Aix-en-Provence experienced a significant demographic surge from the middle of the 20th century. It is particularly linked to the massive arrival of rapatriates from Algeria in 1962 and the installation of staff from large companies newly established in the region (Cadarache, Shell-Berre, Eurocopter now Airbus Helicopters, Canal de Provence). The newcomers also include numerous retirees and people choosing Aix as a place of residence for the prestige of its architectural setting, quality of life, and cultural and tourist vocation (University, International Festival of Lyric Art, hydrotherapy). This demographic surge is at the origin of the construction of four times more housing between 1955 and 1960 than during the previous five years, and seven times more between 1960 and 1965, as well as of a master urban plan that defined a new perimeter for the conurbation.