Etang de l'Olivier, Artificial pond in central Istres, France

The étang de l'Olivier is an artificial pond in the center of Istres, covering around 220 hectares and connected to the étang de Berre by a narrow canal. A footpath runs all the way around the water, bordered by reed beds and rocky cliffs known as the falaises de saffre.

The pond was originally used for salt harvesting before gradually becoming a freshwater body over the centuries through desalination. This change allowed a rich ecosystem to develop, with many species of fish and birds establishing themselves in and around the water.

The west bank of the pond holds a landscaped promenade with a sports trail, a Mediterranean garden, children's games and a plant maze, plus the Art Zoo. Local boules clubs, Provençal jousting groups, a rowing club and canoe-kayak and traditional Provençal rowing activities are based by the water. In summer pedal boats and electric boats are available, and festivities and cultural and sporting events take place on the esplanade and the wooden bridge-terrace.

The path around the pond is open to walkers and cyclists and is largely accessible for people with reduced mobility. The nearby Dinosaur'Istres park sits on a hill and may be harder to reach for some visitors, so it is worth checking access in advance.

The water jet rising from the pond reaches 50 metres, making it the tallest in France, according to the source. It was installed to improve oxygenation of the water, but its ecological value is contested and it is seen by some as a tourist attraction rather than an environmental measure.