La Tour Carbonnière

Just 15 minutes from the house, La Tour Carbonnière is one of the most atmospheric and rewarding outings in the Camargue. Rising unexpectedly from the middle of the marshes near Saint-Laurent-d’Aigouze, this solitary medieval watchtower was built at the end of the 13th century to guard the only road into the fortified town of Aigues-Mortes. In a text from 1346 it was described as “the key to the kingdom in this land”, a reminder of just how important this lonely outpost once was. Today, a short wooden walkway leads through the reeds and wetlands to the tower itself. Climb the steps to the terrace and you are rewarded with one of the most spectacular views in the region. From here, the Petite Camargue stretches out in every direction: vast marshes, shimmering lagoons, reed beds and, on a clear day, even the distant outlines of Mont Ventoux and Pic Saint-Loup. The tower is also a wonderful place for spotting wildlife. Depending on the season, you may see pink flamingos, grey herons, little egrets, swans, moorhens and even coypu in the marshes below. Keep an eye out too for the famous white Camargue horses and black bulls grazing in the distance. Part history lesson, part nature walk and part breathtaking viewpoint, La Tour Carbonnière is especially magical at sunrise or sunset, when the light over the marshes is at its most beautiful.