Bouches-du-Rhône

Bouches-du-Rhône
Department	Bouches-du-Rhône
Number	13
Region	Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Prefecture	Marseille
Subprefectures	Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Istres
President	Martine Vassal
Population	2,056,943
Population date	2021
Area km2	5087
Cantons	29
Communes	119

Bouches-du-Rhône is a department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of Southern France. It takes its name from the mouth of the Rhône river, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea within its territory. The department is anchored by the major metropolis of Marseille, one of France's largest cities, and is renowned for its diverse landscapes, from the Camargue wetlands to the Alpilles mountains and the famed Calanques National Park.

Geography

The department is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the south, the departments of Gard to the west, Vaucluse to the north, and Var to the east. Its topography is varied, featuring the expansive Rhône delta known as the Camargue, the limestone massifs of the Alpilles and the Chaîne de l'Étoile, and the dramatic coastal cliffs of the Calanques National Park near Marseille. Major waterways include the Rhône and its tributary, the Durance, which have historically shaped the region's agriculture and settlements. The Étang de Berre, a large coastal lagoon, is a significant geographical feature near Istres.

History

The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, evidenced by cave paintings in the Cosquer Cave near Marseille. It was a central part of ancient Gaul, with Massalia (modern Marseille) founded as a Greek colony by settlers from Phocaea around 600 BC. The region later became part of the Roman Empire, with important sites at Arles (Arelate) and Glamum near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. In the Middle Ages, it was contested by the Counts of Provence and the House of Barcelona. It was incorporated into the Kingdom of France in 1481 and became a department during the French Revolution in 1790. The 19th and 20th centuries saw massive port development in Marseille and significant immigration, particularly during the Algerian War.

Demographics

With a population exceeding two million, it is one of the most populous departments in France. Marseille is the dominant urban center, forming the core of the Métropole d'Aix-Marseille-Provence, one of the country's largest metropolitan areas. Other significant urban clusters include Aix-en-Provence, Arles, and Salon-de-Provence. The population is historically diverse, with strong communities of Italian, Armenian, Comorian, and North African descent, reflecting centuries of Mediterranean trade and migration.

Economy

The economy is multifaceted, centered on the major port of Marseille, part of the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille, which handles substantial container, petroleum, and liquefied natural gas traffic. Key industrial zones are located around the Étang de Berre, hosting petrochemical complexes operated by companies like TotalEnergies. Aix-en-Provence is a hub for technology and research, while tourism is a vital sector, drawing visitors to sites like Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence, and the beaches of the Côte Bleue. Agriculture remains important, with production of rice, olive oil, wine (notably Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence), and fruits.

Culture and landmarks

The department boasts a rich cultural heritage, from the Arles Amphitheatre and Alyscamps to the Cistercian Abbey of Le Thoronet. It is famously associated with Post-Impressionist painters; Vincent van Gogh created many masterpieces in Arles and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, while Paul Cézanne was born and worked extensively in Aix-en-Provence. Annual festivals include the Rencontres d'Arles photography festival and the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence. Culinary specialties include bouillabaisse, tapenade, and pastis. Natural landmarks are protected in the Camargue and the Calanques National Park.

Administration

The department is part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The prefecture is Marseille, with sub-prefectures in Aix-en-Provence, Arles, and Istres. It is divided into four arrondissements, 29 cantons, and 119 communes. The departmental council is presided over by Martine Vassal. The territory is also represented in the National Assembly by multiple deputies and in the Senate by senators. It falls within the jurisdiction of the Aix-en-Provence Court of Appeal and the Academic Academy of Aix-Marseille.

Category:Departments of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Category:1790 establishments in France