PINK PONY CLUB

GOES ON A RIVER CRUISE FULL OF ROSE HUES AND ANIMAL MAGIC IN CAMARGUE, SOUTHERN FRANCE Taking the reins of the boat was a different experience entirely.

- CHLOE GOVAN

It was remarkably easy as there are no locks to negotiate on the waterways of the Camargue, so no prior experience is necessary. It can be driven in the open air on the upstairs sun deck or from the interior below if you need a little respite from the weather.

With five en suite cabins, plus a spacious sofa in the saloon that can convert into an extra bed, there was plenty of space.

And our next excursion plunged us straight into the quintessentially Camarguaise scene that adorns the postcards and fridge magnets in the souvenir shops slender white horses strolling down the beach at sunset, a flame orange hue lighting up the sky. Ecurie des Dunes offers two-hour beach riding sessions for around £50.

Also in the area is the unmissable 17th century lighthouse Phare de l'Espiguette, which offers panoramic views to those willing to climb the spiral staircase to the top.

The wildlife adventures continued when we spotted flamingos. For close-up views of the elegant pink birds, Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gau fits the bill. But you can also see wild flamingos at Scamandre Nature Reserve - a haven of biodiversity surrounded by beautiful marshes accessed via boardwalks. Here I caught sight of tiny flamingos so young they hadn't yet turned pink.