Bouches-du-Rhône

Bouches-du-Rhône is an administrative division in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southern France, stretching between the Mediterranean Sea and the hills of Provence. The area includes the coastline west of Marseille, the Rhône Delta with the Camargue wetlands, and towns such as Aix-en-Provence and Arles.

The division was established on March 4, 1790, when the French Revolution reorganized the kingdom into new territorial units. Its boundaries were drawn from parts of the old province of Provence and have remained mostly unchanged since.

The name comes from the mouths of the Rhône River, which splits into several branches before reaching the Mediterranean. Fishing villages dot the coast while inland hamlets grow olives and grapes, shaping daily life around these crops and seasonal rhythms.

Roads and rail lines connect the larger towns and run down to the coast, while Marseille Provence Airport offers links abroad. Bus services operate regularly between smaller places and the main centers, making it possible to reach different destinations by public transport.

Arles within the division is the largest commune by area in mainland France, with boundaries stretching deep into the Camargue. Most of this land consists of wetlands, salt pans, and grazing grounds used for horses and bulls.

Location: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Inception: March 4, 1790

Capital city: Marseille

Reference: 13

Shares border with: Gard, Vaucluse, Var

Website: https://bouches-du-rhone.gouv.fr

GPS coordinates: 43.50000,5.08333

Latest update: December 15, 2025 02:12