What is a salt marsh?

Would you like to take advantage of your stay in the Camargue to discover the region's cultures and traditions? Discover the activities available around the Camargue salt marshes.

The salt marshes: history and tradition

Salt marshes are, as their name suggests, the sites where Camargue salt is produced. These ponds or basins filled with salty seawater allow the water to evaporate, thanks to the wind and sun, concentrating the salt that is then collected.

The Camargue salt marshes cover 8,000 hectares. They are the largest salt marshes in the Mediterranean region. They are visited for their astonishing pink color, due to an algae called Dunaliella Salina, but also to understand the history and culture of the region. Indeed, the salt marshes are a pillar of Camargue tradition.

Salt production in the Camargue salt marshes dates back to the end of the 17th century. Even today, the tradition has been preserved, and the salt is harvested by hand to ensure the quality of the salt produced. At Salins d'Aigues-Mortes, the harvest takes place in summer, from mid-July to the end of August. The salt-makers who harvest it have handed down this know-how from generation to generation.

Heat and even heatwaves are conducive to the formation of fleur de sel, as are wind and minerals such as magnesium and beta-carotene. All of these elements are found in the Camargue, enabling the region to produce top-quality fleur de sel.

Things to do around the salt marshes

Would you like to take advantage of your vacation in the Camargue to visit the salt marshes and learn more about Camargue traditions? Discover all the things to do around the salt marshes.

Visit the Aigues Mortes salt marshes

Just a 30-minute drive from the Auberge Cavalière du Pont des Bannes, the Salins d'Aigues Mortes are well worth a visit. A wide range of tours are available to suit everyone's needs. You can choose to visit the salt marshes by train, bike or on foot, on a self-guided or guided tour. During the harvest, in July and August, you can visit the flower-of-salt picking area. The one-and-a-half-hour tour is guided by a salt-maker and limited to 15 people.

Discover the local flora and fauna

The Salins d'Aigues Mortes is not only Europe's leading pink flamingo reserve, but they're not the only birds you'll be able to admire during your visit to the salt marshes. The salt marsh is home to 200 bird species, 157 of which are protected!

What's more, centuries of salt harvesting have fostered the development of an equally varied flora, with 208 plant species, 20 of which are protected. Whether you're a photo enthusiast or simply a nature lover, you'll be amazed by the flora and fauna of the salt marshes.

Cycling or walking in the salt marshes

Exploring the salt marshes by bike or on foot is a great way to discover them at your own pace. It's the preferred option for those who don't want to use the little train, so they can take their time and discover the local flora and fauna in complete tranquillity. You can also take advantage of your visit to a magnificent, unspoilt beach.

Need practical advice on visiting the salt marshes? Contact the Auberge Cavalière du Pont des Bannes team, who will be happy to guide you towards a means of transport or an activity to suit your preferences. 

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