An interesting and varied journey. Fantastic views and history. Most of the roads are very quiet.

Info for motorcyclists:
If you are travelling by motorbike you can park directly in front of the places/buildings worth seeing. If you are travelling by car you often have to park a little further away.

-This route starts and ends in "Le Grau du Roi". I chose this start and end point for the following reason: The start and end point can be reached without traffic delays. A more central point could mean that the journey could take more time. There is a petrol station here with a small shop (petrol and drinks)


We start here and after a short drive we reach the:


"Tour Carbonnière"
The tower is open 24 hours a day and offers a great panoramic view. Climb the spiral staircase and enjoy the view. From here you have a perfect view over the swamps. The birds that live here can be observed very well.

"Canal du Rhône à Sète"
The "Canal du Rhône à Sète" is used for leisure boat trips, small boats and tourist boats and allows certain clubs to practice rowing. In various places it is possible to rent houseboats, these travel very slowly. A speed of only 6 km/h is permitted. Ideal for hobby captains. When renting the houseboat there is an introduction and you can get started right away.

Story:
In 1773, it was decided to build a canal between Beaucaire and Aiges-Mortes. In 1789, construction was interrupted. The canal between Aigues-Mortes and Saint-Gilles had already been completed. In 1801, construction of the rest of the canal began. The canal was completed in 1808. Locks were built in between so that ships could maneuver better. These locks were built near the Rhône to prevent the canals from silting up and the buildings near the canal from being flooded.

Story:
This stone tower was built in the 13th century. Anyone who wanted to go to Aigues-Mortes from the mainland had to pass through this place and pay a toll. At first, academics could pass for free. Later, however, everyone had to pay a toll.

-The journey continues towards "Aimargues". We drive through the village and under a railway underpass that is only 1.7 metres high. Be careful, duck your head. You could also skip this point and drive straight after "Le Cailar" on the D104 road. There is a water tower on the left, and shortly after that we turn right into a car park. On the small hill we have a view of the swamp. Unfortunately the trees have grown tall and block the view of the swamp somewhat. After a short drive we come to a bridge that crosses the "Canal du Rhône a Sète".
Unfortunately, this is a dead end, so we turn around and turn right shortly afterwards. We continue between the Etanges on a straight and slightly bumpy road. We enjoy the view of nature and animals on this road with little traffic. Now we set off for:

“Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer”
In the region around "Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer" (Camargue) there are many riding stables with the famous "white horses". The horses are a great way to explore and observe the area. Since horses and cowboys belong together, there is also a shop in "Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer" that sells cowboy boots, among other things.

Story:
In 542, the village was transferred to a monastery (by Césaire of Arles). In the 14th century, the church was rebuilt. The "Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer" now became a fortified church. Before that, raids by the Vikings and "Saracens" started from "Saint-Maries-de-la-Mer", including to "Arles". During the French Revolution, the church was partially destroyed but restored in 1873.

-We continue to Bac de Sauvage D38/D85 on the ferry, free ferry which is only open seasonally. (Check the timetable). Then we continue towards:

"Aigues-Mortes"
The main entrance is on the north side at parking lot 1. You can park your motorcycle for free on the sidewalk right next to the entrance.
On Wednesday and Saturday there is a market a few streets away. The market starts at 8am and lasts until around 1pm. As is usual in France, in addition to regional vegetables, fruit, cheese (meat, fish), there are also clothes and household items to buy at this market. Chat to the market traders and you will get a tip or two from them. If you visit "Aigues-Mortes" on Saturday, get there early (9am), the later you arrive, the more difficult it will be to find a parking space. (This applies especially to cars)

Story:
“Aigues-Mortes” was built in the 13th century and was located on a lagoon. The city was connected to the sea by canals. The only connection to the mainland was the “Tour Carbonnière”. The many moors separated “Aigues-Mortes” from the mainland.

-Before we reach the end of this excursion, we will drive past the saltworks of “Aigues-Mortes”. Anyone who still has time and desire can visit this saltworks.

Saline (salt production plant)
Salt is extracted by evaporating sea water. You can take a tour of the facility (for example on the little train). If you visit the saltworks, allow at least 2 hours. There is also a museum. (And no wonder) the saltworks were also built in the 13th century.

-The exit ends in “Le Grau du Roi”