Hiking - SAINT-RÉMY-DE-PROVENCE - Encountering the birds of the Petite Crau

Follow the trail of the birds of the steppe and farmland habitats!

Just outside Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, this is an easy and very surprising trail in the Petite Crau. Typical steppe landscapes and lowland farmland provide diverse habitats for a multitude of species, including the Little Bustard, Woodlark, European Nightjar, and European Roller. This is an excellent area during the autumn and spring migrations for spotting passerines and numerous birds of prey. The view of the north face of the Alpilles is unmissable. Get your binoculars ready!

• The recommended seasons are spring, autumn, and winter. In spring, walk the outbound leg in the dark to be in position at the edge of the fields by dawn, in the hope of spotting bustards.


• GRAZING AREA: If livestock guardian dogs approach me, I will not pet or threaten them. I will stop, then wait patiently for them to finish their 'inspection' before calmly continuing on my way, giving the flock as wide a berth as possible. It is best not to bring your dog; if you do, it must be kept securely on a leash. As a reminder, please review the proper way to behave around livestock guardian dogs.


• FIRE RISK: Fire is the enemy of the forest… and the hiker! I will not smoke or light any fires in the forest, as it is forbidden year-round! And in summer, before setting off, I will check the current access conditions and regulations for forested areas.