Istres tourist information
One of the first ever flying schools was founded in 1917 near Istres, which is now mainly known for its air base and its test flight centre, rather than the oval layout of the steeply sloped old town and its very Provençal charm. The former fortified entrances were demolished before the French Revolution, but the elegant Porte d'Arles gateway was built in the 18th century. The castle has disappeared; however, the town centre has been patiently restored and has a rather 16th century character. The church of Notre-Dame de Beauvoir hangs over the town; it is a mixture of styles (Romanesque, Renaissance and 19th century). From the belvedere on its left-hand side, there is a fine view of the town and its approaches. Located in a 17th century mansion, the Musée du Vieil Istres (Istres Local History Museum), particularly devoted to archaeology, has collections concerning local customs and crafts. It has also a splendid collection of remarkably conserved trademarks painted on amphoras - the “labels” of Roman merchants. No visit would be complete without climbing up onto the Castellan oppidum, a former Celto-Ligurian fortress, to have a view over the Olivier Lagoon
Istres aerial map
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Istres weather forecast
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