Réserve naturelle des Coussouls de Crau is a national nature reserve in France, characterized by its unique semi-arid steppe landscape. This distinctive environment, shaped by ancient river deposits and historical pastoralism, features vast stony plains known as "coussouls" that support a rare ecosystem. The reserve offers a variety of outdoor activities across its unique terrain, including several sports like road cycling, hiking, touring cycling, mountain biking, and more. Its flat landscape, with minimal elevation changes, provides accessible routes for many…
155
Routes
4.4
(489)
Average rating
5782
People visited

4.5
(39)
252
hikers
13.7km
04:05
370m
370m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.6
(11)
70
hikers
16.9km
04:31
200m
200m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(2)
4
hikers
10.9km
02:56
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
4
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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10
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.1
(7)
102
riders
40.0km
03:32
320m
320m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(26)
57
riders
79.6km
04:47
540m
540m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.2
(9)
47
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.0
(2)
30
riders
48.8km
01:51
90m
90m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.8
(16)
387
riders
70.0km
02:59
560m
560m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.2
(17)
293
riders
86.4km
03:39
540m
540m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.0
(8)
191
riders
62.6km
03:05
900m
900m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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3.6
(5)
69
riders
42.1km
03:06
480m
480m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.4
(14)
67
riders
24.6km
02:02
270m
270m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(23)
112
riders
37.0km
03:01
520m
520m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(4)
51
riders
56.2km
04:19
610m
610m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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4.6
(9)
176
riders
62.0km
04:31
900m
900m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

26
riders
49.5km
03:48
390m
380m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

5.0
(1)
14
riders
68.0km
04:42
980m
980m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

8
riders
36.8km
02:41
440m
440m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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59
runners
15.0km
01:45
110m
110m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
22
runners
8.81km
01:13
360m
360m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.

13
runners
15.7km
02:16
670m
670m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.

6
runners
5.97km
00:56
340m
340m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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The Réserve naturelle des Coussouls de Crau is a national nature reserve in France, characterized by its unique semi-arid steppe landscape. This ecosystem, featuring stony plains known as "coussouls," is a rare example of a Mediterranean steppe in Europe. It spans over 7,411 hectares (about 18,313 acres) and supports distinctive flora and fauna.
The reserve and its surrounding areas offer various outdoor activities, including Road cycling, Hiking, Touring cycling, Mountain biking, Gravel biking, and Jogging. The generally flat terrain makes it accessible for many types of exploration.
Yes, the reserve features walking paths, including an interpretive nature trail called "La Draille des Coussouls." This trail is approximately 2.9 miles (4.7 km) long and includes an observatory. For more options, explore Hiking around Réserve naturelle des Coussouls de Crau.
The broader Crau area offers extensive cycling opportunities, with more than 360 miles (590 km) of routes, including 166 miles (268 km) in natural settings. The terrain is generally flat, with altitudes ranging from 0 to 59 meters, making it suitable for various cycling types. Discover routes in Road Cycling Routes around Réserve naturelle des Coussouls de Crau.
Yes, the reserve offers options suitable for families. The interpretive nature trail provides an educational experience. For hiking, specific family-friendly routes are available, such as those listed in Family-friendly hikes around Réserve naturelle des Coussouls de Crau.
The terrain in and around the Réserve naturelle des Coussouls de Crau is generally flat. Altitudes range from 0 to 59 meters, meaning there are no challenging climbs. This makes the area accessible for various cycling disciplines, including road cycling and touring.
The reserve is a significant site for birdwatching, home to nearly 150 bird species, including the Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Lesser Kestrel, and Little Bustard. It also protects rare and endemic insects like the Crau Cricket and the endangered Ocellated Lizard. The unique ecosystem supports flora adapted to stony soils.
Yes, an entry pass is required for the interpretive nature trail, "La Draille des Coussouls." This pass can be obtained from the Ecomusée de la Crau. It is advisable to check current requirements before visiting.
More than 75,000 visitors have shared their experiences on komoot for the Réserve naturelle des Coussouls de Crau. Activities in the area have an average rating of 4.46 out of 5 stars. This indicates a highly regarded outdoor destination.
Komoot offers several guides for the area, including Hiking around Réserve naturelle des Coussouls de Crau, Road Cycling Routes around Réserve naturelle des Coussouls de Crau, and MTB Trails around Réserve naturelle des Coussouls de Crau. Other guides cover family-friendly hikes and traffic-free bike rides.
The reserve can be visited throughout the year, but spring and autumn generally offer pleasant conditions for outdoor activities. These seasons provide comfortable temperatures for hiking and cycling, allowing for optimal enjoyment of the unique landscape and wildlife.
Yes, the reserve offers easy hiking routes suitable for various fitness levels. The interpretive nature trail is a good starting point. Additional easy options can be found in Easy hikes around Réserve naturelle des Coussouls de Crau.
Yes, the surrounding areas of Réserve naturelle des Coussouls de Crau are suitable for mountain biking and gravel biking. The flat terrain and natural settings provide opportunities for these activities. Explore options in MTB Trails around Réserve naturelle des Coussouls de Crau and Gravel biking around Réserve naturelle des Coussouls de Crau.

