Things To Do
in Saint-Martin-de-Crau
Saint-Martin-de-Crau is a charming town located in the Bouches-du-Rhône department in southern France. Its picturesque surroundings include beautiful landscapes of fields and vineyards. The town is known for its traditional Provençal architecture, charming streets, and historic buildings.
Visitors can also enjoy exploring local markets, outdoor activities, and experiencing the relaxed pace of life in this quaint French town.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
- "Au revoir" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the lively local market, where you can find fresh produce and regional delicacies. Interact with friendly vendors and sample some traditional French cheeses and pastries.
Visit nearby parks for a leisurely stroll or a picnic under the beautiful Mediterranean sun. Don't forget to bring a good book to enjoy while surrounded by nature.
Dinner in a quaint bistro downtown offers a taste of authentic French cuisine. Indulge in a glass of local wine as you wind down your day.
Put on your hiking boots and head to the nearby hills for a morning trek. The trails offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside and a chance to see local wildlife.
Stop for a packed lunch amid nature, enjoying the peaceful surroundings. After lunch, continue your hike to explore further or choose a different trail.
Return to Saint-Martin-de-Crau and relax at a local café. Enjoy a refreshing drink and share stories of your day's adventure.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming Provençal atmosphere with traditional architecture.
- Access to beautiful natural landscapes, including parks and nature reserves.
- Strong agricultural community and local markets with fresh produce.
- Relatively mild Mediterranean climate suitable for outdoor activities.
- Rich cultural history and local festivals that highlight regional traditions.
- Limited public transportation options may restrict mobility.
- Smaller town may lack some amenities and services found in larger cities.
- Tourism may fluctuate seasonally, affecting local businesses.
- Can be quite hot during summer months, leading to discomfort.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to urban areas.
Best Activities in Saint-Martin-de-Crau
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning landscapes of the Camargue with its unique flora and fauna, with trails suitable for all levels of hikers.
Enjoy cycling through scenic routes and countryside, with paths that take you through vineyards and charming villages.
Visit the local wetlands and lagoons which are home to an array of bird species, perfect for enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
Relax and enjoy a picnic in this beautiful park that features shaded areas, playgrounds, and open spaces for recreation.
Experience the countryside on horseback with guided tours available that cater to all skill levels, showcasing the natural beauty of the area.
Capture the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife of the region, with various spots offering picturesque views.
Places to Visit in Saint-Martin-de-Crau
Visit one of these nice places.
A stunning mountain range located just outside of Saint-Martin-de-Crau, offering panoramic views of the Provencal landscape, perfect for capturing breathtaking photographs.
This lake provides picturesque scenery and beautiful reflections of the surrounding nature, ideal for photography during sunrise or sunset.
Within this regional park, you'll find trails and viewpoints that showcase the region's natural beauty, including vineyards, olive groves, and the iconic limestone hills.
The historic center features charming streets and traditional architecture, offering unique photo opportunities that capture the essence of Provençal village life.
Nearby salt marshes create a unique landscape with vibrant colors, especially during the blooming season when flowers add to the scenic beauty for impressive photographs.
Food in Saint-Martin-de-Crau
Saint-Martin-de-Crau Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Provençal fish stew, typically made with a combination of local Mediterranean fish and seafood, flavored with saffron, garlic, and fennel. Best enjoyed at La Table de Nicolas, a charming restaurant known for its excellent seafood dishes.
Must-Try!
A beloved vegetable stew highlighting the region's fresh produce, including tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, cooked with aromatic herbs like thyme and basil. Le Bistrot de Saint-Martin is renowned for its delectable ratatouille.
Delicate, diamond-shaped almond candies with a smooth royal icing, often scented with citrus and melon. Look for these treats at Pâtisserie Ollier, a local pastry shop that crafts exceptional calissons.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant open-air market offering a wide array of fresh produce, cheeses, olives, and artisanal products. Visitors can also savor local street food such as socca, a savory chickpea pancake, and pissaladière, a savory tart topped with onions, olives, and anchovies.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Saint-Martin-de-Crau, it is customary to greet others with a friendly 'Bonjour' (Good morning) or 'Bonsoir' (Good evening) before starting a conversation. A handshake is common among acquaintances, while close friends may share a kiss on both cheeks.
