Happy TravellerWelcome to Istres, a beautiful commune located in the heart of the Bouches-du-Rhône department in southern France. Known for its stunning lagoons, rich sports culture, and mild Mediterranean climate, Istres is a must-visit destination for any traveler. Here’s everything you need to know before you go:
Istres is situated on the Étang de Berre lagoon, the largest in Europe, and the Étang de l’Olivier lagoon. It is conveniently located just 60 km northwest of Marseille, 20 km southwest of Salon-de-Provence, and 10 km north of Martigues. The town is also adjacent to the Camargue national park and the plaine de la Crau.
Sports enthusiasts will love Istres for its numerous sports facilities and 102 clubs. The town’s main football club is FC Istres, and every year a race is organized around the Étang de l’Olivier, attracting runners from all over the world.
Istres is also home to the Istres-Le Tubé Air Base, which was one of three air bases utilized by NASA as a contingency landing site for the Space Shuttle. Visitors can learn about the base’s fascinating history and see vintage aircraft on display at the base’s museum.
Istres has a mild Mediterranean climate with humid winters and hot, dry summers. The coldest months are January and February, with temperatures averaging around 7 °C, while July and August are the hottest months with an average summer temperature of 24 °C and an average max temperature of 32 °C. The mistral wind, a cold and often violent wind, blows through the city mostly in winter and spring. The city receives around 566 mm of precipitation per year.
Come and experience the charm of Istres for yourself. Visit the official website to plan your trip today!
