Exceptional rainfall causes severe flooding

The Marais du Vigueirat suffered severe flooding in mid-October due to an unusual Mediterranean weather event. This event brought massive water inflows from the entire catchment area and overflows from surrounding canals, submerging a large part of the Camargue region.

Intense rainfall lasts over 24 hours

The unprecedented intensity of rainfall began on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026, in Mas-Thibert, and intensified through the night of Monday to Tuesday, peaking between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m. The rain continued throughout Tuesday, stopping only around 8 p.m. Rain gauges recorded over 200 mm of rainfall in 24 hours, with estimates possibly reaching 300 mm.

Canals overflow for nearly 24 hours

Overflowing canals contributed significantly to the flood, with the Vigueirat canal continuing to rise for nearly 24 hours after the rain stopped. It reached its maximum level on Thursday, October 22, at 4 a.m., with a flow rate of 40 m³/s, causing overflows and significant degradation of the banks, though no major breaches occurred.

Floods originate from outside the marsh

Although the autumn water refill had begun at the start of October, the basins contained only 30 cm of water at the time of the storm. The management team had anticipated the event by leaving filling structures open and activating the Étourneau pump to drain water north of the site. However, the flood came from outside, entering through overflows and leaks under the pressure of exceptional water masses.

Drainage system overwhelmed by heavy rains

The Arles à Bouc canal, normally used to drain the site, was too high to allow outflow. This canal is the only outlet to the sea for a large catchment area of about 900 km². After exceptional rains of 200 to 400 mm in 36 hours, the canal proved insufficient to quickly drain the waters, causing a slow recession of the floodwaters.

Flood impacts visitors and local agriculture

As early as Wednesday morning, the visitors' parking lot, the platform in front of the reception, and several buildings were under water. Many flooded roads disrupted access from Arles and Saint-Martin-de-Crau, and pastoral issues arose as cattle and horses faced the flooding of the basins. Some farmers began evacuating their herds when the land became accessible again, and feeding was exceptionally authorized despite usual restrictions.

Slow recovery expected after the flood

Several days after the event, the water continued to rise in the marsh before a slight decrease began on Saturday, October 24. Managers estimate that it will take several more days to return to normal hydraulic conditions. Until water levels decrease and the condition of public access infrastructure is assessed, the site will have to remain closed.