This 13th-century walled town in southern France has intact medieval ramparts, stone gates, and narrow streets. Set in the Camargue wetlands near salt marshes and lagoons.
Medieval walls stretch for 1.6km around Aigues-Mortes, rising from the Camargue marshlands. Walk along 13th-century ramparts, climb the 30-meter Tour de Constance for views across pink salt flats, or sit at a café in Place Saint-Louis beneath plane trees. In the town center, the Gothic Notre-Dame-des-Sablons church stands with its three distinct naves, while narrow streets wind between stone houses dating from the Middle Ages.
Walking the Medieval Walls
You can walk the entire 1,650-meter circuit of Aigues-Mortes' walls, passing six towers and ten gates along the stone fortifications. The wall-walk gives you views across pink salt marshes, white salt mountains, and the network of canals that linked the town to the Mediterranean. Unlike Carcassonne's restored ramparts, these walls remain in their original 13th-century state. Start your walk at the entrance on Place Anatole France.
Inside the Tour de Constance
King Louis IX built this tower in 1242 at the northwest corner of town. Two large vaulted rooms sit within walls 6 meters thick. The upper room contains a small chapel, while the lower room served as a prison for Protestant women during the 17th century. Climb to the tower's terrace for clear views to the Carbonnière Tower, an old toll station 5km away.
Exploring the Town Center
Navigate Aigues-Mortes' streets on their medieval grid pattern, with Grande Rue Jean Jaurès as the main north-south route. Place Saint-Louis forms the central square, where the visitor information center provides walking route maps. Near the square, you'll find the Notre-Dame-des-Sablons church from the 13th century, with its gothic architecture and 19th-century neo-classical additions.
Salt Production and Nature
Walk or cycle around the salt marshes to see how workers harvest Fleur de Sel. From April to October, a small train takes visitors through the salt production areas and past the salt mountains. In the surrounding Camargue, the Scamandre Regional Nature Reserve has paths where you might see flamingos and wild horses. Local ranches (manades) put on bull and horse shows between June and September.
Getting There and Around
Trains connect Nîmes to Aigues-Mortes every two hours, taking 40 minutes. The station sits just outside the walls. Drivers will find paid parking lots along the northern wall - arrive before 10am in summer to secure a spot. On Wednesday and Sunday mornings, local vendors sell produce and crafts at the market in Place Saint-Louis and along Grande Rue Jean Jaurès.
