There is, in the South of France, a triangle of wonders which can be located between Montpellier, Avignon and Marseille. The exact limits can be extended slightly. Just look on a map and you’ll have a general idea of the location of this French/Bermuda triangle. This is a triangle, you may want to disappear in and stay for ever!
Within this French/Bermuda triangle, there is a specific region, which is like no others: the Camargue and in Camargue, there is a place where you will want to stay…
Note: This post includes affiliated links down below. If you decide to book a room at this hotel, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own anyway. I just really loved this place and had to tell you about it.
The Camargue region
The Camargue is natural reserve tucked between the two arms of the Rhone river and the Mediterranean Sea. As a river delta, it is a vast plain which comprises lagoons, ponds, marshes, sandbars and is a heaven for wildlife.
If, by any chance, you read the story of the dead fish (this isn’t the title of a book! just on my stories) you already know a little about the place I’m talking about.
The Camargue region is famous for its majestic white horses. They used to be wild & free and could be seen running around in the shallow waters or on the beaches. Although some still live in semi-wild conditions, these horses are now mostly ridden by the Camargue’s traditional cowboys and tourists.
Another emblems of Camargue is the flamingos but the less appreciated inhabitants of this area is undoubtedly the ferocious mosquitoes!
In the Camargue region, there is the Lodge Sainte Helene
The sun was scorching when we arrived at the lodge. We parked or car under the shade of the porch in front of our room, a well thought and very welcomed architectural addition which not only keeps your car cool, but hides it away. We walked in our room and the peacefulness of the decoration of the room immediately healed my eyes, which had been blinded by sun all day. Yeah, I’m a sensitive Gal from the North who doesn’t handle the sun very well!
The mute tones, the earthy style, the natural wood elements of the room combined in such a way that I was filled with quietness and ease. The room was just perfect for me, just so serene. Natural, simple yet elegant, it offered a huge window showing its surrounding, like a frame around a perfect landscape painting.
First thing first… I opened the door to go outside and discovered the outdoor private patio where we were, for sure, going to spend the evening. Each room has its own little patio looking over the lake. The way these patios are arranged is clever, as you still have your privacy and can remain in your own perfect little bubble. The only visitors you get are the ducks!
Next I had to check the bathroom and loved the way it was designed. Rounded earthy countertop with a metal sink, walk-in Italian shower, apparent stones here and there, hangers made from driftwood.❤
My picture do not do justice to how peaceful the room was.
I had seen one comment on Booking about the TV being too small. After having stayed at the lodge, I wondered, why on Earth would anyone need a TV, when staying in such a place? We certainly didn’t need one as we spent the evening outside. We ate & drank wine, we chatted but mostly remained silent and enjoyed the live show provided by the ducks, the swans and the amazing sunset.
The Technical bits
The official website for the lodge is: www.lodge-saintehelene.com
The aerial views on the site gives you a great idea of the impressive setting of the place. Even more beautiful pictures can be found on Booking.
He was dancing with the swan who came to have breakfast!
When there, you can explore the Camargue including the little town of Les Saintes Maries de la Mer.
Do also visit Aigues Mortes, a fortified city which is now inland but was, a few centuries ago, the Mediterranean port from which the Crusaders set out.
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