Things to Do around Étang des Aulnes

Étang des Aulnes is a protected natural domain located in the Plaine de la Crau, within France's Bouches-du-Rhône department. It is recognized for its unique blend of dry grasslands, wet meadows, garigues, ponds, and riparian forests, supporting exceptional biodiversity.

Étang des Aulnes offers opportunities for Road cycling, Touring cycling, Hiking, and Mountain biking. The area features diverse landscapes, from flat plains suitable for cycling to marked paths for hiking.

Yes, the flat plains of the Plaine de la Crau make Étang des Aulnes excellent for road cycling. Routes vary in difficulty, including leisurely rides and more challenging options with climbs when extending into nearby areas. Explore available routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Étang des Aulnes guide.

Popular road cycling routes include an easy 30.3-mile (48.8 km) loop along the Canal d'Arles. More challenging options are the 74.2-mile (119.3 km) Aureille panorama – Figuière Pass loop and the 33.7-mile (54.2 km) Les Baux-de-Provence – Col de la Vayède loop, which feature significant ascents.

Étang des Aulnes is well-suited for hiking, with marked paths available. A popular and easy loop around the pond covers approximately 4.1 miles (6.61 km) with minimal elevation gain. Discover more options in the Hiking around Étang des Aulnes guide.

Yes, Étang des Aulnes offers easy options suitable for families. An easy hiking loop around the pond is about 4.1 miles (6.61 km) long. There are also easy road cycling routes, such as the loop along the Canal d'Arles. Refer to the Easy hikes around Étang des Aulnes guide for more information.

The flat topography of the Crau plain and existing road cycling routes make the area suitable for touring cycling. This allows for leisurely exploration of diverse natural habitats and Provençal landscapes. Consult the Cycling around Étang des Aulnes guide for routes.

While specific mountain biking trails directly at Étang des Aulnes are not extensively detailed, the broader Bouches-du-Rhône department offers opportunities. Some hiking trails may be suitable for mountain biking, but local regulations should be checked. The MTB Trails around Étang des Aulnes guide provides further information.

Étang des Aulnes is a site of exceptional biodiversity. It features dry grasslands, wet meadows, garigues, ponds, and riparian forests with poplars and elms. The area is a refuge for numerous bird species, including the Red Kite and Hen Harrier, and small mammals like the Eurasian beaver.

Étang des Aulnes is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 4,000 visitors sharing their experiences. Routes in the area have an average rating of 4.11 out of 5 stars from over 200 ratings.

Komoot offers several guides for Étang des Aulnes, including Road Cycling Routes around Étang des Aulnes, Cycling around Étang des Aulnes, Hiking around Étang des Aulnes, and MTB Trails around Étang des Aulnes.

For more information, the official website for Saint-Martin-de-Crau, which covers the area, is saintmartindecrau.fr. General tourism inquiries can be directed to Coeur de la Provence Tourisme at +33680938278.