The Bouches-du-Rhône department, located in the heart of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, is unique in that it offers visitors who want to explore it an incredible diversity of landscapes, historic cities and sunny tourist destinations; bordered by the Mediterranean and crossed by the Rhône, it is home to some of the most iconic cities in the south of France.
Each city has its own identity and is well worth a visit: from the picturesque lanes of Aix-en-Provence to the lively districts of Marseille, via the Roman remains of Arles or the fishing ports of the Côte Bleue, read on to learn more about the cities of south-eastern France and plan your stay in the Bouches-du-Rhône properly!
Map of the main towns and communes in the Bouches-du-Rhône
The Bouches-du-Rhône department has more than a hundred communes spread across the Mediterranean coast, the Crau plains, the Alpilles and the Provençal hinterland.
The main towns and cities are concentrated around several geographic areas:
- Marseille and its metropolitan area on the Mediterranean coast;
- Aix-en-Provence, in the north-east of the department;
- Arles to the west, at the gateway to the Camargue;
- Salon-de-Provence in the heart of Provence;
- Aubagne, between Marseille and the Sainte-Baume massif.
This distribution makes it possible to discover very different atmospheres within just a few kilometres. In less than an hour’s drive, you can go from a lively historic centre to spectacular natural landscapes or charming Provençal villages, such as Les Baux-de-Provence or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, for example.
The most beautiful towns and cities to visit in the Bouches-du-Rhône
The Bouches-du-Rhône is home to some of Provence’s most famous destinations—and, more broadly, of the south of France: each has its own strengths and offers visitors a different experience, as described below:
- Marseille: the department’s true flagship, Marseille charms visitors with its unique mix of cultures, maritime heritage and unmistakable Mediterranean vibe. With its Old Port, historic districts and famous calanques, you’ll need more than a day to discover the Phocaean city! To enhance your visit, we recommend heading to the famous Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica for one of the finest panoramas over the whole city and the Mediterranean, or visiting the Mucem, the perfect place for anyone who wants to learn more about European civilisations and the history of the Mediterranean.
- Aix-en-Provence: often considered the capital of the Provençal art of living, Aix-en-Provence wins visitors over with its elegant shaded squares, its thousand fountains and its historic centre. The city is also a must for art lovers: head to the Granet Museum to discover around ten paintings by Paul Cézanne, among the 600 works that will punctuate your visit. Finally, for hiking enthusiasts, climbing Sainte-Victoire is a chance to admire Mediterranean flora and fauna from its summit, which rises to 1,011 metres.
- Arles: after Rome, Arles is the city with the most Roman monuments; its Roman amphitheatre is considered Arles’ finest monument, and events are still held within the walls of this legendary venue. Many other sites await history buffs, such as the Baths of Constantine, the cryptoporticoes, and more. Its ancient monuments are among the best preserved in France.
- Salon-de-Provence: with its medieval castle, Provençal lanes and historic link to Nostradamus, Salon-de-Provence is an interesting stop on your stay in the Bouches-du-Rhône. Food lovers can enjoy its Provençal market, held every Wednesday and Saturday, and if you have a car, take the opportunity to visit Rocher Mistral, just 10 minutes away!
Marseille and Aix-en-Provence: the two must-sees in the Bouches-du-Rhône
Marseille, Mediterranean capital
Marseille is often the starting point for exploring the Bouches-du-Rhône, as it’s the first major city people mention when talking about the department. As a fun fact, its famous Old Port has been the historic heart of the city for over 2,600 years, and plenty of other must-see spots await you for a memorable stay in the Phocaean city—here are a few:
- The Notre-Dame Basilica and its exceptional panorama;
- The Le Panier district, the oldest neighbourhood in the city;
- The Mucem, a venue dedicated to Mediterranean civilisations;
- The Calanques of Marseille and their turquoise waters;
- The Frioul Islands for those who love boat trips, as well as the famous Château d’If.
Beyond these points of interest, Marseille is also renowned for its gastronomy, bustling markets and uniquely cosmopolitan atmosphere—unlike anywhere else in France.
Aix-en-Provence, or Provençal elegance
Just a few kilometres from Marseille, Aix-en-Provence offers a completely different atmosphere: relaxed yet chic, it has a very special aura—Provençal elegance. Beyond the Cours Mirabeau, ideal for enjoying a drink on a terrace, visitors love the many fountains that line the historic centre, the colourful Provençal markets, the many museums dedicated to Paul Cézanne, and the beautiful views from Sainte-Victoire. If you’re looking for a place that combines refinement with the Provençal way of life, look no further—go for it!
Arles and the historic Rhône towns
In the west of the department, Arles is one of the most remarkable historic cities in the Bouches-du-Rhône. A former Roman colony, it is home to several UNESCO World Heritage monuments, including the Roman arena, the ancient theatre, the Baths of Constantine and the Saint-Trophime cloister.
The city is also world-famous for inspiring many works by Vincent van Gogh. Several routes now make it possible to find the landscapes immortalised by the artist.
What to do in the towns and cities of the Bouches-du-Rhône?
There’s no shortage of things to do in the Bouches-du-Rhône, whatever the season. Beyond the museums, historic monuments, castles and archaeological sites found in most major towns, you can enjoy the surrounding nature with many natural areas such as the Calanques National Park, the Camargue, the Alpilles, the Côte Bleue and the Étang de Berre.
Water activities also play a major role thanks to the proximity of the Mediterranean Sea, with sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, scuba diving and boat trips to the calanques. Finally, depending on the season, the department hosts many festivals, concerts, exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year, which add to the region’s tourist appeal.
Plan your trip and set off to discover the Bouches-du-Rhône
Between historic cities, Mediterranean landscapes, outstanding heritage and Provençal traditions, the Bouches-du-Rhône offers remarkable richness to discover all year round.
Whether you want to explore the lanes of Aix-en-Provence, admire the ancient monuments of Arles, soak up the buzz of Marseille or discover the villages of the Alpilles, book your ideal accommodation now, plan your itinerary and let the Bouches-du-Rhône win you over!