Few monuments can boast of having survived eight centuries of history without losing their evocative power. The Tour de Constance in Aigues-Mortes awaits you just 7 km from our 4-star Camargue campsite, Les Jardins de Tivoli. This medieval sentinel tells the story of the Crusades, religious persecution and the architectural genius of the Middle Ages. Plan your visit today and Book your stay to discover this French heritage treasure!
The Constance Tower in brief …
| Category | Key details |
|---|---|
| Identity |
13th-century medieval building (1240-1248) in Aigues-Mortes, erected by Saint Louis for the Crusades. |
| Architecture |
Cylindrical tower 22 m in diameter with walls 6 m thick. Includes a guard room and panoramic terrace. |
| History |
Former royal port turned prison for Protestants in the 17th century, marked by the resistance of Marie Durand (38 years of captivity). |
| Visit |
Immersive tour: moat, vaulted rooms, historic graffiti and breathtaking views of the salt marshes and Camargue. |
| Practice |
Open all year round. Prices: €9 to €12. Only 7 km from Les Jardins de Tivoli campsite. |
The Tour de Constance, the heart of Aigues-Mortes
The Tour de Constance stands in the walled town of Aigues-Mortes, in the Gard department of France’s Occitanie region. This monument managed by the Centre des monuments nationaux is one of the city’s major symbols of medieval architecture. Erected in the XIIIᵉ century, between 1240 and 1248 by Louis IX, this imposing cylindrical tower with a diameter of around 22 m and walls almost 6 m thick was part of the royal defenses and played a strategic role in protecting the city and its accesses. It was also used as a prison, notably for Protestant women after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Today, it offers a remarkable view of the old fortified town, the ramparts and the surrounding salt marshes.
The Constance Tower, a living history
The Tour de Constance was built on the orders of Louis IX, to provide France witha strategic port on the Mediterranean. Built on the remains of a Carolingian tower, it was completed in 1248 and served as the royal residence for the seventh and eighth crusades.
From the XVIIᵉ century, the monument changed vocation and became a prison after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Protestant women were imprisoned there under harsh conditions. The most famous, Marie Durand, remained captive for 38 years, engraving the word “REGISTER” as a symbol of resistance and freedom of conscience.
Classified as a historic monument in 1903, the Tour de Constance today embodies both royal power and the memory of religious persecution. It remains a major memorial site in Aigues-Mortes, charged with emotion and history.
The must-see itinerary
A visit to the Tour de Constance is like a gradual ascent through the centuries, with each space revealing a different function, history and emotion.
- Bridge and moat: the tour begins with the three-arched bridge over the moat. Entering the Tour de Constance immediately highlights the defensive nature of this medieval fortification.
- The lower hall or guard room: thisspace impresses with its twelve-quarter rib vault. A central oculus once linked the levels. An oven and a well ensured self-sufficiency during sieges. The cul-de-basse served as a storeroom or dungeon.
- The spiral staircase: set into the wall, it links the tower’s upper floors. Its design bears witness to an architecture conceived for defense and internal circulation.
- The room on the second floor housed Protestant women prisoners. Marie Durand lived there for many years. The inscription engraved on the well’s curbstone remains a highlight. Graffiti of ships can still be seen on the walls. An unobtrusive elevator now facilitates access for all.
- The terrace of the Tour de Constance offers a remarkable view of the ramparts. The city of Aigues-Mortes, the salt marshes and the Camargue can be seen on the horizon. The Carbonnière tower stands out in the distance. The watchtower and its iron cage dominate the view.
Activities: reliving history
The Tour de Constance isn’t just something to discover through its walls: throughout the year, tours, workshops and events bring its history to life, immersing visitors in Aigues-Mortes’ past.
- These events are organized by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, which brings the Tour de Constance to life throughout the year in Aigues-Mortes. The program changes with the seasons and the highlights of the cultural calendar.
- Guided tours provide a better understanding of the architecture, the history of the fortifications and the role of the Tour de Constance in the city. These guided tours last an average of one hour and are led by tour guides.
- Short formats in high season: short interventions, sometimes called “flash” visits, punctuate the tour. These last around thirty minutes, and are designed to stimulate discovery without weighing down the visit.
- Activities for families and children: during the school vacations, you can take advantage of themed activities for families. Your children will discover the Middle Ages in a fun way, sometimes with costumes or observation games.
Practical information
Address: Tour de Constance, logis du Gouverneur, Pl. Anatole France, 30220 Aigues-Mortes, France, 7 km from our campsite near Aigues-Mortes, an average journey of 8 minutes via the D979.
Opening hours: May 2 to August 31 (10am – 7pm), September 1 to April 30 (10am – 5:30pm). December 24 and 31 (10am – 4:30pm).
Prices (indicative): €12 in high season and €9 in low season.
Parking: use the P1 or P2 municipal outdoor parking lots. Booked spaces are available for people with reduced mobility. Secure bicycle parking is available near the entrance.
Tip: bring sun protection, as the route is very sunny in summer.
Book your mobile home or pitch at our Les Jardins de Tivoli campsite and discover the Tour de Constance and the wonders ofAigues-Mortes !