Le Vallon des Cigales

Le Vallon des Cigales covers 6 hectares of holm oaks and pines, in Istres, in the Bouches-du-Rhône, between the Étang de Berre and the Mediterranean. The site is on the Route de Saint-Chamas, 3.4 km from the railway station. The natural Monteau beach is 200 m away, the developed La Romaniquette beach 1.5 km, while Arles and Les Baux-de-Provence are about 45 minutes away by car.

Rated 4 stars Tourisme since May 2022, the campsite has 100 pitches of 100 to 120 m² for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as about sixty mobile homes and chalets. The range goes from the 20 m² model to the 40 m² high-comfort one, with a 35 m² chalet adapted for guests with reduced mobility. A 3,000 m² animal area is home to horses, ponies, goats, ducks and turkeys.

As for opening, the campsite states that it welcomes guests all year round, for short and long stays alike. It also publishes a winter rate grid for 2026, valid from 1 January to 1 April and then from 1 October to 31 December, covering rental units, tents and motorhomes alike. Nothing is specified about heating in the accommodation: it is best to ask reception before booking a winter stay.

Reception is open from 9am to 12pm and from 4pm to 7pm in low and mid season, with afternoon-only opening on Sundays, then from 8:30am to 9pm in July and August.

Arles and Les Baux-de-Provence 45 minutes away, Camargue 1 hour; the campsite's fitness trail and natural Monteau beach 200 m away.

The campsite offers simple but complete services for a stay of a few nights or several weeks. Reception has free Wi-Fi, while coverage across the rest of the site is paid. A launderette with a dryer, washing-up sinks and a service point for motorhomes complete the set-up, and pets are accepted for a supplement of €2 per day according to the rate grid consulted.

For food and drink, there is a bar, a snack bar, a brasserie and an ice cream parlour around a large covered terrace. The restaurant, however, only operates in July and August: outside that period, it is best to plan your shopping or meals in Istres. The entrance has a parking area for coaches.

The campsite’s swimming pool is unsupervised; its opening dates are not published, and nothing suggests that it is used in winter. The youngest enjoy a water play area, a 300 m² CrossPark (nets and climbing structures) and a play area. Payments are made by bank card, in cash, by standard or connected holiday vouchers (chèques-vacances), or remotely by card; cheques are no longer accepted. The campsite is also listed with Vacaf.

On site, the programme revolves around water and the outdoors. Aqua aerobics takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30am, with further sessions at the end of the day from Monday to Wednesday. Children aged 5 to 15 can take part in outdoor activities on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5pm to 6pm. The site also has a fitness trail, including modules accessible to guests with reduced mobility, and a pétanque court; a visit to the animal area appeals mostly to the youngest.

For swimming in the Étang de Berre, two beaches are within reach: Monteau, 200 m away, remains natural and quiet, while La Romaniquette, 1.5 km east of the town, is equipped and offers water sports such as flyboarding, towed tubes or jet skiing. Istres then offers its old town, and the shores of the lagoon are good for walks.

The campsite also serves as a base for exploring Provence: Arles and Les Baux-de-Provence are 45 minutes away by car, Roussillon 55 minutes, the Camargue an hour, Avignon 1 hour 10 and the Pont du Gard 1 hour 20. These outings have no particular season. For getting around without a car, the local “Allo le Bus” network serves the town.