AN INCOMPARABLE NATURAL HERITAGE
Visible for several kilometers from the N568, this pebble desert has a real natural wealth of flora and fauna and is also closely linked to local pastoral practices. It attracts curious people, nature lovers and ornithologists from all over the world. The Écomusée de la Crau, located near the church of Saint-Martin de Crau, is a must to better understand the personality and soul of La Crau.
ENTRY TICKET TO DISCOVER THE CRAU
Step by step, discover at the Écomusée de la Crau, fun explanations illustrated by magnificent photos and videos presenting the contrasting landscapes between arid steppe and green bocage, the agro-pastoral activities and the extraordinary nature enjoyed by the Crau.
The scenography of the Écomusée is well thought out. It allows us to understand the interaction between man and nature on this plain grazed by sheep for millennia.
It also highlights major regional issues in the Crau, such as sheep farming of the "Mérinos d'Arles" breed, the production of Crau Hay (AOP & AOC), and water resource management. Young audiences particularly enjoy the animated film directed by Eric Serre, first assistant director of "Kirikou" and "Azur and Asmar." It offers a dreamlike interpretation of the formation of the Crau plain, drawing on the myth of Heracles.
ACCM TourismLES COUSSOULS DE CRAU, AN ATYPICAL ENVIRONMENT
The Crau plain is a semi-arid steppe of 60 ha located at the gates of Arles, between Alpilles and the Mediterranean. It reflects the interaction between man and nature for millennia. Also called "coussoul", it is covered with pebbles deposited by the Durance in its ancient delta over millions of years. It is home to a plant association unique in the world and a fauna whose richness and composition have no equivalent in France. This is the only national breeding site for the Ganga Cata, a ground-nesting bird.
The coussoul has been traversed by sheep since the Neolithic. Today it remains the main land for transhumant sheep farming in Basse Provence. 160 breeders graze 100 sheep there. It is an essential practice for maintaining its ecosystem.
AND ZEUS CREATED CRAU
The Greek tragedian Aeschylus gives the oldest version of the formation of the Crau plain. In a passage from his play Prometheus Delivered, dating from the 5th century BC, he recounts… La Crau was formed following a rain of stones poured by Zeus, the god of the storm. Zeus wanted to save his son Heracles, out of arrows, attacked by the Ligurian giants while he was going to Spain to conquer the oxen of Geryon...
Many other legends explain the formation of this “stony” plain.
MEAU SKIN INTERPRETATION TRAIL
Located in the heart of the Coussouls de Crau National Nature Reserve, the Peau de Meau trail takes you into the heart of a mysterious environment. It is approximately 5 km long, punctuated by 15 interpretation panels. It addresses several themes such as pastoralism, nature, insects, birds, etc. With a little patience it is possible to observe the famous Ganga cata, the Little Bustard, the Greater Oedicnema or the Hoopoe… And many other species of birds which nest or migrate to Crau during the summer period. All these birds are subject to special protection. The co-managers of the Reserve, CEN PACA and the Bouches-du-Rhône Chamber of Agriculture, ensure the protection and maintenance of these emblematic species.
Refer to the access conditions.
i.FilasetaLA CRAU, NOT SO DESERTED AS THAT!
WILDLIFE SIDE
Many birds in Crau originate from the steppes of North Africa or the Iberian Peninsula. In France, only coussoul presents the same living conditions. La Crau is therefore home to a large part of the national population of these species such as the Lesser Kestrel, the Calandra Lark and the Little Bustard. Sometimes even, the entire population as for the Ganga cata. Of the 479 species of birds known in France, nearly 300 can be observed in Crau and 150 in the Reserve.
The largest lizard in France
Other species inhabit the Crau plain, such as the famous ocellated lizard, or " Lo rasado " as it's known in Provence. It's the largest lizard in France! It's recognizable by the blue spots that adorn its flanks. The Crau grasshopper, or Rhône grasshopper, is an endemic species of the Crau plain. A "brachypterous" species, its atrophied wings prevent it from flying. The grasshopper is found in undisturbed coussouls (sandstone grasslands), in sparsely grazed areas where vegetation is abundant. It moves very little and is flightless. It is therefore considered one of the species most sensitive to coussoul fragmentation. This is why it is important to protect it. In fact, a LIFE project, "SOS Crau Grasshopper," was launched in 2021.
Many other insects and animals frequent the Crau.
Yann Toutain-CEN PACA
Axel Wolff – CEN PACAFLORA SIDE
The coussoul is home to few rare or threatened plants. However, the association of plants such as Ayard's asphodel, thyme or hairy stem makes it a unique plant community in the world. Like all dry Mediterranean lawns, it is protected under the European Habitats Directive (Natura 2000).
It's important to know that the emblematic species is false brome , the most common grass in the coussoul. It's the staple food of sheep. While not very palatable, it has the advantage of being a perennial species and therefore available at any time. False brome resists drought by protecting its underground stems under the pebbles where humidity is higher and temperatures are cooler.
TWO TREASURE HUNTS TO EXPERIENCE
In the heart of Crau or at the Ecomuseum, lead the investigation with family or friends to discover the treasures of this very special environment...
These treasure hunts are free and open to all, a fun way to learn while having fun and getting hooked on Crau!
CONDITIONS OF ACCESS TO THE PEAU DE MEAU INTERPRETATION TRAIL
Obtain a permit (€3) and a map from the Crau Ecomuseum . The 4,7 km Peau de Meau trail is equipped with interpretive panels and allows you to immerse yourself in the heart of the Crau region. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the trail.
Access : From Saint-Martin de Crau, take the D24 towards Fos-sur-Mer, then turn left towards "Étang des Aulnes". After the Manade Lescot ranch, follow the path on the left, cross the Vergières Canal, the parking lot is on your right.
Starting point : parking lot for the interpretive trail (43.571694, 4.831917)
Regulations : It is imperative to stay on the marked trails to preserve the fragility of the environment and the site. Dogs are prohibited. All littering, all removal of wildlife, plants, or minerals, and all damage to the environment (sporting events, fires, bivouacking, camping, and noisy, motorized activities that may disturb wildlife and damage the site) are prohibited.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Timetable information and prices for visiting the Écomuseum and access to Crau
Maison de la Crau – 2 place Léon Michaud
13310 St Martin de Crau
+04 90 47 02 01
ecomusee.crau@cen-paca.org
https://cen-paca.org/decrouvrir/ecomusee-de-la-crau
LIFE program “SOS cricket of Crau”: lifecriquetdecrau.com
i.FilasetaGOOD TO KNOW
Several outings and events are organized by the Écomusée de la Crau
– Free outings in the Crau region are organized several months of the year, every first Friday of the month, for individual customers.
– Thematic outings including ornithological
– Possibility of guided tours for groups, schools, etc. on request
– Temporary exhibitions
– Conferences
– Workshops, activities especially during school holidays
The ecomuseum shop
More than a hundred product references make it up: naturalist works, children's books, publications from the Conservatory of Natural Spaces of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, local products, soft toys, key rings, etc.
A section is dedicated to transhumance and pastoralism. A prominent place is given to articles from responsible sectors or which promote local know-how.
