In the XIX the century, the big delta ‘ Camargue” was protected from the incursions of the sea and from the floods caused by the Rhone River by dykes. Thanks to the installation of steam pumps along the two branches of the river, this allowed the area to cultivate vines as early as1875, at which time most French vineyards were hard hit by the phylloxera crisis. Camargue alone was able to submerge its vines for 40 days or more, thus resisisting the aphid.

The downfall of the vines started in the 1940’s due to the spectacular boom in the production of rice, because France was cut off from its colonies during World War II.

Major work was done at this time on the entire hydraulic system.

For many decades after, the farming of vines, rice and the raising of cattle subsisted side by side.

Nowadays, most of the farms concentrate on the production of cereals (wheat grain and rice), on the raising of bulls, horses and activities for tourists,visitors

Beaujeu is therfore the last “Mas de Camargue” where it is possible to find  balance and respect of yesteryear. Ecocert certifies organic farming since 1974, but our respect for the environment was already the same for our parents and grand-parents.

Fertilization is done with compost of sheep manure.

60%of the land is farmed, for the remaining part we can find ‘enganes’ or grasslands  typical of the area where the superficial layer is de-salted.

Natural and planted hedges are often criticized for causing shade on the plantations ,as well as interference of roots. We have always defended and even replanted them when necessary although this engenders a substantial amount of additional work (maintenance, cutting branches, hauling fallen trees or branches after each strong gust of wind)...