The Medieval Village In Southern France Surrounded By Pink Salt Marshes And Ancient Walls

Southern France has no shortage of medieval castles and beautiful landscapes. From the Gothic Cathédrale Saint-Pierre in Montpellier to the white cliffside homes in Marseille, this region is well known for its beauty. One village in the stunning Camargue region stands out from the rest as a marvel of medieval architecture and its impeccably preserved walls tell tales of centuries past. Just 27 miles from Nimes and 21 miles from Montpellier, Aigues-Mortes is a perfect day trip destination for lovers of history and unique natural wonders.

The city's walls almost seem to invite visitors to explore the ancient medieval village packed with history. Just outside of the town lies an extraordinary natural attraction, the Salins d'Áigues Mortes, or the Aigues-Mortes Salt Marsh. These expansive salt flats are a spectacular lake of pink, which is caused by microscopic algae in the water. Spend the day taking in the ancient wonders around you, enjoy some local delicacies, or take in the beauty of these peculiar pink salt flats. 

The medieval walls of Aigues-Mortes are an incredible example of 13th-century fortification, having (for the most part) stood the test of time for over nearly 800 years. Built in 1240 by King Louis IX (also known as Saint Louis) as a gateway to the Mediterranean, this 5,390-foot rectangular wall stretches its way around the town. The most impressive of the structures along the walls is the Tour de Constance, erected to defend the walls from invaders and protect the settlement growing within its walls. 

The walls were fully completed by King Louis IX's grandson, Phillippe le Bel, after Louis died. The construction of the walls reflects Aigues-Mortes' significance as a crusader port and a symbol of royal power. Through the years, the ramparts have even served as a prison for religious dissenters. For travelers, the walls are a highlight of the town, showcasing medieval charm mixed with an interesting historical background. For those who prefer to take a seated tour of the city center, the Aigues-Mortes Little Train offers a quick 25-minute tour.

Entering the town through the Porte de la Gardette, visitors will come across a street called Jean Jaures leads to Place Saint Louis. Here, a statue of King Louis IX stands atop a fountain, which is perfectly visible while sipping coffee at a nearby cafe. Adjacent to Place Saint Louis is the oldest building in Aigues-Mortes, the Church of Notre-Dame-des-Sablons. This church dates back to the 12th century and is another significant monument to King Louis IX and the Crusades.

Just outside the village, the Salins d'Aigues-Mortes are an incredible natural wonder. It is said that the marsh is the largest in the Mediterranean, producing as much as 500,000 tons of salt per year. As mentioned, microscopic algae are the reason for the pink hue. This same type of algae is even responsible for giving the local flamingos their color. The shades of pink will depend on the time of day you decide to visit the marsh, due to how the sunlight reflects off the water, especially in the morning or late afternoon. It will also depend on the time of year, so people who are looking for the most vibrant hues should go in mid-July to August when the marsh sees the highest concentration of microalgae.

Visits to the marsh can be done via a guided tour on an open-air train, by bicycle, in an all-wheel-drive vehicle, or on foot. For those who don't care to take a guided tour, there is an option to pay an entrance fee to explore the salt lakes on your own as well. The most popular option to visit is the train, which takes visitors on an hour-long ride through the salt marshes. Pay a visit to the museum to learn more about salt production in the area or the gift shop to purchase a variety of local products. Visitors can even climb to the top of a salt hill, which offers stunning views of the pink marsh and town below.