Aigues-Mortes (Gard – France)
Most of the tourists I met in Montpellier, do not know about “Aigues Mortes” Or may be they do not know that it is not far from Montpellier. I can tell you: “if you miss “Aigues Mortes” that will be very sad; because you will miss the only France’s mediterranean sea port in the middle age, and the original medieval architecture of its surrouding walls, as well as the famous “Fougasse of Aigues Morte” which is a flat brioche, that the recipe is only one local bakery’s family secret taught from a genereration to another!!
What is the English for “Aigues Mortes”?
Aigues Mortes is from occitan: Aigas Mortas, i.e “dead waters”
Where is “Aigues Mortes” Located?
It is located in the French Department of Gard, in the South of France. It is 30 kms from Montpellier by road, and 35 kms from NÎmes. Aigues Mortes is situated in a zone known as “La petite Camargue” which is a wetland near the seaside. In that zone, there is an important quantity of sea salt, as a result of water evaporation. That is why, sea salt production is an integral part of Aigues Mortes local economy.
When was Aigues Mortes founded?
Aigues Mortes was founded in 102 BC by the roman general and stateman “Gaius Marius” But the first manuscript that mentionned a place called “Ayga Mortas” dates back to the 10th century AD.
In the 13th century, the king of France “Louis IX” known as (Saint Louis) rebuilt the port of Aigues Mortes, which was France’s only mediterranean port. It served as the embarkation point for the seventh and the eighth crusades.
What is the particularity of Aigues Mortes?
The main attraction in Aigues Mortes are the 1650-meter-city walls, that surround it. They were built under the reigns of Philippe III “the bold” then Philippe IV “the fair”. they were completed between 1289 and 1300. All the walls are original and well-preserved.
There is also the Constance tower, which was completed under Louis IX, in 1248. It is the only remaining part of his castle. That tower seems to be a part of the enclosure, but it was built well before. The constance tower has six-meter-thick walls and a spiral staircase that leads to its diffrent levels.
There is a Tourist Office in Aigues Mortes, you can find out more on the website bellow
What is “Fougasse of Aigues Mortes”?
Fougasse d’Aigues Mortes is a light, flat brioche flavoured with a tiny bit of orange flower extract. I tasted it and I can tell you that I have never eaten such a delicious brioche.
The recipe is a local bakery family’s secret. Everybody knows that bakery, but none dares ask how to prepare it!
How to get to Aigues Mortes from Montpellier?
You can get to Aigues Mortes, either by bus or by car. Bus N°=106 of “Hérault Transport” network, operates between Montpellier and Aigues Mortes, passing by Carnon, La Grande Motte and Le Grau du Roi. You can check the timetable on the website I gave you previously (Hérault Transport).
By car, you should follow Montpellier Airport road, then take direction La grande Motte and Le Grau du Roi. So there you are!
I am sure that next time you will not miss Aigues Mortes!
If you have any question, you can ask me. I will be pleased to check the answer for you.
I have chosen a short video for you, to give you an idea of Aigues Mortes
CAR RENTAL IN MONTPELLIER
The recommended car rental companies are: ADA and AVIS. They have the best rates and do many offers all year long.
HOW TO GET AROUND IN MONTPELLIER
Public transport in Montpellier city is great! It is called “TAM” i.e, ” Transport de l’Agglomération de Montpellier”.
There are 4 tramway lines (line 5 will be in service by 2015) The network is completed by 32 bus lines. So you can travel inside Montpellier by tramway, but if you are going to the suburbs; some areas which are not covered by the tramway lines, you should then take a bus. You can also rent a bicycle at the “TAM” agencies which is opposite ” Gare Saint Roch ” tramway station (line 1)
http://www.montpellier-agglo.com/tam/index2.php
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Discovering The french city of Montpellier and around 