Hotels in Istres, Martigues: Best Places to Stay
Updated 15 September 2026 · 6 real hotels
Istres is a practical and pleasant base in the wider Martigues area, best suited to business travellers, road-trippers, and those visiting the Etang de Berre industrial and logistics corridor. It offers a good range of hotels at reasonable prices, solid transport links, and a quiet Provençal town atmosphere without the tourist crowds of the coast.
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Staying in Istres, near Martigues
Istres is a mid-sized town in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, sitting on the western shore of the Etang de Berre, roughly 10 to 15 kilometres north of Martigues proper. While it shares the same broader metropolitan area, Istres has its own distinct identity: a mix of residential neighbourhoods, light industry, an air base (Base Aérienne 125), and a surprisingly attractive old town perched above the Etang de l'Olivier. The pace here is calm, the scenery typically Provençal, and the hotel offer is oriented firmly toward value and function rather than luxury tourism. Prices are noticeably lower than on the Marseille coast, and availability is generally good year-round.
For travellers, Istres works well as a hub if you are visiting the Camargue, the Alpilles, or the port facilities and industrial sites around the Etang de Berre. The A55 and A54 motorways are accessible nearby, making day trips to Arles, Aix-en-Provence, or Marseille straightforward by car. Local bus services connect Istres to Martigues and surrounding communes, though a car is strongly recommended for exploring the wider region. The town centre offers a handful of restaurants, a weekly market, and everyday amenities without any particular tourist infrastructure, which suits independent travellers who prefer an authentic local setting over a resort-style experience.
Where to stay on any budget?
A real selection, real prices, from the most affordable to the showstopper.
| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| ibis budget Istres Trigance ★★ | Istres : à 12,9 km de Martigues | ★ 4 | 60 €/nuit |
| Top Motel ★★ | Istres : à 12,8 km de Martigues | ★ 4.2 | 68 €/nuit |
| Hotel HubOne3 Istres | Istres : à 15,8 km de Martigues | ★ 4 | 71 €/nuit |
| Hotel Le Castellan | Istres : à 13,5 km de Martigues | ★ 4.5 | 95 €/nuit |
| Citotel Le Mirage ★★★ | Istres : à 11 km de Martigues | ★ 3.8 | 98 €/nuit |
| ibis Istres Trigance ★★★ | Istres : à 12,8 km de Martigues | ★ 4 | 105 €/nuit |
Frequently asked questions
Is Istres the same as Martigues, or are they separate towns?+
They are separate but neighbouring towns within the same broader metropolitan area of the Etang de Berre. Istres sits roughly 10 to 15 kilometres north of Martigues. The two towns have different characters: Martigues is known as the 'Venice of Provence' for its canals and fishing heritage, while Istres is quieter and more residential. Booking a hotel in Istres gives you easy road access to Martigues but places you in a distinct town.
What is the cheapest hotel option in Istres?+
The most affordable option currently listed is the ibis budget Istres Trigance (2 stars) at around 60 euros per night, rated 4 out of 5. The Top Motel (2 stars) follows at approximately 68 euros per night with a 4.2 out of 5 rating, making it another solid budget choice for travellers who prioritise price.
Which hotel in Istres has the highest guest rating?+
Hotel Le Castellan holds the highest rating among the listed properties, scoring 4.5 out of 5, with rates starting at around 95 euros per night. It represents a good mid-range option for travellers who want a more comfortable stay without reaching the higher end of the local price range.
Do I need a car to stay in Istres?+
A car is strongly recommended. While local bus routes connect Istres to Martigues and other nearby towns, the wider region, including the Camargue, the Alpilles, and Marseille, is most comfortably explored by road. Parking in Istres is generally easy and inexpensive compared to larger cities, so driving is practical. Travellers relying on public transport should check regional bus timetables in advance, as services can be infrequent outside peak hours.
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