Overview
Saint-Martin-de-Crau sits on the edge of La Crau, the only arid steppe in Europe, offering a rare landscape of dry grasslands and wetlands. The town was founded in 1925 and developed through migrations of melon producers from Cavaillon in the 1950s and steelworkers from Lorraine in the 1970s.
Architecture · Day Trips · Festivals · History · Nature
Before you go
Accessibility
Tourism center (Maison du tourisme) at 2 Avenue de la République can assist visitors with disabilities. Public pool and skate park available.
Culture
Traditional Provençal town with course camarguaise bullrunning at the Louis-Thiers Arena from March-November. Spring Festival celebrates transhumance with 2000+ sheep parade.
Nature
La Crau is the only arid steppe in Europe. Étang des Aulnes offers lake walks. Several marked hiking trails including Circuit de la Garrigue (views of Alpilles) and Chemin d'Ilon (16 km round trip).
Transport
Gare de Saint-Martin-de-Crau connects to Arles and Salon-de-Provence via TER regional trains. Marseille-Provence Airport is 30 km away with free shuttle to train station.
Weather
Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (up to 29°C) and mild winters (1-2°C). Nearly 95 days of summer drought. Rainiest in March/April and October.