Things To Do
in Saint-Martin-de-Crau

Saint-Martin-de-Crau is a quiet Provençal commune in the Camargue region, just inland from the Rhône delta near Arles. It serves as a gateway to wetlands, salt pans, and migratory bird habitats that define the Camargue landscape. The town offers a relaxed Provencal charm with easy access to Arles, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, and other historic sites.

Visitors can savor regional cuisine, outdoor activities, and rewarding day trips across southern Provence.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploring Local Markets
morning
:

Arrive in Saint-Martin-de-Crau and settle into your accommodation. Start your day by visiting the vibrant local market where fresh produce, artisan cheeses, and local crafts await. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere and interact with friendly vendors.

afternoon
:

After your market visit, stroll through the charming streets of the town, admiring the Provençal architecture. Stop by a local café for a leisurely lunch, savoring regional specialties like ratatouille or bouillabaisse. Don't forget to visit the historic Saint Martin Church which showcases beautiful Romanesque art.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at a local bistro, sampling exquisite Provençal wines. Wrap up your day by visiting the town square where occasional live music or arts events might be taking place. Relax and soak in the warm evening atmosphere.

day 2
Nature Hike in the Crau
morning
:

Prepare for a day of adventure with a hearty breakfast, then head out to explore the stunning Crau region. This area is known for its unique grasslands and diverse wildlife; keep your eyes peeled for native birds and wildflowers. A guided hike will help you appreciate the rich biodiversity of the landscape.

afternoon
:

Post-hike, enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the scenic spots within the Crau, surrounded by nature's tranquility. Take the afternoon to relax and reflect on your surroundings or explore more of the hiking trails. Alternatively, consider renting a bike and discovering the area at your own pace.

evening
:

Return to Saint-Martin-de-Crau to freshen up before dinner. Visit a local restaurant to taste authentic Provençal dishes, perhaps trying the famous daube or a selection of local cheeses. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the charming streets, basking in the serenity of the night.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
🏨1-night hotel (mid-range)$80-150
🚌Public transportation day pass$5-10
🍷Three-course dinner for two$40-70
🛍️Groceries for a week$70-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming Provençal village atmosphere
  • Access to the Camargue wetlands and wildlife
  • Delicious regional cuisine and fresh seafood
  • Great base for day trips to Arles and Avignon
  • Limited nightlife in the village
  • Can be crowded in peak summer near tourist draws
  • Some services and shops have seasonal hours
  • "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
  • "Bonsoir" - Good evening
  • "S'il vous plaît" - Please
  • "Merci" - Thank you
  • "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Où est... ?" - Where is... ?
  • "Combien ça coûte ?" - How much does this cost?
  • "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
  • "Je voudrais..." - I would like...
  • "Ou sont les toilettes ?" - Where are the restrooms?

Places to Visit in Saint-Martin-de-Crau

Visit one of these nice places.

La Crau Plain at sunrise

Open steppe landscape with long horizons and grazing Camargue horses in the early morning light.

Camargue wetlands near Salin-de-Giraud

Boardwalks and bird-filled marshes perfect for wide-angle wildlife photography.

Arles regional views from the Pont et des remparts

Riverside scenes and historic stone architecture framed by water and sky.

Salt pans at Salin de Camargue

Shimmering white salt pans and pink flamingos create striking reflections at golden hour.

Culinary Guide

Food in Saint-Martin-de-Crau

Provencal flavors meet Camargue produce: seafood, bull meat specialties, olive oil, and sun-kissed vegetables define the cuisine here.

Saint-Martin-de-Crau Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Gardiane de taureau

A slow-cooked bull meat stew seasoned with onions, tomatoes, and Provençal herbs, a true Camargue specialty.

Must-Try!

Brandade de morue

Creamy salt cod purée with olive oil and potatoes, often served with crusty bread.

Fougasse et tapenade

Flaky bread with olive tapenade and herbs, a staple in local boulangeries.

Ratatouille Provençale

A medley of stewed vegetables seasoned with garlic and herbs de Provence.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Marché d'Arles / Halles market

A bustling market where you can buy olives, garlic, herbs, fresh seafood, and Provençal specialties.

