Guide to Bouches-du-Rhone & Property in Department 13

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, a major port and the second-largest city in France, played a significant role in the department's history long before Julius Caesar's conquest of Gaul. The Roman presence is evident through the numerous monuments scattered 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. 

Key Information about the Bouches-du-Rhône (13)

• 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.

Types of Properties for Sale in the Bouches-du-Rhône

Experience the charm of Provence, where sun-drenched scenery, olive groves, lavender fields and historic villages create an idyllic setting for refined living. In Bouches-du-Rhône, the property market is as diverse as its landscapes — offering everything from city apartments to charming Provençal farmhouses and prestigious villas in some of France’s most sought-after areas, including Les Alpilles, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Maussane-les-Alpilles, and Eygalières.

Whether it’s a luxury villa in Saint-Rémy, a stone mas in the countryside, or a stylish apartment in Aix, Bouches-du-Rhône offers a property landscape that blends Provençal charm with refined living.

Most Common Property Styles

• Apartments – Mainly located in cities like Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, available in historic character-filled buildings and contemporary homes.
• Detached houses – Popular for their comfort and space, available in a variety of architectural styles.
• Provençal homes – Quintessential houses with tiled roofs and warm-toned facades, embodying the spirit of the South.
• Luxury villas & mansions – Prestigious residences with landscaped gardens, pools, and panoramic views are highly sought after in the Alpilles area.
• Renovated farmhouses (Mas) – Traditional stone farmhouses restored with rustic charm and modern amenities.
• Contemporary villas and modern houses – Light-filled properties with clean architectural lines and terraces for a stylish Mediterranean lifestyle.
• Single-storey homes – Favoured for their easy living and accessibility.

Property Prices in the Bouches-du-Rhône in 2025

• Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €3,715 (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
• Apartments: average price per sq. metre: €3,997 (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
• Price trends: -6% over the last 12 months, +20% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro)

2025 House Prices in the Main Towns in the Bouches-du-Rhône

• Average House Price in Marseille: €3,760 per sq. metre
• Average House Price in Aix-en-Provence: €5,854  per sq. metre
• Average House Price in Arles: €2,738 per sq. metre

(source: Le Figaro - October 2025)

Explore Lifestyle & Property Listings in Bouches-du-Rhône

• Provençal Prestige & Diversity: From Aix-en-Provence’s hôtels particuliers, the wild Camargue, and charming Alpilles villages like Saint-Rémy and Les Baux offer luxury mas, vineyard estates, and seaside villas.
• High Rental Potential: With tourists flocking to Aix’s festivals, the Calanques, and the Alpilles’ olive groves, properties here achieve 8–12% annual yields, especially for holiday homes and bastides in the Luberon.
• Prime Location: Marseille-Provence Airport (1h to Paris), TGV (3h), and near Avignon (30min) suit second-home owners, international buyers, and weekenders seeking Mediterranean and countryside life.
• Sun-Drenched Climate: Hot summers (30°C+) for yachting, hiking, and rosé tastings, paired with mild winters (8–14°C).
• Vibrant Provençal Lifestyle: A region of contrasts with beach clubs, olive oil and lavender festivals, and fêtes Provençales. 

If you are looking to purchase a property in the Bouches-du-Rhône, browse our listings below, and please get in touch to discuss your search criteria.