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Aigues-Mortes |
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The town of
Aigues-Mortes (meaning 'dead waters') has a population of around
7600 and lies in the Petite Camargue, some 35 kilometres to the
south of Nîmes in southern France. Founded as a port on the
Mediterranean by the 13th-century 'Crusader King' Louis IX of
France, Aigues-Mortes was expanded under the reigns of Philippe
III the Bold and Philippe IV the Fair with a heavily fortified
wall, and became a prosperous port and lively centre of commerce
welcoming ships from as far away as Constantinople. Although
most medieval walls enclosing Aigues-Mortes survive to this day,
the harbour has dried up, leaving expansive salt flats between
the town and the sea belonging to the Salins-du-Midi. They yield
a sizeable quantity of France's salt supply. Aigues-Mortes was
one of eight safe havens granted to the Huguenots in the 16th
century. The revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685 heralded
an era of repression for Protestantism, and adherents refusing
to convert were imprisoned in the town's Constance Tower, one of
few visible remains of Louis IX's reign. Aigues-Mortes is a
picturesque town with small boutiques and art galleries within
the city walls. There are several miles of unspoilt natural
beaches nearby. Lying within the Camargue national park, they
are popular with sun-seekers and birdwatchers alike.
Pictures Salins-du-Midi |
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