Plizio Visual Lab

Saint-Martin-de-Crau

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
—°10710
Saint-Martin-de-Crau (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Saint-Martin-de-Crau

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The Crau steppe is open and exposed; always bring sun protection, plenty of water, and a hat.
  • Visit the Écomusée de la Crau to fully understand the unique, semi-arid ecosystem before heading out.
  • The Mistral wind can be surprisingly strong here; check the local weather forecast before planning outdoor activities.
  • Renting a bicycle is one of the best ways to explore the extensive flat landscapes of the surrounding countryside.

🍽 Food

🍽
Foin de Crau flavored products

Look for local cheeses or meats flavored with the famous Crau hay at the weekly farmers market.

🍽
Taureau de Camargue

Try this robust bull meat stew at traditional Provençal restaurants in the town center.

🍽
Local Olive Oil

Taste and purchase authentic olive oils from nearby estates at specialized local grocery stores.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Weekly Friday Market

A lively place to buy fresh regional produce, from seasonal fruits to lavender products.

🛍
Provençal Honey

Pick up a jar of local rosemary or lavender honey from artisan producers in the area.

🧘
Arboretum Le Jardin de la Crau

A peaceful botanical garden first-rate for a shaded walk away from the summer heat.

🧘
Rétro-littoral marshes

A calm, natural area nearby that is excellent for quiet bird watching.

Highlights of 2026

10

Spanning the vast, sun-baked plains of the Crau region, Saint-Martin-de-Crau represents a dramatically different face of Provence, far removed from coastal resorts and perched villages. This sprawling commune serves as the gateway to the Crau, Europe's only dry steppe, an ancient river delta formed by pebbles deposited by the Durance River over millennia. This stark, pebble-strewn landscape provides a crucial habitat for rare steppe birds like the pin-tailed sandgrouse and the little bustard, making the Écomusée de la Crau in the town center for ecological understanding. Beyond the dry steppe, the territory includes lush, irrigated meadows where the famous Crau hay, the only animal feed in France with an AOC designation, is cultivated. The town itself has a strong pastoral identity, closely tied to sheep farming and Provencal traditions. Visitors can explore the Arboretum, an expansive green space showcasing local and exotic trees, or attend the lively Printemps de la Crau festival, which celebrates the local transhumance (the seasonal movement of sheep). For travelers seeking sweeping, open landscapes, profound ecological heritage, and rural authenticity, Saint-Martin is a captivating, off-the-beaten-path destination.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C881114182225252117128
Rain mm453538474328162154738745

Geography

Population
11,555
Coordinates
43.63970, 4.81250

Facts

  • Population: approximately 14,145 inhabitants.
  • Geographic coordinates: 43.6397 N, 4.8125 E.
  • Postal code: 13310.
  • Agriculture: Famous for producing the world's only AOC-labeled hay.
  • Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
  • Ecology: Home to the Maison de la Crau (ecomuseum).

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Saint-Martin-de-Crau (7)

Crau Nature Reserve🌿 nature

The last steppe landscape in Western Europe, famous for its unique biodiversity and traditional sheep farming.

Gaston's Garden Arboretum🌿 nature

A beautiful botanical garden featuring a wide variety of tree species and peaceful waterside walking paths.

Maison de la Crau🎭 culture

An information center offering exhibitions on the natural heritage and environmental management of the Crau region.

François Mitterrand Square🏙 civic

The town's main square, a venue for weekly markets and local festivals, surrounded by traditional buildings.

Domaine du Lac🌿 nature

Domaine du Lac is a lake in Saint Martin De Crau, offering a peaceful setting for walks and enjoying the surrounding scenery.

Parcours Aventure👨‍👩‍👧 family

Parcours Aventure is a playground in Saint Martin De Crau, offering a great space for children to play and families to relax.

Aire "Li Pichoun"👨‍👩‍👧 family

Aire "Li Pichoun" is a playground in Saint Martin De Crau, offering a great space for children to play and families to relax.

Frequently asked questions

What is special about the Crau plain?
It is the last steppe in Western Europe, a unique ecosystem with rare flora and fauna between Arles and Salon-de-Provence.
Can you visit the eco-museum?
The Maison de la Crau provides exhibitions on the nature and history of the region and is the starting point for nature trails.
What outdoor activities are offered?
The area is excellent for bird watching, hiking, and cycling through the vast landscapes of Provence.
When does the market in Saint-Martin take place?
The weekly market takes place every Friday morning, offering typical Provençal products like olive oil and herbs.
Is the town suitable for families?
Yes, there are many parks, sports facilities, and child-friendly nature experiences that make the town very livable.
Saint-Martin-de-Crau: where is it located?
Saint-Martin-de-Crau is located in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.
Saint-Martin-de-Crau: what is there to see?
Highlights include Crau Nature Reserve, Gaston's Garden Arboretum, Maison de la Crau.
Saint-Martin-de-Crau: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Saint-Martin-de-Crau: why is it worth visiting?
Spanning the vast, sun-baked plains of the Crau region, Saint-Martin-de-Crau represents a dramatically different face of Provence, far removed from coastal resorts and perched villages.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in France →

Nearby cities