Every day of the summer, Europe 1 lets you discover a new destination: this Tuesday, the columnist for the show Et si on partait?, Jean-Bernard Carillet, takes you to the Camargue. The author of Lonely Planet immerses you in this region, where the flora and fauna conceal many secrets.

It is 150,000 hectares of nature that you can (re) discover our columnist Jean-Bernard Carillet, Tuesday on Europe 1. Located between Bouches-du-Rhône and Gard, the Camargue is a dream. With its flamingos, its free horses and bulls but also its famous salt marshes, nature offers us a dazzling spectacle. On foot, by bike or by car, the author of Lonely Planet guides you through this region, ideal for reconnecting with the elements.

A multitude of birds to observe

"Do you want to observe a multitude of birds? Head for the Pont de Gau nature reserve. It is a route dotted with explanatory panels and observation posts. And there are more than 200 species of birds such as the Herons , the Cranes, the Ibis but also and above all the flamingos, which you can observe all year round. With confinement, they have regained possession of all the spaces, so there is no point in using binoculars: they are a few meters from you. And if you are lucky, you may attend the courtship of the flamingos. The spectacle is amazing but it is an incredible cacophony!

It is worth remembering that the love life of flamingos begins from October. During this period, they are particularly active. It is a real choreography that we are witnessing. Once the flamingo has found its partner, the couples only stay together for a year to lay an egg. During this time, they remain loyal to each other and each perform the household tasks at par. However, the following year, everyone regained their freedom for a new nuptial dance.

In addition, you will also be able to observe Avocettes and Stilts. They are very numerous birds and glued to each other continuously. However, they are not shy and are used to walking straight. You can witness, for example, their flights in the evening because they do not nest in the reserve. It is a very beautiful setting, ideal for a picnic.

Photo sessions alongside bulls and horses

There are many bull and horse farms in the Camargue. Contrary to what one might think, they are quite fierce. So it's hard to see them up close. They usually graze in rather swampy meadows. The risk is to be blocked in the car.

In this wild setting, you can however take very beautiful photos. There is also a photographer who lives on site, Cecile Domens, who organizes immersive photo sessions with a family of breeders. The experience is simply unique because your photos can be staged with, for example, herds of white horsehair horses galloping freely on the beach. Likewise, with the bulls which will be positioned in the grass. It is also possible to photograph bulls in action in the swamp.

Generally, the herd is led by gardians on horseback, in the water and tall grass. And the photographers are positioned high on a large trailer so as not to frighten the herd. Horses can, for example, gallop at full speed towards you. The moment is magical to capture. The gardians can also tell you about the management of herds, pastures, how we manage water. They do this every day, at favorable times in terms of light.

You can also meet the manadiers. They are really passionate.

Salt hills and pink marshes

The only problem in the Camargue is that everything is flat. Nevertheless, there are small hills of 25 meters of salt piled up vertically. You will not find a more beautiful point of view.

There are the Salins d'Aigues-Mortes: these are salt marshes of pearly pink color, due to the presence of a microscopic alga, rich in beta-carotene. And on the other side you can admire the city walls of Aigues-Mortes. The opportunity for you to discover the culture of white gold and salt.

Finally you can visit Salin-de-Giraud, a small village which, like a working class town, is characterized by its brick houses and its settlers.

Camargue races, a tradition

In the Camargue, Camargue races and bullfighting games take place. It has nothing to do with bullfighting as there is no violence and killing and no hurtful object. There, it is only men who are in danger. Inside the bull, the men dressed in white, called raseteurs, must, using a hook, unhook the pompoms and the cockades placed on the back of the bulls. To protect themselves from the bull, they then jump over the palisades. It is very impressive to see but very risky. Bulls, on the other hand, are light, agile and quick because they come from the marshes. In the arena, fervor and enthusiasm is at its peak. It is a very family atmosphere that dominates.

Remember, there are raseteurs schools and Camargue racing championships are common.