Things To Do
in La Crau
La Crau is a tranquil Provençal commune in the Var department, just inland from the Côte d'Azur. It sits on the edge of the Crau plain, a vast steppe that lends wide, sunlit horizons and a sense of rural serenity. The area combines easy access to the coast with rustic countryside, making it a convenient base for exploring both beaches and traditional villages.
Visitors are drawn to the relaxed pace, Provencal markets, and scenic drives through olive groves and scrubby landscapes that define this part of Provence.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through the charming streets of La Crau, taking in the beautiful architecture and vibrant local markets. Stop by the local bakery to enjoy a fresh croissant and a cup of café au lait while watching the morning hustle and bustle. As you wander, don't forget to visit the small churches and historical sites that dot the neighborhood.
After lunch at a quaint bistro, head to the nearby Parc des Sports for a leisurely walk or engage in some light sports activities. Spend time exploring the local shops, where you can find unique crafts and regional products. Make sure to stop by for a tasting at a local wine shop to sample the exquisite wines of the region.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a traditional Provençal restaurant, savoring dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Take a leisurely stroll through the town square, where you can often find live music or local events happening in the evenings. End your night with a nightcap at a cozy wine bar, mingling with locals and soaking in the warm atmosphere.
Visit the bustling local market, where vendors display their fresh produce, cheese, and handmade goods. Engage with the friendly vendors and sample some local delicacies, such as tapenade and olives. This vibrant atmosphere is perfect for immersing yourself in the culture and taste of La Crau.
After exploring the market, join a cooking class where you'll learn to prepare traditional Provençal dishes with the guidance of a local chef. Enjoy the fruits of your labor as you sit down for a communal lunch, sharing stories and laughter with fellow food enthusiasts. This hands-on experience will deepen your appreciation for the region's culinary heritage.
Spend your evening at a local vineyard, enjoying a wine tasting paired with a selection of cheeses and charcuterie. The stunning views of the surrounding countryside at sunset create a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable experience. Cap off the night with a leisurely drive through the vineyards, marveling at the beauty of the landscape.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🧺Grocery staple (per week) | $60-90 |
| 🚗Gasoline (per liter) | $1.6-2.0 |
| ☕Coffee at a cafe | $2-4 |
| 🏥Basic healthcare visit | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Access to beautiful Provencal landscapes and proximity to the coast
- Relaxed village atmosphere with authentic markets and cuisine
- Limited nightlife within La Crau itself; requires travel to coastal towns for more options
- Popular places can fill up in peak season; plan ahead for accommodations
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "Bonsoir" - Good evening
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est le marché ?" - Where is the market?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The check, please
Places to Visit in La Crau
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden hour light over boats, palm-lined quays, and old-town silhouettes; excellent for harbor reflections and color-rich skies.
Wide, open horizons and scrubby vegetation offer expansive landscape shots, especially at golden hours with dramatic skies.
Narrow lanes, stone walls, and whitewashed facades provide classic Provencal textures and intimate architectural frames.
Salt marshes and flyways with birdlife; ideal for wildlife photography and reflective water surfaces.
Food in La Crau
La Crau Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Provençal stewed vegetable medley featuring tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and lots of herbs; best enjoyed with crusty bread or over polenta.
Must-Try!
A garlicky emulsified sauce served with boiled potatoes, carrots, green beans, and sometimes cod or shellfish—perfect for sharing at a table with friends.
A salt-packed olive and caper purée spread on crusty bread, a staple Provençal starter often enjoyed with a glass of rosé.
A olive-oil rich flatbread often studded with herbs, garlic, or olives; ideal for picnics or seaside snacks.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering fresh produce, cheeses, olives, olive oil, herbs, seafood, and regional specialties; a great place to sample local flavors and stock up for a picnic.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin conversations with a polite 'Bonjour' (day) or 'Bonsoir' (evening). Use 'S'il vous plaît' and 'Merci' in interactions.
Meals are a social event; avoid rushing. Keep voices moderate in public spaces and greet hosts and vendors courteously.
Smart-casual for many venues; modest dress when visiting religious sites. Respect quiet residential areas and local customs in villages.
Safety
Tipping in La Crau
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; 5-10% for good service in restaurants and cafes is common when service charge is not included.
Cash and cards are widely accepted. Small cafés and markets may prefer cash; contactless payments are common in larger shops and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry days with abundant sunshine. Pack sun protection, stay hydrated, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons to avoid peak heat. Sea breezes provide relief along the coast; beaches can be crowded in peak season.
Warm days with cooler evenings. Harvest season in the countryside; pleasant for long walks and winery visits. Occasional rain showers, so bring a lightweight jacket.
Mild to cool temperatures with relatively few tourists. Coastal towns stay lively, but expect shorter daylight hours. Pack a light jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
Flowering orchards and fresh produce markets. Bright, pleasant temperatures ideal for outdoor exploration and scenic drives through Provençal countryside.
La Crau at Night
Hiking in La Crau
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Open terrain with panoramic views, suitable for easy to moderate hikes and birdwatching.
Coastal ridges and inland hills offering viewpoints over the sea and countryside.
Airports
How to reach La Crau by plane.
Small regional airport close to La Crau with seasonal flights; convenient for quick hops to select destinations in France and Europe.
Major international hub roughly 1.5–2 hours away by road; many flights, car rental, and rail connections to the Provence region.
Large international airport about 1.5–2.5 hours away by car or train; good for wider European connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Residents of the Provence region who value rural quiet, markets, and local schools.
People drawn to the mild climate, scenic countryside, and secondary homes in the area.
Visitors from across France and Europe seeking coastal access and Provençal culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The coastal areas near Hyères offer sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding; a staple of the Riviera lifestyle.
A classic Provençal pastime, often played in village squares and beaches during warm evenings.
Scenic coastal roads and quiet lanes attract cycling enthusiasts; suitable for day trips and longer rides.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting La Crau.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Provence is veggie-friendly: rely on markets for seasonal vegetables, legumes, olive oil, and bread. Request dishes prepared with olive oil instead of animal fats and ask for cheese or egg additions if required.