Almost straight out of a movie, this medieval town—just a few hours from Paris by train—has all the makings of a surreal getaway. Nestled next to the ochre-hued salt marshes and completely surrounded by ramparts, the old town of Aigues-Mortes also boasts a fascinating history. Let us take you on a journey to this still-undiscovered town that checks all the boxes for an unusual adventure.
A medieval town nestled between ramparts and salt marshes
In the 13th century, Louis IX—later known as Saint Louis—needed to provide his kingdom with access to the Mediterranean. Thus, Aigues-Mortes was founded in the middle of the marshes. During his reign and after his death, ramparts were built all around the town. Today, the 1,640-meter-long walls are still standing and can be explored as you wander through the narrow streets and past the houses of the historic center. Almost rectangular in shape, the city walls are punctuated by towers and spectacular gates that have stood the test of time.
It’s hard to miss the Tower of Constance, the royal keep that also served as a prison. Inside the ramparts, Place Saint-Louis forms the heart of the town, with its terraces and historic facades. A little further on, the Church of Notre-Dame-des-Sablons also preserves a part of Aigues-Mortes’ medieval history.
But what makes Aigues-Mortes even more special is undoubtedly its geographical location. Just outside its fortifications lie 8,000 hectares of salt marshes where the famous Camarde salt is produced. At certain times of the year, these expanses of water take on a rather surreal pink hue, making the scenery even more picturesque. This coloration comes from a microalgae that thrives in very salty environments.
Depending on the schedule, you can explore the salt marshes on foot, by bike, or even by mini-train. From Paris, the train ride takes about 4.5 hours via Nîmes. To truly experience this historic and picturesque town, it’s best to set aside a whole weekend—which will also give you time to discover other charming spots in the Camargue!
📍Aigues-Mortes