Street food and Provençal snacks

Tapenades, aioli with vegetables, fougasse, and fresh seafood on the waterfront markets.

Climate Guide

Weather

Saint-Martin-de-Crau experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Year-round sunshine is common, with spring and autumn offering the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a polite “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir”; use Monsieur/Madame when addressing locals.

Dining

Keep voices moderate, wait for everyone to be served, and use appropriate table manners; a light kiss on the cheek is common among acquaintances.

Respect for culture and wildlife

Respect bullfighting traditions in Camargue sites; treat wildlife and protected zones with care.

Safety Guide

Safety

Take standard travel precautions: stay hydrated in hot weather, watch for occasional heavy rains in winter, protect yourself from sun exposure, and keep valuables secure in crowded markets. Wildlife in Camargue can be free-range; follow local guidelines in reserves and avoid disturbing animals.

Tipping in Saint-Martin-de-Crau

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service charges are often included; it is common to round up or leave 5-10% for good service, especially in restaurants and cafes.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; cash is handy in markets and small cafés; contactless payments common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Pleasant temperatures, bloom-filled landscapes, and bird migrations; ideal for outdoor walks and photography.

Summer

Hot and sunny, with dry landscapes; carry water, sun protection, and plan morning/late afternoon activities.

Autumn

Mild days with less humidity; harvest season produces fresh produce and fewer crowds.

Winter

Milder winters with occasional rain; towns remain cozy with markets and cultural events.

Nightlife Guide

Saint-Martin-de-Crau at Night

The area around Saint-Martin-de-Crau is generally quiet after sunset, with cozy bars and terraces in town. For more lively options, head to nearby Arles or Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer for live music, wine bars, and seasonal events during warmer months.

Hiking in Saint-Martin-de-Crau

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

La Crau Plain Trails

Migrantible plain trails with scrub, birds, and wide horizons; relatively flat and easy to moderate.

Camargue Wetlands Trails

Boardwalk and gravel paths through marshes and salt pans; ideal for birdwatching and sunset walks.

Alpilles foothills tracks

Hilly terrain to the north offering panoramic views over the countryside and town roofs.

Airports

How to reach Saint-Martin-de-Crau by plane.

Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)

Major international hub, about 70-90 miles by road from Saint-Martin-de-Crau; convenient for international connections.

Avignon-Provence Airport (AVN)

Smaller regional airport closer to Avignon, suitable for domestic and some international flights.

Nîmes–Garons Airport (FNI)

Regional airport near Nîmes with light air traffic; good for connections within France and Europe.

Getting Around

Walkability

Saint-Martin-de-Crau has a compact town center that is easily walkable, with most local sights reachable on foot. Outlying areas and the Camargue wetlands require a car or bicycles for easy access. In town, pavement sidewalks and pedestrian zones make strolling pleasant during mild weather.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

A mix of agricultural workers, families, and retirees who live in the town year-round.

Seasonal visitors

Tourists and seasonal workers who visit for the Camargue wetlands and nearby towns during spring and summer.

Young professionals

Some residents commute to larger towns for work and services.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Course Camarguaise (Camargue bullfighting)

Traditional bull-related sport that focuses on agility and skill rather than harming the bull.

Horseback riding

Riding Camargue horses along beaches and marsh trails.

Cycling and running

Calm country lanes and coastal paths ideal for cycling and jogging.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Saint-Martin-de-Crau is generally light outside peak tourist seasons. In summer, roads toward the Camargue and Arles can experience congestion, especially on weekends and during festival periods; rail service connects to Arles and Nîmes for those preferring not to drive. Public transport is available but limited in rural hours; renting a car is often the most convenient way to explore the region.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Saint-Martin-de-Crau.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available: ratatouille, seasonal vegetables, Provençal salads; ask for substitutions where needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is accessible via pharmacies and local clinics; for more extensive care, hospitals in Arles or Nîmes provide specialized services. Bring any essential medications and keep travel insurance information handy; French health care relies on social insurance and private providers.

Discover France

Read more in our France 2025 Travel Guide.

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