Pont De Crau Arles brings together two distinct interests for a stay: the building history of the Pont-de-Crau aqueduct and the wetland landscape of the Marais de Beauchamp. Those wishing to include cultural history and nature watching in their plans will find specific topics here—from historic water engineering to walking trails and birdwatching.

Aqueduct History in Pont-de-Crau

The remains of the Pont-de-Crau aqueduct lie southeast of the Arles urban area, between the Agenouillade and Pont de Crau districts. They extend along the R.D. 453, the Route de la Crau. By decree of 7 November 1922, the remains were classified as a historic monument.

The foundations of a Roman aqueduct from Barbegal were reused for the Pont-de-Crau aqueduct. Its Roman predecessor carried water to Arles. This makes it possible to relate the later structure to the Roman water supply to Arles—a specific way to explore the region’s history of water engineering.

Beauchamp: Wetland, Trails and Activities

The Beauchamp site includes a 25-hectare marsh, a 28-hectare reed bed, a 57-hectare grazed area, as well as a garden and a water sports centre. The area of the Marais de Beauchamp on the Pont-de-Crau side is a sensitive natural area. It is included in the Natura 2000 network and the Alpilles Regional Nature Park.

The marsh includes freshwater wetland habitats with reed beds, seasonal ponds and riparian woodland, as well as diverse wetland fauna. The fitness trail forms a 2.3-kilometre loop around the Marais de Beauchamp, which is classified as a Natura 2000 site, and offers open views for birdwatching.

The site is closed to cars and is suitable for walks, bike rides, sports and picnics. The trail through Beauchamp is also suitable for walks and bike rides; wooden exercise stations and benches line the route. A wooden bridge connects the Jardin des Avettes with the Marais de Beauchamp. As access rules may change while work is carried out on the site, check the latest notices before your visit.

The fitness trail is 2.3 kilometres long; the “Arles – Le marais des Baux à vélo” cycling loop is designed as a full-day ride. It starts at the Marais de Beauchamp on the Pont-de-Crau side and continues to the Castelet Hypogeum, the Tours de Castillon and the remains of the ancient Barbegal mill. Check local conditions before setting out.

The city’s seasonal sports programme for 2026 lists mountain biking, orienteering, kayaking, canoeing and fishing at the Beauchamp leisure site; individual activities may vary by season. Canoeing and kayaking activities are also planned for schools and sports activity centres.

Discover more destinations: Istres, Gardanne, Septèmes-Les-Vallons, Boulbon, Saint-Marc-Jaumegarde, Saint-Paul-Lès-Durance, Maussane Les Alpilles, Maillane.

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