How about a journey through the Pays d’Aix? It is a place marked by significant evolution. Let’s explore its story together.
The Pays d’Aix’s history reflects a series of decisive steps. These steps have shaped its identity. In December 1993, six main municipalities united. These municipalities were Aix-en-Provence, Bouc Bel Air, Coudoux, Saint-Cannat, Venelles, and Vitrolles. They formed the Community of Communes of the Pays d’Aix or CCPA. This was done to address employment and quality of life coherently.
By January 2001, the CCPA evolved. It became an Agglomeration Community. It brought together 34 municipalities. This area covered 130000 hectares and housed 355000 inhabitants.
In January 2014, the Agglomeration Community expanded. Gardanne and Gréasque joined. Now it included 36 municipalities. The area increased to 144000 hectares. The population rose to 400000.
January 2016 marked another shift. The Pays d’Aix Community became part of the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis. This metropolis is a public institution. It fosters intercommunal cooperation. It includes 92 municipalities and 1.8 million inhabitants. That’s 93% of the Bouches-du-Rhône population. It is also 37% of the PACA region’s population.
June 2022 saw further transformation. The six EPCIs merged. They formed a single metropolis. This became the largest French metropolis by size.
The Pays d’Aix enjoys an excellent location. It is at the heart of the Mediterranean arch. It sits in a metropolitan area. Major motorways connect it to Southern Europe. This gives it a privileged position for trade.
Industrial and tertiary companies benefit here. They access an extensive transport network. Marseille Provence International Airport and Aix-en-Provence TGV train station provide easy travel. You can reach major European cities quickly. Paris, Lyon, Geneva, London, Brussels, and Munich are all within reach.
For maritime transport, the Pays d’Aix is close to the Grand Port Maritime of Marseille. It is France’s first port. It is the Mediterranean’s third port by goods tonnage. It’s less than 30 minutes away.
The Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis emerged from a merger. It combined several communities. These included the Urban Community of Marseille Provence Métropole. Also included were the Agglomeration Community of Pays d’Aix, Agglopole Provence, Ouest Provence. The Agglomeration Community of Pays d’Aubagne et de l’Étoile and the Agglomeration Community of Pays de Martigues also joined.
Aix-en-Provence is a key commune within this metropolis. Other communes include Allauch, Alleins, and Aubagne. Auriol, Aurons, and La Barben are also part of it. Beaurecueil, Belcodène, and Berre-l’Étang are included as well. The Pays d’Aix is a region shaped by unity and strategic location.