Bouches-du-Rhône

In Provence, between the southern Alps and the Mediterranean, the Bouche-du-Rhône department is a southern treasure.

In the Bouches-du-Rhône, the riches of the historical, natural and cultural heritage are intensely discovered. The jagged coastline, hilltop villages, towns of art and culture, scrubland landscapes and exceptional monuments make this territory a gem of the south of France.

The essentials of the Bouches-du-Rhône department

During your visit to the Bouches-du-Rhône, Marseille, its old port and its bubbling life, will offer you magical moments between tradition and modernity. In Aix-en-Provence, the sweetness of life awaits holidaymakers on the Cours Mirabeau. In Arles, the sumptuous arenas recall the heyday of Antiquity. On the natural side, the famous Calanques National Park, Camargue Regional Natural Park or even the majestic Sainte-Victoire mountain are must-haves. Side villages, in the Alpilles, that of Leases-de-Provence perched on its rocky outcrop awaits you. It is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich and colorful Provençal culture.

Remarkable natural sites

In the Bouches-du-Rhône, nature is omnipresent. From the National Park Creeks to the regional parks of Camargue and Alpilles… From the nature reserves of Camargue and Coussouls-de-Crau, to Vigueirat marshes or at Sainte-Victoire… From the Frioul archipelago pine forests and scrubland… The natural heritage of this territory is impressive and rich in a wide variety of landscapes.

Outdoor sports 

In the Bouches-du-Rhône, outdoor sports are king. Scuba diving, sailing and all water sports are on the program on the coast. Inland, the sumptuous massifs are the ideal territory for hiking. On foot, on horseback or by mountain bike, thousands of kilometers of trails await athletes of all levels. For cycle tourists, the Via Rhôna and several other routes exist from the Alpilles to the Rhône delta.

The historic sites of Bouches-du-Rhône

Since Antiquity, the Bouches-du-Rhône have been the scene of major exchanges. The Greeks, then the Romans, left a rich heritage there on earth, but also under the surface. Sumptuous wrecks laid in the depths conceal buried treasures. On earth, the arenas of Arles or even the archaeological site of Glanum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, are the most emblematic remains. Medieval buildings are also present in the area. Montmajour Abbey, the Saint-Trophime cloister or the Saint-Paul de Maussole monastery, where Vincent Van Gogh lived after cutting his ear, are a must. During your visit, do not miss either the castle of If ou the famous Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde !