Réserve naturelle nationale des Coussouls de Crau, National nature reserve near Arles, France.
The Réserve naturelle nationale des Coussouls de Crau is a large protected area spanning several municipalities, characterized by a dry steppe landscape with scattered limestone pebbles and low Mediterranean vegetation. The ground is predominantly composed of rounded stones that create a distinctive barren surface.
The area formed over millions of years through deposits from a major river that transported alpine pebbles into the plain, gradually creating a stony delta. This depression later dried out and created the landscape visible today.
Sheep herding has shaped this landscape for thousands of years, with shepherds still moving their flocks through the plains following age-old routes. This practice continues to influence how the ecosystem develops and remains woven into the area's character.
The area is accessible, but visitors should prepare for dry conditions and minimal shade as the landscape is open and bare. Marked trails are available to provide the best experience while helping protect the ecosystem.
The 2009 pipeline leak was spotted by a reserve warden at 7:30 a.m., when oil formed a geyser 3 to 4 metres high in the middle of the reserve. Some 5,400 cubic metres of crude spread over about 4.5 hectares, and 72,000 tonnes of contaminated soil were later excavated down to the puddingstone bedrock.
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