Vitrolles, Bouches-du-Rhône

Vitrolles is a town with 34 827 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the south of France. It is part of the Bouches -du -Rhône in the Provence- Alpes- Côte d' Azur, near Marseille and the Mediterranean.

History

From the 4th to the 2nd century BC was in what is now the district of Le castellas an oppidum of Salluvier. By the 5th century AD, the Romans occupied the region. In the following years the area has been repeatedly plagued by invasions of different tribes. Its inhabitants sought in the village of Le Rocher, of which only a few ruins have been preserved, refuge. Until 1110 Vitrolles belonged partly to the Count of Arles and the Abbey of Saint -Victor in Marseille. From 1110 Vitrolles belonged to the lords of Les Baux. 1379 Vitrolles was of Joanna I, Countess of Provence, confiscated and shortly thereafter sold to Baron d' Agoult Fouquet. After the feud was once again come into the possession of the Counts, René I sold it in 1461 to Jean de La Salle. In 1531 it went to Jean Maynier, the first president of the Parliament of Aix, on. From 1647 until the French Revolution Vitrolles belonged to the Marquis of Marignane.

Demographics

Only in the post-war period grew out of the city a larger city. 1931 was one of Vitrolles only 840 inhabitants.

Economy

In Vitrolles is a large area with many shops, such as an IKEA and the largest Carrefour in France.

Policy

In France, the city was the first city with a Mayor of the Front National, Catherine Mégret 1997 to 2002, was known. After the expiry of its term, however, the social democratic Parti Socialiste was able to gain power.

Vitrolles is since 1984, the twin city of Mörfelden- Walldorf.