Pink Lakes of France: Which Camargue Salt Lake Should You Visit?

Pink lake of France with people walking alongside the shoreline

The Camargue region in southern France is famous for its salt production, wild landscapes, and stunning pink lakes. These lakes have become a social media sensation for their surreal, rose-colored hues. But, the pink lakes of France aren’t always as vibrant as they look on Instagram and TikTok. And there are more ways to visit the pink lakes of France than you might think. Did you know you can see the pink salt lakes for free?

To plan an epic trip to the pink salt lakes in France and avoid being disappointed or paying too much for a mediocre view, keep reading!

Bright pink salt lake on a clear blue sky day.

Where are the Pink Lakes of France?

Pink lakes are found in salt producing regions. In France, there are two pink lakes. Both are in the Camargue, a marshy wetland area in the south of France. The closest city to the Camargue is Arles, however it’s also a short drive from Marseille!

There are several different ways to see the pink lakes: on foot, on a tourist train, and from multiple lookout points.

But first, let’s compare the two different pink salt lakes in the Camargue, Salin d’Aigues-Mortes and Salin de Giraud.

Salt flats with pink hue with ocean in the background.

Aigues-Mortes vs. Salin de Giraud

Aigues-Mortes

Aigues-Mortes is the best known spot for pink lakes in the Camargue.

Located on the opposite side of the region from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, itโ€™s an easy drive, taking approximately 30 minutes. Aigues-Mortes is around one hour from Arles.

Once in Aigues-Mortes, you can view the lakes in a few different ways:

  • Le Petit Train: The tourist train takes you close to the pink lake, where you can stop briefly for photos. This is the best option for people who just want to see the lakes. It’s just like those little tourist trains you see all over France. The train gives you some historical information (only in French), and takes you directly to the lake. You’re able to get out for a few minutes and take some photos before hopping in for the return trip. The downside of the train is that if you don’t speak French, you miss a lot. Plus, your time by the lakes is brief.
    • Cost: 13โ‚ฌ per person
    • Hours: From 3/30 to 9/29, trains leave every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. During the peak summer months, there are trains up to 7 p.m. In the winter, there are as few as 2 trains a day. Check the timetable for your visit.
  • Walk or Bicycle: Both options let you reach the lakes directly, bringing you right to the shoreline and offering more time for exploration and photos. These options also require an admission fee. Plus, they are weather dependent. If the mistral is blowing, or if it’s too hot and humid, a walk or bike ride to the lakes can be pretty uncomfortable. Explore on your own or join a guided walking tour (reservation required, 3-4 per day, 21โ‚ฌ per person) for more detailed information about the pink salt lakes, salt production in France, and salt harvesting in the Camargue.
    • Cost: 9โ‚ฌ per person (walking); 13โ‚ฌ per person (bicycle)
    • Hours: Last entry 2 hours before closing (around 3 p.m.)
  • Tower Walls and Ramparts of Aigues Mortes: Tour the historic walls of Aigues-Mortes for an elevated view of the lakes. From this vantage, youโ€™ll enjoy a sweeping view of the pink waters and surrounding landscape without paying the full entry fee for closer access. The ramparts are a good option if you are short on time, or prefer to combine a view of the pink lakes with another activity. The ramparts and tower walls are a historical landmark in their own right, dating back several centuries.
    • Cost: 9โ‚ฌ per person
    • Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (open until 7 p.m. from May-August), with last admission 45 minutes before closing time

Note: All attractions, including the tourist train and ramparts, close around 5:00 p.m., so visiting later in the evening isnโ€™t possible.

I had planned to visit Aigues-Mortes, but I ran out of time. I knew I didn’t have enough time to drive there and make the last train. I’d read disappointed reviews from people who tried to show up at the ramparts near closing time and were denied entry. I didn’t want to drive all the way out there from the opposite side of the Camargue only to be turned away.

Salin de Giraud

Pink salt pans at Salin de Giraud in the Camargue.

Salin de Giraud is less well known than Aigues-Mortes, and it also offers pink salt pans. It’s closer to Arles, less crowded, and best of all it’s free.

I drove to Salin de Giraud from Arles (around 30 minutes) but you can get there by bus. Take the A10 from Arles and get off at the Salin de Giraud tourist center stop. From there, it’s around a 30 minute walk to the observation point.

Oh, and you can also see wild flamingos down the road from the Salin de Giraud observation point.

