Water: dead and alive

Day 4: Aigues Mortes and the Camarque

We originally planned to visit Montpellier today but decided instead to head to Aigues Mortes and the Camargue. We did not regret our decision!

But first, we took a quick walk through the sleepy and adorable Pezenas.

We popped into St. Jean Church

I took pictures of doors that caught my eye

We decided to take the long way to Aigues Mortes and get out to the Mediterranean beaches that were "so" close.

The drive took us through quiet, seemingly off the beaten path towns--?maybe not in high Summer?--on a gorgeous day.

We hugged the water as much a possible, passing beach towns, until we reached les Aresquiers where we got out and walked on the beach a bit and dipped our hands in the Med. I picked up a few shells. It was a pretty setting.

We followed road signs to our destination, Aigues Mortes ("Dead Waters.") It's a medieval fortified town established in 102 BCE that used to be out in the middle of nowhere but is now closer and closer to the Camargue each day. We  parked and wandered, after grabbing a map at the Tourist Info.

We popped into Notre Dame des Sablons Church which was built during the time of Saint Louis and was once used as a salt warehouse.

Statue of Saint Louis. He rebuilt the town in 13C to be France's only port on the Mediterranean. The 7th and 8th Crusades left from here .

It had picturesque buildings; I loved the colors

We walked outside the fortifications; not much out there.

More wandering the cute streets which were very quiet.

It was time for lunch. We sat on the sidewalk at La Pignata and enjoyed our food.

It was across the street from this lovely light blue shutter. I would try to capture this color feeling for my own home...

After lunch, more wandering.

Then we climbed the ramparts. These were begun in 1272 and at their completion at the end of the 13th C, had 20 towers and a castle.

The Tower of Constance (1248) is all that remains of the Royal Palace. It was not living quarters rather for defense and a dungeon.

Beautiful views from the Tower

Back on the ground, more wandering toward where we were parked.

Our last stop was the Chapel of the Penitents Blancs

We wanted to get a taste of the Camargue National Park. Our trusty Michelin map lead us to the little seaside town of Les Stes. Maries de la Mer. It would be bustling in the summer!

We climbed the Belfry of Eglise Notre Dame de la Mer for awesome views. One of us did not like the heights. :)

Then wandered over to the very pretty beach.

The drive back on the toll highway was a lot quicker and we were back in Pezenas in time for a pretty sunset and dinner.

Tonight we chose ---- which had a really nice outdoor seating area. The food was unremarkable.

One more door picture before turning in.

Next:  On to Provence!