The town of Istres, situated on the Etang de Berre, has managed to converse with a preserved and lively town centre, with its stores, alleyways and squares with a medieval atmosphere. The proximity of the Etang de Berre and the Etang de Berre offers the promise of numerous walks, with a selection of the most beautiful areas of Provence as a horizon: the Alpilles, the Plaine de La Crau, the Camargue…
Istres is a town of 40 000 inhabitants, but it is nevertheless a nature 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.
Several remarkable monuments bear witness to the rich past of the town of Istres. The Tower of Queen Jeanne and its Gothic chapel have crossed the centuries since the Middle Ages, while the Porte d’Arles, built between 1771 and 1773, recalls the location of the ancient ramparts. The oppidum of Castellan plunges us into an even more ancient past, before the arrival of the Greeks of Massilia and the Romans.
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.
