Aigues-Mortes is a fortified medieval town in the Camargue gardoise of southern France, surrounded by salt marshes, lagoons, and flat coastal plains. Its remarkably preserved stone walls enclose a compact historic centre of narrow streets, small squares, cafés, and historic buildings. The town's name means “dead waters,” reflecting the marshy landscape around it. Although it now lies inland from the Mediterranean shoreline, Aigues-Mortes remains closely connected with the sea through its canals, salt production, and the wetlands of the Camargue that surround the town.

Aigues-Mortes was established as a royal port and is closely associated with Saint Louis, whose statue stands in the central Place Saint-Louis. The town's medieval character is defined by its 1.6-kilometre circuit of defensive walls and the Tour de Constance, which served as a watchtower, fortress, and prison. Within the walls, Notre-Dame-des-Sablons is an important religious landmark, while the town also preserves memories of its Protestant heritage. Camargue traditions remain part of local identity, particularly through manades, where the region's distinctive black bulls and white horses are raised and cared for.

The ramparts provide a clear view across the historic centre and the surrounding Camargue landscape. Just outside the town, the Aigues-Mortes saltworks cover an extensive area of evaporation ponds where traditional salt production continues. Their shallow waters can develop pink and red tones, created by microorganisms adapted to highly saline conditions, and the wetlands provide habitat for numerous bird species, including flamingos. The nearby Camargue gardoise offers further opportunities to explore marshes, lagoons, vineyards, and waterways by bicycle, on foot, or through guided visits focused on the region's wildlife and rural landscapes.

Aigues-Mortes has a distinctive culinary identity rooted in Camargue agriculture and salt production. Gardiane de taureau, a slow-cooked beef-like stew traditionally made with Camargue bull meat and red wine, is commonly served with Camargue rice. Fleur de sel from the local saltworks is another important regional product, while Sable de Camargue wines are produced from vineyards growing in sandy coastal soils. For dessert, fougasse d'Aigues-Mortes is a sweet, soft bread flavoured with orange blossom. Local markets also feature regional produce, cured meats, cheeses, and other foods from the surrounding Camargue.