The coussouls: a flat, empty space? Well, not really. Situated between the Alpilles, the Camargue and the Étang de Berre, the Plaine de la Crau, known locally as the ‘coussouls’, is Europe’s last stony steppe, a jewel of biodiversity shaped over the centuries by pastoralism.
It’s high time we paid tribute to this exceptional natural area. Open to everyone from an early age, the very first Fête des Coussouls will take place on 13 October 2024 at the Domaine départemental de l’Étang des Aulnes, in Saint-Martin-de-Crau (Bouches-du-Rhône). Admission is free! Refreshments and catering on site.
On the programme:
- Nature outings, activities and workshops focusing on biodiversity (building birdhouses, a large participatory fresco, wooden games, a treasure hunt, photo exhibitions, mask-making workshops featuring Ganga bird, grasshopper, as well as clay grasshopper workshops).
- Pastoral activities such as sheepdog demonstrations, a mini-farm, and display of local skills.
- A large market of local and organic producers
- Stands run by associations and partners from the Craven territory
- Food trucks offering local flavours
- A concert, film screenings, and more!
With the highlight of the day: discovering an endemic insect to the Coussouls, the Crau Grasshopper. Learning about this species means discovering its natural habitat, the animals and plants of this unique ecosystem in France. It’s also an opportunity to meet the men and women who, through their work, contribute to shaping this complex, dynamic and resolutely pastoral and rural territory.
Families looking for a Sunday in the great outdoors, and nature enthusiasts, this day is made for you!
Admission is free! Refreshments and snacks on site.
The project leaders
The Fête des Coussouls is organised by the Conservatoire d’espaces naturels de Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur as part of the European LIFE SOS Crau Plain Grasshopper project, with the support of the project’s associate beneficiaries: the Bouches-du-Rhône Chamber of Agriculture, the La Barben Wildlife Park and the Citadelle de Besançon.
The funders
European Union, Ministère de la Transition écologique, Conseil départemental des Bouches-du-Rhône, Région Sud and Ministère des Armées.
