Provence Camargue Saint Martin de Crau


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Saint-Martin de Crau

Population : 11.300 h. Altitude : 23 m. Surface : 23.000 ha.

Bouches du Rhône department.

On the N113 (and A54) between Arles (14km) and Salon de Provence (24km).

Saint-Martin de Crau extends over a vast area (one of the largest in France) at the heart of the Arles area, south of the Alpilles and at the gateway to the Camargue, between Arles and Salon de Provence.

Classified as the second natural area to be protected in Europe, La Crau is an immense alluvial plain of pebbles set down by the action of the Durance river.

This ancient delta, formed more than 2 million years ago is today a vast wild steppe land where a fragile nature reigns supreme.

The exceptional environment is maintained by around 100.000 sheep which, each year shift between the plain and the higher slopes in the alps. It is also a wonderful area for ornithology with numerous rare species to be seen, some of them unique in France.

Country town but a town of contrast....the size of the Saint Martin de Crau allows it to be a natural area whilst being connected to a vast agglomeration of 3 million population by the motorway network.

The population of Saint Martin la Crau are lucky to be able to live in the country whilst working in the towns of Arles, Salon, Avignon or Aix.

Thanks to it's strategic position St Martin is a good place to stay if you wish to easily discover all the delights of the surrounding region, from Les Baux de Provence to Martigues via Saint Rémy de Provence or even Saintes Maries de la Mer, a large part of Provence is easily accessible from here.

Places to visit :

The mairie (1929). The church(1876).
EcoMuseum of St Martin de Crau : nature exhibitions.>
Visit the Manades (horse and bull farms)

Leisure :

Friday morning market
Walking, horse riding and mountain biking.
Fishing. Tennis. Horse riding.
Swimming pool open all year round.
Gym (weekly membership). Health trail.
Golf, 3 greens and 8 place practice tee.
Guided visits organised by the EcoMuseum and tourist office
Bull fighting events, equestrian events
and horse races in the roman arena
Cultural events at the Etang des Aulnes
(concerts, exhibitions...).
Numerous summer events, culture crafts, art...

Accommodation :

Bed and Breakfast
Hôtels-restaurants.
Furnished lettings. Holiday Houses.
3 camp sites, one farm site.

Neighbouring villages :

Mouriès (9km), Maussane ( 10km), Paradou (10km) Arles (14km) and Salon de Provence (24km)