Camargue

Camargue (kämärg`), alluvial lowland, c.215 sq mi (560 sq km), Bouches-du-Rhône dept., SE France, in the Rhône delta. Formed by sedimentation, it has numerous shallow lagoons cut off from the sea by sandbars. The northern part has been partially reclaimed and is used for cattle raising (the cowboys are called gardiens). The south has reed-covered swamps. The Camargue has several environmental preserves. Rice production and tourism are both important.

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Camargue

Marshy island in the delta of the Rhône River, southern France. Occupying an area of 300 sq mi (780 sq km), it is sparsely populated). The region was once entirely wild, with free-roaming herds of cattle and wild horses; such herds can still be found in the regional park. Vineyards, forage crops, and grains were planted beginning in the late 19th century; rice growing developed after 1945. A nature reserve at the Vaccarès Lagoon protects waterbirds such as flamingos and egrets.