Villas in Camargue

Yes, it is a wetland and mosquitoes breed in the marshes from spring to autumn. They are worst at dusk, inland and after rain. The coastal resorts see fewer, especially in a breeze. Bring repellent and choose a villa with screens or air conditioning.

Le Grau du Roi and Port Camargue for beaches and the widest choice, Aigues Mortes for a walled town, Saintes Maries for horses and wildlife, and Arles for Roman sites and museums. Few villas are in the marshes themselves.

Yes. The beaches are long and sandy, notably the Plage de l'Espiguette near Port Camargue and the beaches either side of Saintes Maries. Expect wind on some days and summer crowds near the towns.

The Pont de Gau bird park near Saintes Maries puts you closest. Flamingos also feed in the lagoons and salt pans around Aigues Mortes and along the roads through the delta, all year round.

A strong, cold, dry wind that blows down the Rhône valley and across the Camargue, sometimes for several days. It is most common in winter and spring. It clears the sky and keeps mosquitoes down, but can make beaches uncomfortable.

Montpellier, around 30 minutes from Le Grau du Roi and Port Camargue, with flights from London Gatwick. Marseille is better for Arles. Nîmes airport has a few seasonal routes.

May, June and September. The weather is warm, the birdlife is good and the beaches are quieter than in July and August. Avoid the dates of the May pilgrimage at Saintes Maries unless you want to see it.