Bouches-du-Rhône is a department of France located in the southern region of
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. It is one of the 83 departments that were created during the French Revolution. The department was formed by merging a part of the province of Provence and the principalities of Orange, Martigues, and Lambesc. It is numbered 13 and is named after the mouth of the Rhône River, which empties into the Mediterranean Sea in the south of the department. Marseille, an important harbour and the second-largest city in France was a significant part of the department's history even before Julius Caesar's conquest of Gaul. The Roman presence is evident through the many monuments across the department, including the Roman Theatre in Orange, the Glanum Archaeological Site and the Arles Amphitheatre. The department lost territory in 1793 when the
Vaucluse department was created.
Geography and Demographics
Bouches-du-Rhône is bordered by Gard to the west, Vaucluse to the north, Var to the east, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. It covers an area of 5,087 square kilometres and has a population of approximately two million people. The department is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Camargue wetlands, the
Calanques cliffs and
the Alpilles.
Artistic Legacy and Cultural Influences
The department has been well-represented in French art, with many artists drawn to its scenic beauty. Paul Cézanne, a native of Aix-en-Provence, painted many representations of
Mont Sainte-Victoire, while Vincent van Gogh spent much of his life in Arles, painting many scenes in the area.
Modern Work-Life Balance
The department has also gained recognition for its work-life balance in recent years. A recent study by Holland and Barrett revealed that Marseille ranked second in the world for work-life balance, averaging 31.48 working hours per week.
Key Information about Bouches-du-Rhône
- Main City/Prefecture: Marseille
- Nearest Airport: Marseille-Provence Airport
- Population: Around 2 million (as of the latest census)
- Area: 5,087 sq. kilometres and 1,964 sq. miles
- Landmark: Calanques National Park, featuring dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise waters.
- Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 8 million, attracted by its coastal beauty, historic landmarks and vibrant cultural scene.
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