Saint-Martin-de-Crau Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Saint-Martin-de-Crau, France.


Introduction to Saint-Martin-de-Crau

Located in the beautiful region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur in Southern France, Saint-Martin-de-Crau is a tranquil and charming town that offers visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The town is known for its rich cultural history, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious local cuisine.

List of Places to Visit in Saint-Martin-de-Crau

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Saint-Martin-de-Crau has a rich cultural heritage with many museums and historical sites that allow visitors to learn about the town’s history. Some places worth visiting include:

  • Musée de Crau: This museum offers visitors the chance to explore the cultural and natural history of the region, including exhibits on archaeology, geology, and local flora and fauna.
  • Église Saint-Martin: This historic church dates back to the 12th century and features a stunning Romanesque-style architecture. Visitors can explore the church and its beautiful frescoes.
  • Les baux de Provence: This is a medieval village located in the historic Alpilles area of Provence and is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the ancient castle ruins, local boutiques, and art galleries.

Natural Attractions of Saint-Martin-de-Crau: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The stunning natural scenery of Saint-Martin-de-Crau offers visitors plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. Some places worth visiting include:

  • Alpilles Regional Nature Park: This nature reserve is a great place to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the region. Visitors can go hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Camargue Natural Park: This park is located just outside of Saint-Martin-de-Crau and is known for its beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore the park on foot, bike or horseback, and see unique species like pink flamingos and wild horses.
  • Van Gogh Trail: This hiking trail takes visitors on a journey through the stunning landscapes that inspired Vincent Van Gogh’s work. Along the trail, visitors can admire beautiful scenery and see the same landscapes that inspired famous paintings like Sunflowers and The Starry Night.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Saint-Martin-de-Crau

Saint-Martin-de-Crau offers visitors plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful landscapes of the region on foot or by bike. Some popular routes include:

  • Greenway Bike Trail: This 15-kilometer trail takes visitors through the beautiful landscapes of the region, including olive groves, vineyards, and sunflower fields.
  • Les Alpilles Outdoor and Bike Park: This park offers visitors an exciting range of activities, including mountain biking trails, zip-lining, and tree-top adventures. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of outdoor adventures while taking in the stunning natural scenery of the region.

Best Things to Do in Saint-Martin-de-Crau: Activities and Tours

Saint-Martin-de-Crau offers visitors plenty of exciting activities and tours that allow them to experience the best of the region. Some of the best things to do include:

  • Wine Tasting Tours: The region is known for its delicious wines, and visitors can take a tour of local vineyards and wineries to taste some of the best varieties.
  • Horse Riding Tours: Visitors can explore the beautiful landscapes of the region on horseback. Tours are available for riders of all levels, and guides will take visitors on a journey through the stunning scenery of the region.
  • Cooking Classes: Visitors can learn how to prepare some of the delicious local cuisine by taking cooking classes with local chefs. These classes offer visitors the chance to learn about the region’s culinary traditions and prepare some of the most delicious dishes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Saint-Martin-de-Crau

Day 1: Explore the historic town center, including the Eglise Saint-Martin and local museums. Day 2: Hike or bike the Greenway Bike Trail or explore the Alpilles Regional Nature Park. Day 3: Take a wine tasting tour of local vineyards and wineries. Day 4: Visit the beautiful medieval village of Les baux de Provence. Day 5: Take a horseback riding tour of the Camargue Natural Park. Day 6: Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare some of the local cuisine. Day 7: Spend a day relaxing in the stunning natural surroundings of the region or explore more of the town’s cultural attractions.

Food and Drink Scene of Saint-Martin-de-Crau

Must-Try Dishes

Saint-Martin-de-Crau is known for its delicious local cuisine, which is influenced by Mediterranean flavors. Some must-try dishes include:

  • Bouillabaisse: This is a traditional fish stew that is made with a mix of Mediterranean seafood, such as fish, shellfish, and vegetables, in a rich broth.
  • Ratatouille: This is a classic dish made with a mix of Mediterranean vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper, cooked in a tomato sauce.
  • Tapenade: This is a delicious spread made with black olives, capers, garlic, and olive oil. It is often served with bread as an appetizer.

