Marignane
Marignane (; ) is a commune in the Bouches-du-Rhône department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southern France. Geography. It is a component of the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis, and the largest suburb of the city of Marseille. It is located 18.3 km (11.4 mi) to the northwest of Marseille. Climate. The climate is hot-summer mediterranean (Köppen: "Csa"). The city serves as the basis for data from Marseille through the weather station at the airport, which is inside Marignane's city limits. History. In the 15th century the Count of Provence owned the land, and from  1603 to the French Revolution it belonged to the Covets. In the 17th century the Covets refurbished the castle. Three chapels and one convent were built in the 17th and 18th century: "Notre-Dame de Pitié" (1635), "Saint-Nicolas" (1695), "Sainte-Anne" (1710, now demolished), and "Couvent des Minimes" (1695). Politics. From 1995 to 2008, the mayor has been Daniel Simonpieri, former member of the Front National and of the MNR. Since 2008, the mayor is Eric Le Dissès. Education. Public secondary schools: Private schools: Transport. Marseille Provence Airport is located in Marignane. Economy. Airbus Helicopters, the manufacturer of the  Franco-German NHI NH90 and Tiger military helicopters, has its head office on the grounds of Marseille Provence Airport in Marignane. Twin towns - sister cities. Marignane is twinned with: