The 10 things to do in Aigues-Mortes

A stay in Petite Camargue? Discover all the things to see and do in Aigues-Mortes, a small town with the charm of the South.

Built in the Middle Ages, the ramparts contain a jewel to be enjoyed during a day or weekend. You will surely not resist long the desire to discover the history of Aigues-Mortes, an imprint of tumultuous episodes.

It is true that at each crossroads, architectural and artistic details try to pick your curiosity. But don't let yourself be remembered by the intra-muros city! For on the other side of the ramparts, the salins invite new adventures.

Passionate about history and nature, cross the imposing gates to visit Aigues-Mortes.

1. Turn around the ramparts

When you arrive at the foot of the city, are you wondering what to do in Aigues-Mortes? First start with its ramparts. Perfect for a first approach! The fortified enclosure was built under the impulse of Saint Louis .

Since the thirteenth century, it has protected the inhabitants of the assailants. In total, there are more than 1.6 kilometers of ramparts, punctuated with 20 towers. Including the tower of Constance. To capture the essentials, you can opt for different types of visits: free, commented, with audioguide or as a conference. From above, a superb view of the rosy salins unfolds.

2. Explore the Tower of Constance

Among the things to do in Aigues-Mortes, a stop at the turn of Constance is then required. This massive dungeon, formerly the King’s tower, is 30 to 40 m high. Although slightly detached from the ramparts, it remains connected by a small bridge.

Enter and explore the theatre of a tragic episode in the history of France. The tower dives between its walls many huguenotes , chased after the revocation of the Nantes edition in 1683. The best known is undoubtedly Marie Durand jailed for 38 years. Long before, temples were also locked in.

To finish your visit, head to the summit where the terrace invites to admire the landscape of Camarguais.

3. Flâner on Place Saint-Louis

After a walk on the heights of the enclosure, did you think you'd tour the city? In a way, indeed. Now you have so much to do in Aigues-Mortes! Fold in the alleys to Place Saint-Louis surrounded by cafés and restaurants.

From their shaded terraces, you will then have all the leisure to contemplate the flanked square of the Capuchins chapel. The square also houses the town hall, the tourist office and the church of Notre-Dame des Sablons. In his centre the statue of Saint Louis is crowned. This sculpture by Pradier pays tribute to the king, creator of the city walls.

4. Visit art galleries

Visiting Aigues-Mortes is also being carried by its sensitivity. You can therefore marvel at the dozens of galleries that showcase artists and artisans. In the heart of the city or on the waterfront, these spots reveal unique works.

Paints, sculptures, lithographs, collages, photographs, for example, feed on the world. A favourite for Camarguais talent! They celebrate the region, a source of intriguable inspiration. These small stops bring a poetic touch, the ideal to meet Aigues-Mortes more intimately.

5. Discover the church Notre-Dame-des-Sablons

If you only know what to do in Aigues-Mortes, you should know that the city has unmistakable monuments. The church of Notre-Dame-des-Sablons, a historic monument.

From its construction in the middle of the 12th century, History was not tender with it. For proof, the Protestants devastated it in 1575. Then his bell collapsed in 1634. Then the revolutionaries requisition it and turn it into a salt warehouse.

In the 19th century, Notre-Dame-des-Sablons finally regained its original function. However, the ostentatious decoration undertaken denying the soul of the church. In the 1960s, the building was dressed in a more austere style. And a touch of fantasy was brought in 1991 thanks to the contemporary stained-glasses by Claude Viallat and Bernard Dhon.

6. Tasting gourmet specialties

It is almost unthinkable to visit Aigues-Mortes without tasting local products. But by what speciality start? bullring Pardi! The bull meat is cooked with red wine and served with Camargue rice.

At the aperitif, give yourself a wine IGP Sable-de-Camargue . The vines grow in the sand and give the wines singular fragrances. They are in pink, grey and gray. To finish in beauty, the speciality is the fougasse d’Aigues-Mortes . This cousin of the brioche is soft, golden and flavored with orange blossom. Traditionally, it is part of thirteen Christmas desserts.

