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Bouches-du-Rhone
Located in the southeast of France, Bouches-du-Rhone, is named after the river that traverses it, the Rhone River.
The region enjoys ambiance and climate of the laid-back sunshine of the Mediterranean coast, with occassional visits from the mistral, a cool north-west wind blowing from the central plateau of France.
The province is divided into the three arrondissements of Marseilles, Aix and Arles with Marseilles serving as the regional capital and as the country’s second largest city.
Marseille’s seaside vistas contrast with its industrial contribution with as a large oil, soap, shipbuilding, manufacturing hub. The sea figures in a lot of local livelihood such as the fisheries and salt marshes whose sea-salt obtained exceeds production of any other department in France. Almonds, figs, capers, silk and the vines are also proud local produce in the area.
But other than the hustle and bustle of city life, Aix’s reputation as a university town shows the gentler side to the region with a large young student population with streetside cafes and culture on every street corner.
Arles also invites the more adventurous visitor in its discovery of ancient civilizations, dating back to the Roman conquest of the area. Established by the Greeks in 6th Century BC, the Roman domination is felt in every crevice of this town.
Near Saint-Chamas is the remarkable Roman bridge over the Touloubre with triumphal arches supported on one semicircular span. This feat of ancient engineering dates back to the 1st century, making it the oldest in France. At Vernegues there are remains of a Roman temple known as the "Maison-Basse”, while the famous abbey of Montmajour also has Roman ruins in its foundations.
