Landscapes of Camargue

Posted on 30-09-2020

To the south, there is a lagoon-marine Camargue shaped by the incursions of the sea and the action of the wind. These lagoon areas are mainly located south of the Vaccarès pond. The lagoons are subject to many variations in water level and salinity under the influence of the wind. The mistral (north wind) carries the slightly salty water from the Vaccarès pond into the lagoons, thus reducing the salinity of the latter. Conversely, when the sailor (southerly wind) blows, it promotes incursions of seawater into ponds, the salinity of which increases.
In this summer period the water levels are very low; some marshes are sometimes dry. Others look like salt marshes. Total drying makes way for salt, partial drying gives way to sansouïre on the edge of the ponds. These steppes glowing in autumn remain poor in flora. Only a few plants that appreciate salt manage to develop there, such as salicornia or saladella (also called sea lavender). The shallow depth of the lagoons has contributed to the development of significant biodiversity. They play the role of nursery for many marine fish such as sea bream and eel, but also serve as feeding areas for wading birds such as the flamingo.

Paysage de Camargue

Pond of Galabert - Salt on dry area
Camargue

Paysage de Camargue

Pond of Galabert
Camargue

Paysage de Camargue

Pond of Galabert
Camargue

Paysage de Camargue

Pond of Galabert
Camargue

Paysage de Camargue

Pond of Galabert - Dry area
Camargue

Paysage de Camargue

Pond of Galabert - Salt on dry area
Camargue

Paysage de Camargue

Pond of Galabert - Salt on dry area
Camargue

Paysage de Camargue

Pond of Galabert
Camargue

Paysage de Camargue

Pond of Galabert
Camargue

Paysage de Camargue

Pond of Galabert - Dry area
Camargue

Paysage de Camargue

Pond of Galabert - Sansouïre
Camargue

Paysage de Camargue

Pond of Galabert - Shorebirds
Camargue

Paysage de Camargue

In the distance the Gachole lighthouse
Camargue