Istres is a commune located in the Bouches-du-Rhône department within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southern France. Situated approximately 60 kilometers northwest of Marseille, it is positioned on the western edge of the Étang de Berre and adjacent to the smaller Étang de l'Olivier.
The commune is characterized by its strategic importance in the aerospace and military sectors. It is home to the Istres-Le Tubé Air Base (Base aérienne 125), which features one of the longest runways in Europe. This facility serves as a primary hub for the French Air and Space Force and is a major center for flight testing and aeronautical research. Due to its technical capabilities and runway length, the base was historically designated as an emergency landing site for NASA's Space Shuttle program.
Economically, Istres is integrated into the industrial landscape of the Fos-sur-Mer maritime-industrial zone. Its proximity to these heavy industrial sites and the Gulf of Fos influences local employment and infrastructure development. The town also functions as a sub-prefecture of the Bouches-du-Rhône department.
The historical center of Istres retains a medieval layout, featuring narrow streets and stone architecture. The commune is also known for its environmental features, including its proximity to the Crau plain, a unique Mediterranean steppe landscape. As of recent census data, Istres maintains a population of approximately 44,000 residents, serving as a significant urban center within the Marseille-Provence metropolitan area.