When dining, it is polite to wait for the host to invite you to start eating. It's customary to keep your hands on the table during the meal (but not your elbows). Saying 'Bon appétit' before eating is a nice gesture.
In general, people in Saint-Martin-de-Crau tend to dress smartly. Casual but neat attire is appropriate for daily life, while more formal clothing is expected for special occasions. Avoid overly casual clothing when dining out or attending events.
Safety
Tipping in Saint-Martin-de-Crau
Ensure a smooth experience
In Saint-Martin-de-Crau, tipping is generally not compulsory as service charges are often included in the bill for restaurants and cafes. However, it is customary to leave a small tip of around 5-10% for good service, especially in more upscale establishments. Locals might round up the bill or leave small change as a gesture of appreciation.
Payment practices in Saint-Martin-de-Crau typically involve credit or debit cards being widely accepted in most establishments, such as restaurants, shops, and hotels. Cash is also commonly used, especially for smaller purchases at markets or local vendors. The Euro is the official currency, and residents and visitors often utilize ATMs for withdrawals.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is one of the best times to visit Saint-Martin-de-Crau. The weather is mild with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F). This season brings blooming flowers and outdoor festivals, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the natural scenery.
Summer (June to August) is warm to hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). This is the peak tourist season, where visitors can enjoy the local beaches, outdoor activities, and various cultural events. However, it can be quite crowded, and travelers should be prepared for occasional heatwaves.
Autumn (September to November) offers pleasant weather with cooler temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). This season is perfect for outdoor activities and experiencing local harvest festivals. The crowds diminish after summer, providing a more relaxed atmosphere.
Winter (December to February) is mild, with temperatures averaging between 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). While it’s not the most popular time to visit, winter offers a unique charm with fewer tourists and a chance to experience the local culture and cuisine during the quieter months.
Saint-Martin-de-Crau at Night
Hiking in Saint-Martin-de-Crau
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning natural park featuring scenic hiking trails amidst rocky hills, olive groves, and picturesque villages.
Famous for its unique wetlands and diverse wildlife, offering various trails that showcase the beauty of the Camargue region.
A historical site with hiking trails that provide spectacular views of the Alpilles mountain range and the surrounding landscapes.
A hilly area near Saint-Martin-de-Crau, offering peaceful hikes with beautiful vistas and a rich array of flora and fauna.
Known for its vast landscapes and unique ecosystems, with paths that allow for hiking alongside ancient agricultural fields.
Aiports
How to reach Saint-Martin-de-Crau by plane.
The nearest major international airport located approximately 65 km from Saint-Martin-de-Crau, serving numerous domestic and international flights.
Located about 195 km from Saint-Martin-de-Crau, it is the second busiest airport in France after Charles de Gaulle, offering a wide range of international connections.
Approximately 110 km away from Saint-Martin-de-Crau, serving regional and some international flights.
Located about 30 km from Saint-Martin-de-Crau, this smaller airport offers limited international flights mainly during the summer season.
Situated about 150 km from Saint-Martin-de-Crau, it operates mainly during the summer with seasonal flights to several destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population are of French nationality, reflecting the town's status as part of France.
A significant group, often linked by migration and historical ties.
Notable numbers of residents, particularly in the context of labor migration.
A community with historical roots in the region, contributing to the local culture.
Includes various groups from countries in North Africa, contributing to the demographic diversity.
Includes residents from various other European nations, adding to the multicultural aspect of the town.
A smaller demographic group, representing immigration from various Sub-Saharan countries.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Saint-Martin-de-Crau, with various local clubs and community participation.
Rugby has a strong following in the region, with many players participating in both youth and adult leagues.
Tennis is widely enjoyed, with several courts available and local tournaments organized throughout the year.
Athletics is popular for both competitive and recreational runners, with events held to promote community fitness.
Cycling is a favored pastime due to the scenic routes around the area, appealing to both leisure cyclists and competitors.
Basketball has a growing community presence in Saint-Martin-de-Crau, with teams for various age groups competing in local leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Saint-Martin-de-Crau.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Provençal cuisine heavily features seafood and meat, several restaurants in Saint-Martin-de-Crau, such as Le Jardin des Gourmets, offer creative vegetarian and vegan interpretations of local dishes, showcasing the region's bountiful produce.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find accommodating options at Les Délices de l'Olivier, a charming bakery and café that provides a tantalizing array of gluten-free pastries and breads made with regional ingredients.