Etang de Vaccarès

Near Albaron (13th C. tower, remains of a fort; pumping station for fresh-water irrigation) the D37 branches off from the D570; a signpost reads "Etang de Vaccarès". On the far side of Méjanes this road runs close to the Etang de Vaccarès surrounded by a girdle of reeds. This lake, which has an area of about 6,000ha/14,800 acres - varying according to the water-level - is by far the largest in the Camargue, but its average depth is only about 50cm/20in.

Near Villeneuve the D36 B bears off to the right; this is a charming scenic stretch. It follows - often with fine views - the eastern shore of the lake which towards the south gives way to a number of level lagoons dotted with sandbanks.