Saint-Martin-de-Crau
Saint -Martin -de- Crau is a commune with 11,371 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the department of Bouches -du -Rhône ( 13) in the region Provence- Alpes- Côte d' Azur. It belongs to Arrondissement Arles and Arles- Est Canton.
Geography
The small town with 11,000 inhabitants, is located about 14 kilometers east of the city of Arles and 22 kilometers west of Salon-de -Provence in the historical region of Provence, near the Camargue. It is located in the center of the steppe-like area of the Crau and is surrounded by meadows and fields.
Economy and infrastructure
Agriculture
The area of the Crau is heavily agricultural. While the northern part is dominated on the slopes of the Alpilles, olive growing, prevails in the southern plains, especially before the livestock.
Industry
Within Saint -Martin -de- Crau although there are shops for daily needs, but hardly any industry. Therefore, most workers commuters who find work in Arles, Marseille or in the industrial region around the cities of Istres, Martigues and Fos -sur -Mer.
Tourism
The tourism assumes, as in the whole Crau, an increasingly important role. The area of the Crau is here due to the numerous breeding birds for nature lovers of interest and rich in attractions around the historic towns attracts more and more tourists. Therefore, the number of private accommodation and camping facilities has increased significantly lately. However unpleasant are the emerging in midsummer swarms of mosquitoes as a result of the countless existing in the plane pond. Saint -Martin -de- Crau is associated as a gateway city to the Regional Natural Park of the Alpilles.
Transport links
The community is about two exits of the French motorway A54 ( European Route 80) connected with the cities of Arles and Marseille. On the outskirts past the TGV line to Marseille and a regional train to a station near the place runs. The nearest international airports are located at Avignon and Marseille.
Demographics
Between 1968 and 1982 the city experienced a very striking increase in population.
Twinning
Markgroningen, Baden- Württemberg