100% nature walk at the Pont de Gau Ornithological Park

The Pont de Gau ornithological park, locatedin Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer on the edge of the Etang de Ginès, is an ideal natural area for discovering and observing a multitude of bird species.

Have you booked a camping holiday in Grau du Roi?
Don’t miss this activity, less than 30 minutes from the Jardins de Tivoli, 4-star campsite in Le Grau du Roi.

Open all year round, from 10 a.m. to sunset (ticket office closes at 5 p.m.).

The Pont de Gau ornithological park, an ideal place for observing migratory birds

The ornithological park of Pont de Gau is a must for holidaymakers looking for nature walks. Well-known to locals and holidaymakers alike, the Pont de Gau ornithological park is one of the world’s best-known bird parks.
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A visit dedicated to discovery, during which you’ll have the chance to photograph many species of local wildlife.

Over 60 hectares, you can admire a vast selection of a vast selection of birds depending on the season.
While flamingos and egrets can be seen all year round, some migratory birds can only be seen in spring/summer or autumn/winter.

Do you dream of seeing a stork or a white spoonbill? See you at the park in spring and summer.
Conversely, you’ll need to come to the park in autumn/winter to catch a glimpse of a curlew or green-winged teal.

Would you like to find out more about this activity near your tent or mobile home rental in camping Grau du Roi ?

Consult the complete list on the parc ornithologique du pont de Gau under “Visits”.

Different migratory birds for different seasons

Some birds take a break in this Camargue regional park to head further south, but other northern migratory birds stay in the Camargue for the winter. They will move north again in February or March.

If a stroll through the park is a very pleasant experience in summer, discovering it in winter is just as enjoyable! In fact, it will allow you to observe the spectacular pink flamingos on courtship ! In fact, it’s at this time of year that they’re at their most colorful. The park is the ideal place to discover this magical spectacle, which only lasts a few weeks a year.

The presence of migratory birds in the park obviously depends on water levels and weather conditions.

Several discovery trails

The park reserve offers several trails and small observation areas for admiring and photographing the species. Observation towers are set up in strategic locations, allowing you to get up close and personal with the local fauna.

If you’re with the family, this is the perfect opportunity for your children to get away from it all, and discover, observe and photograph a wide variety of species.

Cross the Marais Lamouroux and the Pont de Gau marshes, then follow the Etang de Ginès. Your visit ends at the Francis Fabre nature park.

All walks are on foot. Depending on your choice of trail, your journey will take between 1 and 1h30. Entrance tickets are valid all day, so you can stay for a picnic in the area at the entrance to the park, where you’ll also find a refreshment bar.

Note that the southern section, which is almost 3 km long, has been completely refurbished to make it accessible to PRMs (people with reduced mobility).

A care center at the heart of the Pont de Gau ornithological park

The care center at parc ornithologique du pont de Gau was created by René Lamouroux some thirty years ago.
This unique structure in the region takes in and cares for injured wild birds.

The length of your stay can vary from a few days to several months.
Around 600 birds a year are welcomed at the center.
The center is of real interest as 40% of the birds collected can then be released.

Although located in the ornithological park, the center is not open to visitors, in accordance with the law and for the proper convalescence of its occupants.

Would you like to find out more?

Visit the park’s website.

Itinerary – How to get there :
From Grau du Roi, take the D62 to Aigues Mortes, then the D58 to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.