Écomusée de la Crau

About the museum

The ecomuseum was created in 1987 at the initiative of the Conservatoire d’espaces naturels Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (CEN PACA), in partnership with the town of Saint-Martin-de-Crau, which owns the premises. It occupies a former sheepfold in the town centre. Its aim is to raise public awareness of the protection of the Crau plain, of which it is the showcase and the starting point for visiting the Coussouls de Crau national nature reserve.

The museography was renovated in 2013 and 2014 and is now modern and interactive. The route explains how people and nature have shaped this plain, grazed by sheep for millennia. It covers the breeding of Mérinos d’Arles sheep, Crau AOP hay, water management, on which around 270,000 people depend, and the natural heritage: rare habitats, protected species and the work of land managers.

Playful videos introduce the area. The animated film by Éric Serre tells, in a dreamlike way and drawing on the myth of Hercules, how the plain was formed. Multimedia displays allow visitors to explore the challenges of the Crau. The ecomuseum also has a shop, an interpretation trail in the reserve (the Peau de Meau trail) and activities for families and schools.

Highlights

• Animated film by Éric Serre based on the myth of Hercules, on the formation of the plain
• The Mérinos d’Arles sheep and pastoralism
• Crau AOP hay
• The plain’s water resources, on which around 270,000 people depend
• Peau de Meau trail in the nature reserve (permit required)

Permanent exhibition

• Exposition permanente de l’écomusée – A playful, interactive route on the Mérinos d’Arles sheep, Crau hay, water and the natural heritage of the plain, with animated films.

Founded

1987

Operated by

Conservatoire d’espaces naturels de Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (CEN PACA)

Admission & discounts

Free admission for residents of Saint-Martin-de-Crau, children under 6 and Pass Patrimoine holders. Flat rate of €50 for school groups and leisure centers.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The site is accessible to people with reduced mobility; a reserved parking space is available in the car park behind the building.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Three free booklets for pupils from nursery to sixth grade (at reception or to download). Two free treasure hunts: “À la recherche de monsieur Criquet de Crau” (from age 7, about 1 hour, around the ecomuseum) and “Mystère sur la Crau” (from age 10, about 3 hours, 4 km on foot in the reserve).

Getting there & parking

The ecomuseum is in the town centre of Saint-Martin-de-Crau, opposite the church.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The shop sells books, local products, souvenirs, cold drinks, terrines and tapenades. Picnic area on the terrace at the back of the building; snacks, restaurants and bakeries within 100 m.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit