La Crau is a commune in the Var department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, 14 km northeast of Toulon.
Its territory of nearly 38 km is in the form of a strip following a cultivable plain but dotted with pebbles (hence its name: la crau). It is crossed by the coastal river Gapeau, which has its source in the Sainte-Baume massif. Dominated by the Maures massif to the east, the town is bordered to the south by the resorts of Carqueiranne and Hyères.
Although having gained in population, La Crau has preserved a green environment which still includes a number of farms (viticulture, fruit and vegetable production). It contains mainly agricultural land (50% of its surface area) and wooded areas (23%).
Occupied by hunters since prehistory, the places were popular with the Romans who built a road and established villas (olive groves, pottery manufacturing).
The town and village of La Moutonne, to the south, developed in the Middle Ages and the construction of the Béal (canal derived from the Gapeau dedicated to flour milling and irrigation), completed in 1632, boosted the economy.
Close to the sea but offering a preserved living environment, La Crau (19,000 inhabitants) is an ideal base for combining the pleasures of relaxing and hiking in the nearby hinterland.
Created quite late (1853) after having been a simple dependency of Hyères, the town nevertheless has a heritage of interest. We will thus cite, on a religious level, the parish church of Notre-Dame de la Visitation, which was built in 1848 in a neo-classical style (as evidenced by its facade with triangular tympanum and Hellenizing portal), equipped with a campanile in 1998 for its 150th anniversary. It succeeded a priory which had become cramped and dilapidated. Also worth seeing is the Notre-Dame du Bon Secours chapel, also known as Fenouillet, because it is located at the top of the eponymous hill which dominates the village to the south-east (19th century, restored in the 20th). A hermitage had been established there in the 13th century. We notice the statue of the Virgin on its wrought iron bell tower. The site is overlooked by a cross on the highest point of the hill.
In the village of La Moutonne, the Sainte-Dominique chapel is finally located (1876).
As far as civil heritage is concerned, the canal (or Béal) developed from the 15th century onwards constitutes in itself the most significant site, with its wash houses, bridges, and other developments.
In addition to a few estates, cooperatives and wine châteaux, the hamlets also do not lack character, such as the ancient castle town of La Roquette d'Hyères or that of Counillier.
The hamlet of Notre-Dame (occupied since prehistoric times) and now the village of La Moutonne, to the south, separated from the town by the highway, a real small town in its own right with its 4,000 inhabitants and its own urban organization, complete this overview.
Without forgetting the Provençal charm to be found throughout the neighborhoods: shaded squares, houses with colorful facades, bowling greens...
On the cultural side, the city is equipped with quality facilities with a rich program: the Jean-Paul Mauriric cultural space (information on +33 4 94 66 01 03), the Pluriel space, the house of associations or the Jean d'Ormesson library which regularly offers events (contact on +33 4 94 20 50 64).
The range of sports and “nature” leisure activities is particularly extensive on La Crau.
Thus, the Parc du Béal should be highlighted, a vast 19,000 m² in the center of the city, which is intended to be both landscaped (Mediterranean plants, plant labyrinth) and space for pleasure and relaxation (games for children, aviary, animal enclosure, fountains, etc.). Open every day.
On the Fenouillet hill, a walking path, a fitness trail, a botanical trail with landscape observation posts and a mountain bike trail are accessible. Open every day.
For athletes, again, multi-sport areas and several stadiums are suitable for practicing all disciplines. Information at the town hall on +33 4 94 01 56 80.
Please note that a treetop adventure park (called Castille) will appeal to families (contact +33 4 94 01 84 50) and that the Pony Ranch club welcomes all audiences (information on +33 6 16 07 73 52).
It remains to take advantage of the potential of La Crau in terms of hiking (on foot or by bike). In the town itself, routes are dedicated to discovering wooded and heritage areas, or reaching the heights to benefit from beautiful views. Loops include wineries for tastings. Finally, larger routes, for example, reach the surrounding massifs (Sainte-Baume to the west, Maures to the east) and secure paths connect La Crau to coastal stations.
Maps and information from the tourist office on +33 4 94 66 14 48.
