Miramas

Miramas is a commune in the Bouches-du-Rhône department in the Provence-Alpes-C Côte d'Azur region of southern France. It is situated in the western part of the department, north of the Étang de Berre, near Istres and Salon-de-Provence, and about 30 kilometers northeast of Marseille. The town comprises the historic hilltop village of Miramas-le-Vieux and a newer, lower-lying area developed around rail and road networks.

The commune has around 20,000 inhabitants and a mixed economy that includes agriculture in the surrounding plain as well as light industry and services linked to the Berre and Fos industrial basin. Transport links play a significant role in the local economy, with the Gare de Miramas providing regional rail connections to Marseille, Arles, and intermediate towns. The A55 autoroute and other major roads pass nearby, facilitating access to the Provençal coast and inland areas.

Historically, Miramas has older roots, with the hilltop village dating from the medieval period. The modern town expanded in the 19th and 20th centuries, driven by railway development and improved canal and road connections that linked this portion of the Provence plain to larger urban centers.

Notable features include the historic Miramas-le-Vieux site and the town’s market and cultural facilities. The surrounding area blends agricultural landscapes with industrial zones, reflecting its role within the broader Berre–Fos region.