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

Bouches-du-Rhône is a department in southern France, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It was established during the French Revolution by combining part of Provence with the principalities of Orange, Martigues, and Lambesc. The department, numbered 13, is named after the Rhône River's mouth, which flows into the Mediterranean in its southern part. Marseille, the department's main port and France's second-largest city, has a rich history that predates Julius Caesar's conquest of Gaul. Evidence of Roman influence remains visible through various monuments, such as the Roman Theatre…

Bouches-du-Rhône is a department in southern France, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It was established during the French Revolution by combining part of Provence with the principalities of Orange, Martigues, and Lambesc. The department, numbered 13, is named after the Rhône River's mouth, which flows into the Mediterranean in its southern part. Marseille, the department's main port and France's second-largest city, has a rich history that predates Julius Caesar's conquest of Gaul. Evidence of Roman influence remains visible through various monuments, such as 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 5,087 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 2 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 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.

Common House Styles in the Department

• Apartments – Located in cities like Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, they are 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 & Trends in the Bouches-du-Rhône in 2026

• Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €3,838 (April 2026)
• Apartments: average price per sq. metre: €4,003 (April 2026)
• Price trends: -4% over the last 12 months, +17% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro - April 2026)

2025 House Prices in the Main Towns in Bouches-du-Rhône in 2026

• Average House Price in Marseille: €4,228 per sq. metre (April 2026)
• Average House Price in Aix-en-Provence: €5,896  per sq. metre (April 2026)
• Average House Price in Arles: €2,793 per sq. metre (April 2026)

(source: Le Figaro Immobilier)

Thinking about Buying a Home 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 (1 hour to Paris), TGV (3 hours), and near Avignon (30 minutes) suits 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. 

Browse our Properties for Sale in Bouches-du-Rhône

Explore our selection of villas, luxury homes, character Mas and country properties for sale in the Bouches-du-Rhône area of Provence. These real estate listings are updated daily by our English-speaking estate agents. Please get in touch with us to arrange property visits or to discuss your search criteria.