A rocky promontory on the southern shore of the Étang de l’Olivier offers views of Istres and the lake. At the Oppidum du Castellan, the setting is complemented by a long history of settlement; elsewhere in the city, Provençal Romanesque architecture, lakeside paths and regional cuisine take centre stage. The options range from archaeological traces to waterside walks and the market.
Routes between the town and the shore
Section A10 of the GR2013 runs for 3.2 km from Plage du Ranquet to Port des Heures Claires in Istres. It follows the shore of the Étang de Berre, passing beaches and coves. The “Istres: Entre ville et nature” route passes through the historic centre and the town; its course also includes viewpoints over the Étang de Berre, sections along the shore and protected coves. The two routes offer different perspectives: A10 describes a lakeside stretch between two named points, while the other route combines views of the town and the shore.
For cycling, there is the “Parcours Cyclotourisme pour découvrir Istres”. It uses available cycle paths and quiet roads, passing close to the city’s main tourist attractions. The cycling route and the two walking routes offer different ways to focus on town views and waterside scenery.
Archaeology and architecture
The site of the Oppidum du Castellan was inhabited from the 6th century BC to the Early Middle Ages. A Gallic rock inscription and traces of a road worn by wagon wheels can be seen there. The Chapelle Saint-Sulpice is an important example of Provençal Romanesque architecture and has been listed in the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments since 1942. It hosts a year-round programme of fine and visual art exhibitions. As exhibitions change, check the current programme before your visit.
The Château des Baumes offers a different architectural style: it is a fully restored Italian-style manor house. Conferences, tours, themed evenings and other tourism-related events are held on the ground floor. More than 40 dinosaurs can be seen at Dinosaur'Istres park, including Spinosaurus, Diplodocus, Tyrannosaurus rex and Velociraptors.
Lakeside landscapes and water sports
The Étang de l’Olivier has a preserved ecosystem of reed beds and Safre cliffs, which provide a habitat for numerous birds and fish. Provençal water jousting, a traditional sport requiring strength and skill, is also practised on the Étang. Wildlife watching and this sporting tradition give the lake distinct points of interest.
At Plage de la Romaniquette, jet skiing, towable tubes and flyboarding are available seasonally. Other water sports on offer include paddle boats, pedal boats, canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboarding. Visitors interested in activities on the water will find a different range of options here than on the lakeside routes and their scenic viewpoints.
Market and special attractions
The Marché d'Istres takes place on Tuesday mornings in the town centre and offers Provençal specialities. These include salt cod for aïoli, vegetables for soupe au pistou, olives and paella. If the market is to be a set part of your trip, check the schedule before you travel.
Le Labyrinthe de l’Olivier, a free-to-enter plant maze, is located on the shore of the Étang de l’Olivier. Its 750-metre family trail winds along paths with twists and detours between plant hedges 1.5 metres high. Dinosaur'Istres park, with its more than 40 dinosaurs, offers a completely different themed experience.
If you are looking for hotels in Istres, first choose the focus of your trip: archaeological and architectural sites, waterside routes, regional cuisine or individual leisure activities.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Estève-Janson, Mallemort, La Barben, Luynes, Gignac-La-Nerthe, Le Grau-Du-Roi, Saint-Mitre-Les-Remparts, Mimet
For the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.
