Aigues-Mortes

Visit Aigues-Mortes, Languedoc-Roussillon

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 in 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.

The fortifications at Aigues-Mortes are a listed National Monument - see Aigues-Mortes visitor information for admission prices and opening hours etc

Nearby

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.

Photos of Aigues-Mortes (click any picture to start the gallery)

Suggested places to visit near Aigues-Mortes, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Montpellier 25km; Nimes 33km; Arles 37km; Montmajour Abbey 41km; Balaruc-le-Vieux 42km; Sete 44km; Bouzigues 45km; Beaucaire 45km; Fontvieille 45km; Tarascon 46km; Loupian 48km; Meze 50km; Pont du Gard 50km; Etang de Thau 51km; Baux-de-Provence 52km; Uzes 53km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Aigues-Mortes

Aigues-Mortes tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Etang de Scamandre - site of natural beauty (15km) : Parc et jardins du château de Flaugergues - remarkable garden (22km) : Abbaye de Saint-Gilles (Saint-Gilles) - religious monument (23km) : Jardins de la Fontaine - remarkable garden (33km) : Eglise et cloitres de Saint Trophime, Eglise de Saint-Honorat des Alycamps (Arles) - religious monument (37km) : Abbaye Notre Dame de Montmajour (Arles) - religious monument (38km) : Etang de Thau - site of natural beauty (49km) : Alpilles - regional natural parc (52km) :

French version: see Aigues-Mortes (Francais)