The Camargue

One area with some good and varied photo opportunities is the Camargue, south of Arles. If you are within a couple of hours driving of this area I would certainly recommend a visit. It is one of the most remarkable regions in France, combining countryside with traditional villages, walled crusader towns, modern resorts and pretty fishing ports. This area was created by the river Rhone flowing into the sea, but it needs human intervention to keep it as it is. It is made up of 346,000 acres of wetlands, pastures, dunes and salt flats. The region now maintains a fragile ecological balance, in which a unique collection of flora flourishes, including tamarisk and narcissi, and fauna such as egrets, pink flamingos and ibises. The pastures provide gazing for sheep, and small white local-type horses, ridden by the "guardiens", the French equivalent of the cowboy. They form a hardy community who traditionally lived in thatched huts ("cabanes"), and still play their part in keeping Camargue traditions alive. We went to the Camargue during the week of the gypsy festival, which takes place at the end of May, in Saintes Marie de la Mer, one of the main ports in the area. In the days leading up to the festival thousands of gypsies congregate in this little town for their annual get together. It is very much their social event, where they meet friends and family, do some trading, and generally have a good time. Hundreds of big caravans and some more traditional wooden carts clog up the roads and parking spaces.

The reason for them coming to this place is to honour their patron saint Sarah. She is linked with Marie Jacobe, sister of the Blessed Virgin, and Marie Salome, mother of the Apostles James and John. After the Crucifixion, in the attempt to destroy Jesus' followers, the two Maries were cast adrift in a frail bark, without rudder, sails, or provisions. On the second day of the festival, the gypsies bear the images of the two Maries from the church to the sea, led by the Archbishop of Aix-en-Provence and accompanied by guardians on horseback. Preceding the gypsies and the Maries, comes a group of local girls, dressed in traditional Arlesienne costume. The procession is an emotional affair and shouts of "Vivent les Saintes Maries! Vive Sainte Sara!" ring through the air. Many people try to touch the reliquary, as this supposed to bring health and good luck. If you are in the area during festival time this is worth a visit, especially if you like photographing people.

Fascinating religious festival

You can see photographs of this place on my website: Ruud's Eye