Local Beverages

The region is known for its delicious wines, and visitors can sample some of the best varieties by taking a wine tasting tour of local vineyards and wineries. In addition to wine, visitors can also try some of the local beers, such as the Côte d’Azur Blonde or the Côte d’Azur Blanche.

Where to Stay in Saint-Martin-de-Crau: Hotels, Hostels and Guesthouses

Saint-Martin-de-Crau offers visitors a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Some of the best places to stay include:

  • Hotel Terriciaë: This charming hotel is located in the heart of Saint-Martin-de-Crau and offers visitors comfortable rooms and a range of amenities.
  • Les Garrigues de la Vallée des Baux: This guesthouse offers visitors beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and comfortable accommodations in a peaceful setting.
  • Le Mas des Lauriers: This bed and breakfast offer visitors beautifully decorated rooms and a range of amenities, including a swimming pool and a garden.

What to Buy in Saint-Martin-de-Crau: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can take home some of the unique artisan products that the region is known for. Some of the best things to buy include:

  • Olive Oil: The region is known for its delicious olive oil, and visitors can bring home a bottle as a souvenir.
  • Lavender Products: The region is known for its beautiful lavender fields, and visitors can buy lavender soaps, oils, and other products as souvenirs.
  • Pottery: The region is known for its unique ceramic products, and visitors can purchase handmade pottery as a reminder of their trip.

Local Culture and Customs of Saint-Martin-de-Crau

Saint-Martin-de-Crau has a rich cultural heritage and a unique way of life. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, such as dressing modestly when visiting churches and other religious sites. The locals are known for their warm hospitality, so visitors should be prepared to engage with locals and experience the local way of life.

Best Time to Visit Saint-Martin-de-Crau

The best time to visit Saint-Martin-de-Crau is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the crowds are thinner. The town can get quite busy during the peak summer season, so visitors should be prepared for more significant crowds during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Saint-Martin-de-Crau

Do:

  • Try the delicious local cuisine, including the local wines and olive oil.
  • Explore the beautiful natural scenery of the region by hiking, biking, or horseback riding.
  • Learn about the local culture and visit historic sites and museums to understand the region’s rich history.

Don’t:

  • Be disrespectful of local customs and traditions.
  • Litter in natural areas or disturb local wildlife.
  • Be too loud or disruptive in public areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Saint-Martin-de-Crau

Saint-Martin-de-Crau is a safe and peaceful town, but visitors should always take standard precautions, such as watching their belongings and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in Saint-Martin-de-Crau

The region is known for its healthy lifestyle and fresh Mediterranean cuisine, but visitors should still take standard precautions, such as staying hydrated and using sunscreen during outdoor activities.

Getting to Saint-Martin-de-Crau: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Saint-Martin-de-Crau

Marseille airport is the closest airport to Saint-Martin-de-Crau, located approximately 50 km away. From the airport, visitors can take a rental car or taxi to Saint-Martin-de-Crau.

Bus Stations Near Saint-Martin-de-Crau

The nearest bus station to Saint-Martin-de-Crau is the Arles bus station, located approximately 20 km away. Visitors can take a shuttle or taxi from the bus station to Saint-Martin-de-Crau.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a train to Arles, which is located approximately 20 km away from Saint-Martin-de-Crau.

How to Get Around in Saint-Martin-de-Crau

The town is relatively small and can easily be explored on foot. Visitors can also rent bicycles or a car to explore the surrounding countryside.

Where to Go Next from Saint-Martin-de-Crau: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Saint-Martin-de-Crau is located in a beautiful region filled with many exciting destinations and excursions. Some of the best nearby destinations include:

  • Marseille: This bustling port city is the cultural capital of Provence and is known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and delicious cuisine.
  • Aix-en-Provence: This elegant city is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant markets, and cultural attractions.
  • Avignon: This historic city is known for its stunning Gothic architecture, rich cultural history, and world-famous theater festival.

Conclusion

Saint-Martin-de-Crau offers visitors a unique experience to explore the stunning natural landscapes and rich culture of the region. From hiking and biking to exploring historic sites and enjoying delicious local cuisine, there is something for everyone in this charming and tranquil town.