Musée de la Camargue

About the museum

The idea of a territorial museum emerged in the 1960s, when regional nature park projects linked nature protection with the lives of local people. The Parc naturel régional de Camargue was created in 1970 and acquired the Mas du Pont de Rousty in 1973. With advice from Georges Henri Rivière, the theorist of the ecomuseum, the farm's former sheepfold was fitted out as a museum. In 1977 residents took part in a large collection of objects: two thirds were donated and the rest purchased.

The “Musée camarguais” opened in 1978 and in 1979 received the European Museum Prize for its displays. Two floods, in 1993 and 1994, hit the museum and forced a one-year closure to prepare its renovation. It changed its name in 2003, obtained the “Musée de France” label and has since been run by the park's mixed syndicate.

The building was completely renovated in 2013 to present the permanent exhibition “Le fil de l'eau, le fil du temps en Camargue”, on the history of the Rhône delta. An extension designed by Philippe Donjerkovic, set on stilts above flood level, opened in 2019 and allows temporary exhibitions throughout the year. The museum also holds collections of photographs and contemporary folk art.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition on the history and landscapes of the Rhône delta
• Former sheepfold of the Mas du Pont de Rousty and stilted extension
• Projection room with photographs and films about the Camargue
• “Horizons” wooden lookout by the artist Tadashi Kawamata
• 4.8 km discovery trail, freely accessible all year round

Permanent exhibitions

• Le fil de l'eau, le fil du temps en Camargue – Permanent exhibition on the formation of the delta, the life of its inhabitants in the 19th and 20th centuries, and today's balance between human activity and nature protection, with a room for image and film projections.
• Sentier d'interprétation des paysages – A 4.8 km trail of about 1 hour 30 minutes, starting near the museum and open to all every day.

Founded

1978

Operated by

Parc naturel régional de Camargue (syndicat mixte de gestion)

Admission & discounts

Free entry also for journalists, teachers and ICOM members. No free day is listed on the price page.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum holds the “Tourisme et Handicap” label. Reserved parking spaces, walkways to the sheepfold and the extension, adapted toilets, a wheelchair lent at reception, adapted furniture. Models and objects to touch, tactile paving, a free audio guide with adapted features, induction loop amplifiers in two areas, subtitled films and individual headsets. Guided tours can be adapted on request. Dogs are not admitted to the museum.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Interactive, playful and sound installations for all ages. Treasure hunts for families in three languages, available at reception. Picnic area outside.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on the departmental road 570, about 10 km from Arles and 27 km from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. GPS coordinates: 43.6238, 4.5287.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with bookshop, selling local crafts, regional products and books about the Camargue. Picnic area and dry toilets outside. Groups are informed that there is no drinking water on site.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit