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Origin and history

The Carbonnière Tower is a watch tower built at the end of the 13th century to protect the fortified city of Aigues-Mortes, in the Gard. It stands in the middle of the marshes, between the Vistre and the Canal du Rhône à Sète, on the old road between Saint-Laurent-d-Aigouze and Aigues-Mortes. Its name could come from the "Carbonnière Bridge", mentioned in 1270, or from an official receiving tolls in the 15th century. The stones, identical to those of the Aigues-Mortes ramparts, make it a strategic forward post.

Around 1240, Louis IX (Saint Louis) built a bridge on stilts to cross the Vistre, then navigable. The tower was cited in 1346 as "the key to the kingdom in this country", because it controlled access to Aigues-Mortes. Originally managed by the monks of the abbey of Psalmody, it served as a toll point, with exemptions for certain groups until 1409. A garrison (a chestnut and guards) was stationed there, and its terrace could accommodate four artillery pieces.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, the tower became an issue during the Wars of Religion. Taken by the Huguenots in 1562, it was given to them in 1576 with Aigues-Mortes as a place of safety. In 1622, the Duke of Rohan failed to conquer her despite 4,000 men and 3 cannons. The tower remained a defensive work until 1810, before being assigned to the town of Aigues-Mortes in 1819. Threatened by demolition in 1825 and 1870, it was finally restored in 1859.

Ranked as a historic monument in 1889 and 1903, the tower is now owned by Saint-Laurent-d Its terrace offers panoramic views of the Petite Camargue, from Mont Ventoux to Pic Saint-Loup. A wheelchair accessible trail has been developed in the surrounding marshes. She has been part of the Grand Site de France de la Camargue Gardoise since 2014.

Architecturally, the rectangular tower (16 m high) is built of stubble-cut stones, such as the Aigues-Mortes ramparts. The road used to pass under its arches, protected by herses and mâchicoulis. The first floor housed a vaulted guard room, while the upper platform, equipped with cannon and chopper sprays, was used for surveillance. Some modifications (parapet, scalables) date back to later restorations.

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