We took an early train from Avignon to Aigues-Mortes in the morning and then back to Avignon in the evening. We would have stayed later, but train service was limited. It's a pleasant 10 minute walk from the train station to the ramparts. A day in A-M wasn't quite enough time, but the highlights can be covered. See A-M the film if time permits. Not a bad introduction to the city and it offers a short and quick (very) recap of it's Medieval history. Check out the cafés and restaurants on the square for lunch. Many are pure tourist, but find something that suits you and your budget. We were lucky and had the the best paella and house wine ever. Check out the churches, history, ramparts, salt ponds, shopping... as much as you can squeeze into one day.
Rectangular walled town on the Camargue marshes. Almost totally unspoilt. Lots of restaurants offering attractive prices. Do take time to visit the beautiful and simple church by the Place St Louis.
Family really enjoyed this walk. Good information provided at the various towers. It was hot (August) so make sure you take a drink.
A medieval fort around a charming french town. What more could you want? The ramparts and tower remain in great condition and well appointed with entertaining and educational presentations throughout. Nice restaurants in the square offer a welcome supplement to the pleasant walk around the walls and the town. Loved it!
Like most tourist attractions you have to pay to visit the medieval walls. But in the end it works out good value for money (there is a cheap family ticket available). One walks around on top of the walls which gives a panoramic view of inside the town, some of the Camargue, the salt pans and the sea. It is about 1.6kms to walk and if you take in all the inforrmation, audovisual etc, it takes about one to one and a half hours. It appears that because of the 800th anniversary of the king Louis 9, this year (2014) there are a lot of additional presentations in the walls. A really good informative presentation and in the end, pretty good value for money.
This is great value for a couple of hours walk round the old city, looking down on the streets and roadways from the walls and with regular exhibits giving information and history (and shade) as you reach each of the towers and gateways along the way. The initial exhibits set up the whole experience very well. Masses of information (in French and English) if you want it or just an unusual walk and some great photo opportunities if that's your preference. Probably not for small children, or for any but the hardiest in the middle of the day when its hot!
It costs 7.5 Euros to walk around the walls and it is well worth it. You can stop at the many towers and there are displays in them, although all in French (unsurprisingly). However you can hire a handset to tell you more about the history in various languages. It must be one of the best preserved protective walls I've seen - from the 12th/13th C. It is interesting to see the shape of what was the medieval town inside the walls and also to look out to the Camargue from 2 sides.
The medieval masons made unique marks on the stones. These marks are not modern graffiti.The views from the walls are very good both across the wider area and inwards across the town roofs.
Having lived in France, I found that this was not a well known historic site. It doesn't make much sense if you don't read up on the history first, but it is close to Arles, which is the end of the Appian Way from Rome. It is also just past the Camargue region which is where the French have their own cowboys. It is beautiful and fascinating.
We drove out to Aigues-Mortes to see the city on a Tuesday and happened upon the town "festival" which included running of the bulls thru the city a full festival for families and bull fighting. No idea how often this happened but the entire area must have been there enjoying the fun. The city and its medieval walls was worth the site alone, but seeing a slice of life there was extraordinary. Great restaurants, lots of specialty shops and a place you should not miss if you are in Arles or the surrounding area.