Medieval travel in the Camargue: discover Aigues-Mortes and its historic fortifications

The medieval town of Aigues-Mortes is a must-see if you're vacationing in the Camargue. Find out everything you need to know to prepare for your visit.

Aigues-Mortes, medieval city in the heart of the Camargue

Aigues-Mortes is located in the heart of the Camargue region of Gard. This fortified medieval town will transport you out of time. Now a tourist town, Aigues-Mortes was originally a small fishing hamlet where salt was also collected. Surrounded by 1,640 meters of ramparts with 5 towers, including the Tour de Constance, the town's history has been marked by the Crusades, the Templars and the Wars of Religion.

Construction of the fortifications at Aigues-Mortes began in 1272 under the impetus of King Louis IX, who was looking for a port open to the Mediterranean as a starting point for the Crusades, with the construction of the Tour Constance. This same tower was used as a prison during the Wars of Religion between 1685 and 1767. Today, it is listed as a Historic Monument, as are the ramparts and castle of Aigues-Mortes.

A peaceful village in the Camargue

Despite this history marked by crusades and wars, Aigues-Mortes is today a peaceful village where it's good to spend your vacations. It's a must-see when visiting the Camargue. This human-sized town is very pretty, with its small main square and fountains where water flows continuously. Visitors stop off at Place Saint-Louis to sample the town's culinary specialty: fougasse d'Aigues-Mortes, a brioche flavored with orange blossom.

Fortified town of Aigues-Mortes: visit the ramparts

A visit to the towers and ramparts of Aigues-Mortes is an essential part of any stay in the Camargue. There are over 1.6 km of ramparts, and some 20 towers. Several types of tour are available: self-guided, with commentary or audio guide. The Tour de Constance, almost 35 meters high, can be reached from the ramparts via a small bridge.

What to do around Aigues-Mortes?

The highlight of this tour, in the vicinity of Aigues-Mortes, is a visit to the Salins d'Aigues-Mortes. Please note that this is an industrial site, so it's not completely free to visit. To see the pink salt flats, you need to visit between June and July, as this is when the pink pigment (beta-carotene) takes advantage of photosynthesis to develop. You can visit the Salins d'Aigues-Mortes by train, on foot or by bike.

If you have any time left in the area, you can also visit the port of Le Grau du Roi, also worth a visit for its picturesque character.

A 30-minute drive from Aigues-Mortes, the Auberge Cavalière du Pont des Bannes welcomes you for your stay in the Camargue in a 4-star hotel in a luxury room or an authentic gardian's hut, in the heart of the nature reserve. Contact us to to book your nature holiday in the Camargue !

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