La Crau

A second remarkable feature of the Arles sector is la Crau , arid steppe land rich in fauna and flora (sandgrouse). In this dry area unique in France, prairie land has been created by a system of irrigation canals. Discover the steppe as an ecosystem: see also the Musée de Salon and of la Crau, and the ecomuseum at Saint-Martin de Crau ; Sheep farming: The Merle sheep farming training centre, which promotes the Arles Merino breed ; hay cultivation: the Crau hay won the first AOC for a forage plant and is supplied to stud farms all over France. Irrigation: the canal system designed by Adam de Craponne during the 16th century is a network of waterways which has allowed the development of local agriculture (canal de Craponne, canal de Boisgelin) and a whole network between Salon and Arles ; see also the museum of Salon and of la Crau.