The Villepey ponds: a true corner of paradise between sea and land
There is a magical place, the “Petite Camargue”, where the fresh water of the Argens meets the salt water of the Mediterranean.
This site is a true natural playground, where protected fauna and flora offer a unique spectacle. Imagine yourself as a lookout, camera or telescope in hand, watching for every precious moment.
An unexpected encounter at the bend of a path? At the Villepey ponds, everything becomes possible. A real dazzle.
Explore the ecological wealth of the Villepey ponds
This site is a real patchwork of natural environments: ponds, lagoons, mudflats, dunes, pine forests, wet and dry meadows... Every corner is full of surprises, and if you pay attention, you will discover exceptional plant species, such as the euphorbia peplis or the sea lily, as well as rare plants that border the transition zones between salt water and fresh water.
A rediscovered heritage for hikers and history lovers
The Villepey Ponds are a haven for more than 220 species of birds. Flamingos, ducks, herons, and even birds of prey are part of this lively spectacle. You will also come across the European pond turtle or more discreet species such as bats, and rare insects. The fish come from the Argens or the sea, adding an aquatic touch to this incredibly rich picture.
We had an incredible family day at the Villepey ponds. Our children, aged 8 and 10, were delighted to go on an adventure to discover the birds. We had a lovely walk along the paths and, thanks to the observatories, we were able to observe magnificent herons, egrets and even a few flamingos up close. It was a magical moment, far from the noise and hustle and bustle, and everyone loved it. We will be back with pleasure!
The Villepey ponds: a protected natural sanctuary
It is a protected site, recognized internationally: classified as ZNIEFF, registered in Natura 2000, and even registered with the Ramsar Convention for its key role in the preservation of wetlands. A true sanctuary for nature. The coastal guards, ensuring respect for this fragile biodiversity, are there to guide you, answer your questions and guarantee compliance with the essential rules for the conservation of this unique place.
Access to the site is well supervised, and to preserve this fragile balance, you are asked to respect a series of instructions: stay on the marked trails, do not pick the plants, do not feed the animals, and above all, do not leave any trace of your passage. In return, you will witness one of the last secrets of Mediterranean nature, where each season transforms the landscape, each visit promises a new encounter.
There are two sides to the site to discover: on the Esclamandes and Saint-Aygulf beaches side, you will discover the richness of the dune cordon, the reed beds and the riparian forest, before immersing yourself in local traditions at the Esclamandes farm. On the other side, on the coastal path side, the landscapes are transformed along the way, between bodies of water, vegetation and varied fauna.
Let yourself be guided by the colours of nature throughout the seasons, come and explore with a naturalist guide or on your own. And in February, don't miss the "World Wetlands Days": a perfect opportunity to take part in activities, guided tours, workshops and exhibitions. And if you come across a coastal guard, don't hesitate to ask them your questions, they are there to help you better understand this natural treasure.
The Villepey Ponds await you, ready to amaze you at every turn. Respect this magical place, and it will repay you a hundredfold.
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