The best walks and hikes around Réserve naturelle des Coussouls de Crau

There are over 320 hiking trails in Réserve naturelle des Coussouls de Crau. These include a wide range of options, with approximately 140 easy routes, 170 moderate routes, and a few more challenging trails.

The reserve is known for its unique 'coussouls' landscape, a semi-arid Mediterranean steppe with stony plains. This ancient plain, formed by the Durance river, features a distinctive stony desert environment. While much of it is dry, the Crau Plain also includes areas with green meadows irrigated by the Craponne canal, offering a varied hiking experience.

Yes, the reserve offers many easy walking paths suitable for families. The 'Peau de Meau' interpretive trail is a notable 5 km loop with information panels, providing an excellent introduction to the area's nature and history. To access this specific trail, you need to obtain authorization and a map from the Maison de la Crau or Ecomusée de la Crau in Saint-Martin-de-Crau.

The cool weather and pleasant atmosphere are often highlighted as ideal for outdoor activities in the reserve. Spring and autumn are generally the most comfortable seasons for hiking, avoiding the intense heat of summer and potential chill of winter, though winter hikes are also possible.

Yes, many routes in the area are circular. For example, the Former sheepfold – Les Opies loop from Massif des Alpilles is a moderate 4.8 km trail that takes you through varied terrain. Another option is the Fos Lookout – Views of Étang d'Engrenier loop from Chemin du Mazet, a longer 13.9 km moderate route.

The Réserve naturelle des Coussouls de Crau is a significant area for birdwatching, with nearly 150 bird species. You might spot rare birds like the Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Lesser Kestrel, or Little Bustard. Other wildlife includes the Crau Cricket, Onopordum Buprestid, and a rich diversity of dragonflies near the canals.

The hiking trails in Réserve naturelle des Coussouls de Crau are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 900 reviews. Hikers often praise the unique steppe landscape, the opportunities for birdwatching, and the variety of routes available for different skill levels.

While many routes are easy to moderate, some sections can be quite challenging. For instance, parts of the trails near the Summit of Les Opies can be very steep and require good fitness, bordering on climbing in some areas. The Summit of Les Opies – Former sheepfold loop from Massif des Alpilles is a moderate 5.3 km path with notable elevation changes.

Yes, in addition to hiking, the reserve also offers cycling tours, allowing you to discover the unique Crau plain by bike. This provides another way to experience the distinctive landscapes and natural features of the area.

The reserve's unique landscape is an ancient alluvial plain formed by the Durance river, which deposited pebbles over millions of years. This created a stony desert environment. Beneath the surface, there's a natural cement-like layer called 'poudingue,' contributing to the distinct soil conditions that support the area's resistant flora.

Yes, pastoralism, particularly sheep farming, has been crucial in shaping and preserving the 'coussoul' vegetation for centuries. It continues to play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance and traditional character of the reserve.