Founded in the 13th century by Saint Louis with the aim of developing trade with Italy and the Far East, Aigues-Mortes, the first Mediterranean port of the kingdom of France, today displays a particularly well-preserved range of architecture. Standing at the heart of the Gard Camargue, the city of Aigues-Mortes has the air of a real medieval fortress with its 1,634 metres of ramparts, fortified doors, twenty towers and wall-walk. The highest tower in Aigues-Mortes, the Constance Tower, a former prison standing 30 metres high, offers a beautiful view of the vast expanses of the Camargue from the top of its terrace.
Inside the ramparts, be sure to go and see the Place Saint-Louis square, with its fountain topped with a statue of Saint Louis, restaurant terraces and shops.
Still within the city walls, complete your visit by discovering the gothic church of Notre-Dame-des-Sablons and two baroque buildings, the Chapel of the White Penitents and the Chapel of the Grey Penitents.
The name "Aigues-Mortes" was attested in 1248 in the Latinized form Aquae Mortuae, which means "dead water", or "stagnant water". The name comes from the marshes and ponds that surround the village (which has never had potable water).
