Aigues-Mortes

Built on a swampy lido, Aigues-Mortes was founded in 1240 by Louis IX, who was to become Saint Louis. The first king of France to have a Mediterranean port, he established himself on land surrounded by neighboring powers. He built the future Constance Tower and castle which no longer exists, and developed canals towards the sea, Arles and Montpellier.

Sheltered by the city walls, in 1278 the port became the only southern port in the kingdom, handling goods such as spices and wool.

Today the walls still enclose homes and businesses. The town has expanded outside the walls in the surrounding country side.

A view of Constance Tower from inside the walls. Completed in 1248, it is all that remains of the castle built in Louis IX's reign. It was probably the gatehouse tower, designed to be impregnable with six-meter-thick walls. The high turret housed a light house.

A panel showing a map of the walled city.

This photo is from the top of the wall looking toward the Constance Tower. It took about an hour to walk around the top of the battlement. The tower in the foreground is one of the entry gates to the city inside.

The path at the top of the wall.

Looking across the town to opposite wall.

Only residents may enter the city in vehicles all others must park outside the walls.

The town caters to tourism, thus there are many sidewalk restaurants and shops.

This is a particularly wonderful toy shop with pedal cars, tops, and shields with wooden swords. It was a delight to walk through. Brought back memories of childhood toys.

And then there was this candy and cookie store. We compelled to buy things here. 

We felt an obligation to support the community.

How sweet it is.

We couldn't leave without a photo of Saint Louis, King Louis IX, whose statue stands at the center of the city square surrounded by hundreds of sidewalk cafe tables. Let them eat mussels, oysters, escargot, and the like. He did have a sea port at one time, which has since silted in for miles.