedom to explore its vast landscapes and lesser-known spots at your own pace.

How to Get to Camargue. Flights, Transportation, Airlines