7. Visit the chapel of the Brotherhood of the Grey Pénitents

Besides the ramparts, you can still make multiple discoveries to Aigues-Mortes. Not far from the Place Saint-Louis, you will fall to the nose with the chapel of the Grey Pénitents.

The building of the chapel, on the foundations of a former convent, would go back to the second half of the 14th century. It is therefore one of the oldest chapels in the Gard. Ravagé during Wars of religion a reconstruction took place around 1600, before it also suffered the impacts of the Revolution. Some elements like the altarpiece, signed by Jean Sabatier, and the altarpiece are worth a visit.

8. Make the chapel of the Brotherhood of White Pénitents

A few blocks from there, the chapel of the White Pénitents stands on your way. Disagreements between the Grey Pénitents were born the White Pénitents. You will notice, the chapel built in 1668 is, with its baroque appearances, more tedious than its rival.

Now both knew the same fate. This new seat of the Sans Culottes soon escaped the plunder and complete degradation. After the Revolution, the state acquired it and re-established it. The masterpiece of the chapel is the pictorial work of Xavier Sigalon representing Pentecost. Contemplate it at the back of the altar.

9. Explore salins

After admiring the historical sites, what to do in Aigues-Mortes? As you have seen from the ramparts, the salins offer a dazzling spectacle.

In a small train, on a mountain bike, on a vehicle or on foot, enjoy a getaway between marsh and salt mountains. The pink colors of the ponds will certainly be the most beautiful effect on your photos! These shades are due to microscopic algae.

In the beautiful season, you will also have the opportunity to see pink flamingos, salin stars. In short, there are 200 species of birds that remain here or are passing through migration.

White gold, salt, is harvested in the region from the Roman Antiquity. If you want to learn more about the salt harvest and the saunier trade, the salt museum is a must-see stop.

10. Cruise

Conclude your stay with a nice water trip. Because visiting Aigues-Mortes and its surroundings is just as pleasant by boat. At the start of the port, sail on the canals and ponds. The majority of circuits includes a stopover in a bull manade. Know that a route lasts on average two hours .

In addition, for an option independently, unlicensed boats are also rented.

How to get to Aigues-Mortes?

Visiting Aigues-Mortes is on the agenda for your next holiday? Follow us to find out how to reach your destination.

By car

From Nimes (at 44 km), first borrow A9 then it D979 . From Montpellier (at 34 km), take first D66 then it D62 . Parkings, mostly paid, are installed around the city. Car parks for people with reduced mobility are also intra-muros.

By plane

Here's how to access the Camarguaise city:

• Landing at the airport of Nîmes Alès Camargue Cevennes: Join railway and bus stations by taxi or by bus (lines 41 and 219).
• LandingMontpellier-Mediterranean airport : Join the bus station by taxi or bus (line 620) and tram.

In both cases it will be useful to use a comparison of flights as Skyscanner , to find the best flight at the best price.

By bus

From the Nîmes bus station, board the bus C32 . He will then take you to the station of Aigues-Mortes en 50 minutes .

From Place de France to Montpellier, take the bus L106 . It will then lead you to the Tower of Constance in 1h .

By train

If you come from Nimes, you can also travel 45 minutes Aboard the TER. The station of Aigues-Mortes is less than 10 minutes on foot from the ramparts.

Finally, we don’t recommend the train from Montpellier since it passes through Nîmes.

Where to stay in Aigues-Mortes?

Holiday homes, hotels, bed and breakfast, campings, rentals... the choice is not to sleep in Aigues-Mortes. You can also find accommodations in the ramparts only outside. Outside, accommodations focus around the station and Bourgidou district .

One night Airbnb intramural costs approximately 80€ . While an intra-muros hotel night costs about 120€ . Thanks to the Compare hotels identify the best hotel offers among the many solutions offered.

With all our tips, visiting Aigues-Mortes will be a child game! Enjoy the visit!