Camargue (redirected from Delta du Rhone)

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.

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Camargue

la . a delta region in S France, between the channels of the Grand and Petit Rhône: cattle, esp bulls for the Spanish bullrings, and horses are reared

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Camargue 

a group of adjacent wildlife sanctuaries in France, founded in 1928, in the department of Bouches-du-Rhone. Total area (1970), approximately 13, 500 hectares. The topography of the Rhône’s ancient delta and several bodies of water of varying salinity have been preserved. Pink flamingos and white herons are among the approximately 300 species of birds that nest in the area. There is a unique juniper forest (Juniperus phoenicea) with trees up to 7 m tall and up to 50 cm in diameter. The Tour-du-Valat biological station studies the fauna and flora of the national park.

REFERENCE

Weber, K., and L. Hoffmann. Camargue: Seek einer Wildnis. Bern, 1968.