FACT OF THE DAY Olivier Bayle, the storyteller from Camargue

All you have to do is step into your Land Rover and you'll immediately feel in the mood. A raseteur's hook, a bull's forehead, a piece of horn… we are indeed here in the lands of the Camargue. However, all these objects are not there to look pretty but to tell the history of this territory and its traditions. “I use it to explain to customers, in a concrete way, how breeding is practiced, the conditions in which the bulls and horses live, the use of certain accessories… and people like that! » It must be said that Olivier Bayle is a native of the country. Originally from Vauvert, he is known as the white wolf. His kindness, his banter and his humor have made him, over time, an essential character in the Petite Camargue, and well beyond, some would say.

A new professional life

However, Olivier Bayle had not really imagined one day becoming a guide in the Camargue, even if as a child, like many children from this Gard region born in the 60s, he kept telling his mother that later he would would become a herdsman and live among the bulls. And his dream, in which he no longer believed for a long time, was partly realized three years ago. “I had spent more than thirty-five years at Saur, (Urban and rural development company specializing in water management, Editor's note) over time, I no longer found myself in human relations, my job weighed on me, I felt that I was reaching the end of the adventure. So I decided to take the plunge, leave the company and start a new professional life. » But as is often the case in these cases, it's easier said than done!

It was a chance meeting that reinforced his idea, which had been brewing for years, to become a guide and offer it to tourists – but also to locals! – 4×4 safaris to discover the fauna, flora and of course the Camargue traditions. This is how the Camargue of yesteryear was born. “I was afraid at the beginning that the concept wouldn't appeal, that I wouldn't be able to get by financially… and above all I didn't know if I would be up to the challenge. » But the doubts disappeared as quickly as the first customers appeared. In a few weeks, Olivier managed to find his feet. With his knowledge of local traditions and heritage, he quickly became an essential storyteller in the Camargue. His verbal ability and his empathy towards customers do the rest. “There is no question of taking people for fools. I must tell them about the authenticity of our traditions, but also the economic and environmental issues linked to this territory which is both wild and fragile. And for this, I rely on anecdotes and stories not always known to the general public. » And the principle works rather well if we judge by the numerous glowing comments left by customers on its website. Here, authenticity most often rhymes with conviviality. “Depending on customer requests, I adapt, underlines Olivier Bayle. I try to make every outing a spectacle. For this, I do not hesitate to put the children on horses, to stop among the bulls…I want people to leave here happy with memories in their heads.”

It is not uncommon for the Gard guide to make friends with tourists, as was the case last year with Quebecers. “After their stay in the region and the half-day spent together discovering the wild Camargue, we stayed in touch. Back in Quebec, they wrote to me and they were so delighted with this walk and the exchanges we had that they invited my wife and me to come to their home. This is what we did in January. They welcomed us with open arms and, of course, they returned the favor by showing us around their region, but this time under a meter of snow! »smiles the former Camargue boss whose company had a great summer season this year. “Nearly 90% of my clientele is French, the rest is shared between Belgians, many of them, Brazilians, Americans and even Italians. »

Troufy, the friend of forty years

In addition to his verve and his endearing personality, Olivier Bayle also benefits, during his excursions, from a major advantage with the possibility offered to him by the owner of the Martini manade, Bernard Fougairolles whom everyone friendly nicknames Troufy, d to survey as he pleases the 150 private hectares that make up his country in Franquevaux. “I owe a lot to Bernard, confides Olivier Bayle who was an amateur keeper in the herd for a long time. Right from the start, he told me: you are at home here. And that is priceless! » It is also from the manade car park that the safari begins. Direction, first of all, the Cistercian abbey of Franquevaux dating from the 12th century. This is followed by a short stop at the bridge tavern with a view of the reed bed. “It’s an opportunity to talk about the animals that live there, the nesting of birds and of course the production of lamb. » Then discovery of the Croix de Camargue “with a presentation by Folco de Baroncelli”, visit to the herd up close to the bulls and horses in freedom, without forgetting the observation of herons and pink flamingos, the totem animal of Olive. The 55 kilometer long route lasts on average three to four hours for a cost per adult of €55. “Today, I will be unable to return to work as an employee,” assures the fifty-year-old. My life is there among the bulls and horses telling stories, laughing and bringing joy to people. Which, at the moment, is no easy feat! »