It lies on the principal routes to Italy and the Alps. In succession, Visigoths, Franks, Lombards, and Moors invaded and plundered the town. Although the city's most famous son was not appreciated here during his life, he is now immortalized through many pictures, postcards and prints available at mercantile establishments throughout the city.
Tourism is also important.
Several historic landmarks draw tourists to the city. The city was annexed to France in 1791. The Camargue B etween Montpellier and Marseille, from Arles to the Mediterranean, lies the haunting, desolate, marshy wilderness of the Camargue, with its vast pools, low flat plains, and innumerable species of migrating birds. The area's frail and important ecology is now protected by Camargue Regional Park. S ince World War II, rice production has flourished here, and salt extraction takes place in the southeastern corner.