Excellently preserved medieval fortress in the south of France.
Walking the ramparts at Aigues-Mortes is must for anyone who has a fascination with medieval architecture or fortresses. The circuit is just under a mile, and you can stroll where soldiers once guarded the king.
There are arrow slits in the towers and along the walls. There's a murder hole above the portcullis, and privy holes built into the walls. You can go into and up top of most of the towers. They held salt, gun powder, troops, prisoners and food.
The tower of Constance has 3 floors - each domed. It's breathtaking to think of such functional beauty produced so rapidly 700 years ago.
A bonus is seeing the town from up high, getting a point of view not found at street level.
Fair warning: The sun is relentless, and reflects off of the stone. A hat, sunblock and water are absolute necessities. (a light, cotton long-sleeved shirt is recommended to avoid sunburn) There are no facilities of any kind along the walls. Water and bathrooms are by the gift shop, but not well labeled. Go early in the day during the summer to avoid the heat and crowds. read more