AIGUES MORTES

• Latitude: 43.5671
• Longitude: 4.18707
• West Mediterranean
• Marina in France

Location: Aigues-Mortes Occitanie 30220 France

Phone number: +33 4 66 53 84 00

Web-site: https://www.portcamargue.com/aigues-mortes/

Aigues-Mortes Port Overview:

Location: Aigues-Mortes, in the region of Occitanie, Southern France. The port lies in the Camargue district, known for its extensive wetlands, salt marshes, and unique biodiversity.

Coordinates: Approximately 43.5634° N latitude and 4.1928° E longitude.

Historical Significance:

• Founded in medieval times by King Louis IX (Saint Louis) in the 13th century as a strategic Mediterranean port for the Crusades.
• Historically significant for salt trade, fishing, and wine production.

Port Features:

• Type: Primarily a river port situated on the Canal du Rhône à Sète, rather than a major seaport.
• Size: Small; serves as a commercial, fishing, and recreational port.
• Infrastructure: Includes mooring facilities, docks, and smaller specialized wharves catering to different types of boats.
• Usage: Mainly accommodates pleasure crafts, yachts, and small fishing vessels. Limited commercial shipping activity due to its size and location.

Specifications:

• Depth: The port waters have an average depth of approximately 2-3 meters, suitable for small to medium-sized boats.
• Berthing Capacity: Limited berths; best suited for small recreational boats and yachts.
• Channel Access: Access to the port is via the Canal du Rhône à Sète, connecting it to the Rhône River and further to the Mediterranean Sea.
• Facilities:
  • Docking and mooring amenities for visiting vessels.
  • Fueling points and basic maintenance services.
  • Proximity to local services including restaurants, shops, and tourism offices.

Navigation:

• Entry into the port requires navigating the canal system, which may be tricky for larger vessels due to depth constraints.
• Local mariners often provide guidance for docking and undocking.

Economic Importance:

• Not a major commercial hub but contributes to the local economy through tourism and recreational boating.
• The surrounding natural preserves and historic sites attract tourists, boosting local businesses.

Nearby Attractions:

• Medieval fortifications of Aigues-Mortes, including well-preserved walls and towers.
• Natural scenic beauty of the Camargue region, known for its white horses, pink flamingos, and unique marshland ecosystems.

Transport Connectivity:

• Road: Well-connected via regional highways to larger cities such as Montpellier (approx. 30 km away) and Nîmes.
• Rail: Nearby train stations provide connections to major French cities.
• Air: The closest international airport is Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport.

Additional Notes:

• The port is less equipped to handle large commercial shipping operations but offers a quaint and historic setting for marine tourism.
• Environmental considerations are crucial as the port is situated within a sensitive ecological zone.

Usage Recommendations:

• Ideal for leisure boaters, historical tours, and eco-tourism.
• Not suitable for large cargo vessels or heavy industrial maritime activities.

Aigues-Mortes remains an important cultural and historical landmark, with its quaint port serving as a testament to its rich maritime history.