Two Day Trip - AIGUES MORTES CAMARGUE from 09. To 11. SEPTEMBER 2021
05-27-2021 - update - ONLY TWO PLACES LEFT
Driving from Menton to Aigues Mortes takes under 4 hours. Once again, I very much look forward to hearing from those of you driving, with a spare seat. Fuel and tolls as usual, are shared between passengers.
Aigue Mortes……The land of dead waters….. It became a port under Louis IX who vowed to lead a crusade to the holy land, from a French port. In 1244 Aigues Mortes was created. In 1248 more than seven hundred vessels were loaded with provisions, horses and soldiers. Crusaders poured in to Aigues Mortes, joining Louis IX and his brothers, Robert d’Artois and Charles d’Anjou on his crusade against the Saracens.
The site of Aigues Mortes dates back to the beginning of mankind. At the St Antoine gateway, you can visit the city’s “History and archaeology association.”
In ancient times, Greeks settled here and in the first century, Romans took over the salt production, still a busy trade today.
A visit to this wonderfully preserved medieval town, nestling within its original walls, will be an unforgettable experience.
SCHEDULE DAY 1
We meet at promenade restaurant “LE REPAIRE” Avenue de l’Europe, Centre Commercial Mercure, LA GRANDE MOTTE, for a light lunch at 12:15.
La Grande Motte is a ten minute drive from Aigues Mortes, but the incredible utopian architecture, by Jean Balladur, philosopher and architect, who created LA GRANDE MOTTE, 1960 to 1990, is really worth a look. Balladur drew his inspiration from the Teotihuacan pyramids in Mexico.
You can observe the two extremes on this trip, ultra-modern architecture - versus medieval.
3pm CHECK IN AT HOTEL CANAL, ave du Pont de Provence, Aigues Mortes
The hotel is a pleasant ten minute walk along the canal to the walled city. PARKING IS FREE (Important!)
I’m very happy with the great deal at this hotel:
DOUBLE ROOM INCLUDING BREAKFAST FOR TWO NIGHTS 120€
SINGLE ROOM INCLUDING BREAKFAST FOR TWO NIGHTS 106€ (rooms air conditioned)
This is a 3-Star hotel. It has a small swimming pool, terraces, sunbeds, garden overlooking the canal. Breakfast served inside or outdoors. Wine, soft drinks, snacks available.
6pm FERRIA DE MANADE
We board a barge taking us to the Mas de la Comtesse, an authentic bull farm. Upon arrival, we will be welcomed by the gauchos/ cowboys on horseback, taking us to an arena, where we can admire their expertise handling and rounding up the bulls, as we enjoy a sangria.
Dinner will be served to the accompaniment of a gypsy band ( Les Saintes Maries de la Mer, an internationally famous gypsy pilgrimage town is nearby.)
The barge returns to Aigues Mortes at 10:30pm
Maybe stop off for a night cap at the walled city before bed?
DAY 2
As DAY 1 is quite hectic, you may wish to do your own thing during day 2
Explore Aigues Mortes medieval walled city
Tour the ramparts
Take a 90 minute walking tour around the city, which is well marked.
Visit the salt marches on a little train
You can visit a vineyard
The hotel rents out bikes for a pleasant flat ride along the canal banks, or
You can take it easy
We meet up at 6:30pm for drinks and dinner in the walled city. I’ll have a menu, venue and price very soon.
Please let me know as soon as possible, if you are interested in joining us on this trip. I have to confirm reservation with the hotel soon due to the special rate they have offered.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
Birgitt