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The town developed in parallel with its air base 125 Charles Monnier, a highly strategic site, vital for the French Air Force. A world-famous site, with the largest runway in Europe, it continues to actively participate in the prestige of the town.

Istres has an ambitious cultural and artistic policy. The public areas in Istres have been taken over by internationally renowned artists. You can discover magnificent works all over the region: Daniel Buren’s Grande Diagonale, Ben signs or the Art'bribus.

Typically Provençal, Istres’s old town is evidence of our beautiful town’s history. 

DINOSAUR'ISTRES, a walk among the ‘great figures’ of the Dinosaurs in Istres, in the Castellan hill forest, a recognised site for remarkable archaeology and Provençal biodiversity.

Nowadays, a fully-fledged district of the town, it was once the resort of choice for Marseille residents. The village grew around the many mas, or farms, in this part of La Crau and is now the farming district. Foin de Crau hay is produced here. 

Now being used fully, the etang is the first choice for locals and holidaymakers, particularly in summer, with water sports, beaches, and all the facilities for a great day with friends and family.

The etang de l’Olivier is a central place in Istres, a landscaped jewel in the town.

On the etang de Berre, the Romaniquette and Ranquet beaches are supervised from June to September and have all the necessary facilities for a family day out.