Etang de l'Olivier - IstresEtang de l'Olivier - Istres
©Etang de l'Olivier - Istres|Béryl Triffaux

Istres

Tourism and travel guide

To the north of the Berre Lagoon, the town of Istres enjoys an ideal location and possesses exceptional historical and natural heritage, close to the Alpilles regional natural park, the Crau Plain, and the Camargue regional natural park.

Visiting Istres as a Family

With a population of 40,000 inhabitants, Istres is also a nature-friendly destination: you can hike south, discovering the ponds of Lavaduc, Citis, Pourra or Engrenier, or follow the marked trails of La Crau, the Côte Bleue or the Camargue. The region also lends itself particularly well to cycling, whether on small roads or on marked paths.

Families will enjoy their vacations in Istres, with many animations and activities dedicated to them. A treasure hunt is organized in the town centre: by picking up your guide at the Tourist Office, you can solve the riddles and go in search of the forgotten treasures of the historical centre. The Dinosaur’Istres park, accessible free of charge, offers a walk in the middle of life-size dinosaur reconstructions.

The town of Istres is also appreciated for its proximity to the beaches: the Mediterranean is only a few kilometers away and many seaside resorts offer a wide range of water sports.

Cultural Visits in Istres

A visit to the city of Istres allows you to discover several monuments.

The Queen Jeanne Tower and its Gothic chapel date back to the Middle Ages, while the Arles Gate, built between 1771 and 1773, is located on the site of the former city walls. The Castellan oppidum was built by the Celts before the arrival of the Greeks from Massilia and the Romans. Many relics from prehistoric and ancient times are preserved at the Museum of Old Istres.

The airbase and the flight test center have contributed to the current prosperity of the city of Istres. The military plays a significant role in this city.

The Istres arena regularly hosts Camargue bullfighting, traditional bull games where participants must grab attributes attached to the horns of the animal.

Museums and Monuments Near Istres

Istres is located near some of the most beautiful museums in Bouches-du-Rhône.

Aix-en-Provence, approximately 30 kilometers from Istres, is renowned for its historic center and museums: discover the Granet Museum, the Vasarely Foundation, and the Paul Cézanne Studio, among others.

Arles, about 40 kilometers away, is home to ancient Roman arenas. The Arles Antique Museum, allows you to explore this history.

Marseille, around 50 kilometers from Istres, boasts prestigious museums and monuments. You can visit the Mucem, the Cantini Museum, the Museum of the History of Marseille, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, or the Palais Longchamp.

Practical information

Istres is located to the east of the Camargue and to the south of the Alpilles. You will find a variety of tourist accommodations in this city, including hotels, vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds.

The Istres Tourist Office provides all the information you need to plan your visit or stay:

Close