Stretching over 15,500 ha, the lake and its 75 km circumference does not lack charm. Surrounded by limestone hills of modest height, it is supplied with fresh water from the Arc, Touloubre and EDF canal. It is connected to the sea through the Caronte Canal and the canal Rove. Historically, he attracted men as evidenced by the excavations of St. Blaise, the Flavian bridge, the medieval town of Miramas-le-Vieux and the enclosure XVII of Port-de-Bouc.
From the late nineteenth century, the traditional economy based on vines, olives, fishing and saline is upset by industrialization. The division between North and South is well marked: the south and southeast have sacrificed a lot to industrialization, while the north and west have maintained a more familiar character alternating pine forests and crops.
Its area is 155 km² making it the largest "sea" inner Europe.
In addition, long fingered for its pollution due to industrialization of the periphery of the pond, the Etang de Berre gradually found its former uses. The efforts undertaken for several years on the environment and ecology, for example with the creation of an interest group for the rehabilitation of the Etang de Berre (GIPREB) bearing fruit. Indeed, the increase in salinity and improving water quality permit the return of a fishing noble fish (sole, sea bream, wolves...).
Further evidence of this improvement, the opening of two beaches, which were created in 2010 on the istréen territory for swimming and refreshment, the beach and Romaniquette Ranquet.
monitored beaches and offering all the necessary amenities for your comfort, they welcome you from June to September. The quality of bathing water is monitored throughout the summer by the GIPREB.
