Bouches-du-Rhône is a department in southeastern France, part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Its prefecture and largest city is Marseille, and the department takes its name from the mouths of the Rhône River, where the river meets the Mediterranean.
For a visitor, the department offers a mix of coast, city and cultural heritage. Its Mediterranean shoreline includes parts of the French Riviera, so a stay here can combine time by the sea with the rhythm of a working port. Marseille, with its long history as a major port city, gives the area much of its character, and the department as a whole is one of France's most populous.
What a visit offers
- Coastline: Mediterranean beaches and coastal walks along parts of the Riviera.
- Port city life: Marseille's harbour, neighbourhoods and markets reflect its centuries as a gateway for trade.
- Cultural heritage: The area is rich in historic sites and traditions typical of Provence.
- Delta landscapes: The Rhône's mouths give the surrounding countryside a distinctive, open character.
Planning your trip
Bouches-du-Rhône suits travellers who want more than a single town. Marseille can serve as a base for exploring the coast and the wider Provence region. Because the department spans both urban and rural areas, it is worth deciding in advance whether your interest lies in the city, the sea or the countryside, and planning your route accordingly.
