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Aigues-Mortes
Aigues-Mortes is found in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, 8 kilometres from the coast.
The town is quite remote on the southern edge of the Camargue region of France, and is the only significant town to fall in the Camargue region.
Aigues-Mortes (dramatically named after 'dead waters') was founded by King Louis IX (later to become Saint Louis) in 1240, in preparation for his setting off for the Seventh (and Eighth) Crusade. The main legacy from this time is the Constance Tower, now part of the fortifications that surround the town - the castle of which the tower formed a part is no longer i existence.
The 1600 metres of fortified walls themselves were constructed later in the 13th century, by Phillippe III and Phillippe IV, and completely surround the town, interrupted at regular intervals by towers that had various functions - salt storage, munitions, etc.
Outside the walls there is little to hold your attention - mostly the 'newer' town of Aigues-Mortes and salt plains - your visit will focus on the old town within the walls.
The pretty Place St Louis is the centre of old Aigues-Mortes, with the Town Hall, a church, a statue of the venerable Saint Louis and a good selection of cafes and restaurants. The surrounding streets that radiate off the square will entice you to explore further, where you will find many beautifully preserved medieval houses. The further you get from the centre, the less touristic (and less attractive) the town becomes.
The other big attraction for visitors is the chance to walk around the ramparts and explore the Constance Tower. There is only one access point to the ramparts and tower (with paid entry) so once you enter you have little choice but to walk the entire 1600 metres.
The Constance Tower is the highlight, with a couple of large impressive vaulted rooms - and used as a prison for protestants in the 17th century. The best views over Aigues-Mortes are from the terrace on top of the tower.
The ramparts are interesting to walk around - the function of each tower is explained, and you can see across the town itself, and out across the sea. The parts of the town within the fortified walls that are next to the ramparts are not especially beautiful however so the walk was a bit of a disappointment (6.50 euros per adult).
Market days in Aigues-Mortes are Wednesday and Sunday.
If you would like to learn more about the salt flats and the industry they support, you can take an excursion from Aigues-Mortes (bus or tourist train) to learn more about the techniques involved.
Another popular excursion is to to see the sharks and tropical fish at the Sea aquarium at nearby Le Grau-de-Roi.
Aigues-Mortes: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
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Places to visit - Aigues-Mortes
Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Aigues-Mortes.
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Aigues-Mortes are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
- Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Camargue town at 29 km
- La Grande-Motte Beach resort at 12 km
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