Musee de la Camargue (Camargue Museum), Arles

The Camargue Museum serves as a gateway to explore the unique landscapes, history, and traditions of the Camargue delta. Housed in an original sheepfold, the museum’s architecture preserves authentic regional ambiance.

At the heart of the museum is the permanent exhibition titled “The Thread of Water, the Thread of Time”, which traces the Camargue’s evolving story-from delta formation to pastoral life, from the 19th century to modern ecological challenges. Interactive displays, archival photographs, films, and soundscapes enrich the experience.

Founded in 1978 and awarded as a European Museum of the Year in 1979 for its innovative presentation, the museum expanded in 2019 to include a welcoming reception area, a bookstore, and a gallery for temporary exhibitions. A wooden belvedere-an artwork titled Horizons by Tadashi Kawamata-offers panoramic views of the Camargue.

The museum extends its reach outdoors with a 3.5 km discovery trail winding through canals, rice paddies, marshes, and reed beds. Along the route, visitors encounter a traditional Camargue herdsman’s hut, bird-observation hides, and immersive installations that weave together environmental education and cultural heritage. The museum also organizes seasonal exhibitions, guided tours, workshops for children, and thematic evenings.