Salin de Giraud offers:

  • Salt Pan Observation Mound: A lookout point that provides a birdโ€™s-eye view of the pink salt pans. Itโ€™s free to visitโ€”just search Google Maps for the “Salt Pan Observation Mound” near Salin de Giraud, or “Point dโ€™observation des salins” in French. There is also a small boutique where you can buy salt. From the salt pan lookout you can also see giant hills of salt waiting to be packaged.
    • Cost: Free
    • Hours: Open 24 hours
  • Walking Trails: Trails lead closer to the salt pans, though these require an entry fee. While itโ€™s less structured than Aigues-Mortes, this areaโ€™s trails allow you to enjoy the pink lake views from unique vantage points, particularly if you prefer a quiet setting.
    • Cost: 12โ‚ฌ per person
    • Hours: Trail access closes around 3 p.m.

When to Visit: Best Times of Year for Pink Views

The best time to see pink lakes in the south of France is during the summer months, from late May through September. In summer, the high temperatures cause the waterโ€™s salinity to peak, intensifying the color of the pink-hued algae.

From May to August, the lakes grow steadily more pink. July and August are considered the peak season for the most vibrant colors. From August, the pink hues fade a bit.

This time of year is also when you’ll see more flamingos (and more wildlife in general). If you’re combining a trip to the salt lakes with a Camargue horseback trip or birding trip, this is the time to come.

Wild pink flamingos gather near the shoreline with marsh grass in the foreground.

Of course, summer is also the most crowded time to visit the Camargue. This can mean lots more people trying to see the pink lakes. I would recommend getting advance tickets for the tourist train during those months if that’s your preferred way to see the pink salt lakes.

The lakes can still be quite pink during the shoulder seasons of fall and spring, but the intensity of the color depends on recent weather patterns. Colors may be more pastel than intense.

During the winter, the lakes lose their pink hue almost entirely as temperatures drop and algae activity slows. If youโ€™re visiting purely for the lakes, winter may not be worth it.


Are the Pink Lakes Worth Visiting?

Is it worth visiting the pink lakes, or is it all social media hype? It depends on your expectations.

  • Color Intensity: The lakes can be incredibly pinkโ€”almost neonโ€”especially in the summer. But the color varies with season, weather, and time of day. Late afternoons are often the best time for intense pinks, while mornings can have more muted tones and sunset can cause the water to look purple, not pink.
  • Crowd Levels: Aigues-Mortes gets very crowded in summer, particularly on weekends. The usual advice to go early or late and avoid the crowds doesn’t work here, because colors are muted in the morning and tours stop in the early evening. Be prepared for crowds in Aigues-Mortes, and leave yourself time to wait for the best angles. If you prefer enjoying nature in quiet, like I do, visit Salin de Giraud instead. It tends to be quieter.
  • Overhyped?: Will the lakes look super hot pink? Honestly, probably not. The color was less dramatic than I expected, though still notably pink. If you are interested in unique natural landscapes, rather than Instagrammable scenes, and understand that color varies, you’ll still enjoy your visit. If you’re only interested in the most vibrant hues, check recent posts on social media geotagged with the Camargue, Aigues-Mortes, or Salin de Giraud. Decide for yourself if it’s worth visiting based on the most recent images or videos shared.

Why Are the Lakes Pink?

The pink hue of these lakes is due to Dunaliella salina, a type of algae that thrives in high-salinity environments. To protect itself from the intense sun, the algae produces beta-carotene, which gives it a pinkish color. This color then infuses the surrounding water, turning it striking pink.


Tips for Visiting

  • Dress for the Weather: The Camargue can be windyโ€”particularly when the mistral is blowingโ€”so layer up even in the summer.
  • Entry Fees: Be prepared to pay admission if you want to get up close to the lakes.
  • Plan for Daytime Visits: Since attractions close by 5:00 p.m., aim to arrive early to take full advantage.
  • Bring a Camera: The pink lakes offer a unique photo opportunity, so donโ€™t forget a camera to capture the colors!

Whether youโ€™re snapping photos from Aigues-Mortesโ€™ ramparts or marveling at Salin de Giraudโ€™s observation point, the pink lakes of the Camargue are a surreal and unforgettable sight. Enjoy the journey and the view!

Iโ€™ll be sharing my full south of France itinerary soon, packed with insider tips to help you plan an unforgettable trip to Provence including Arles and the Camargue. Want in?ย Sign up for my email listย and youโ€™ll get an early bird discount when the itinerary drops! ๐ŸŒžโœˆ๏ธ