When should you visit the salt marshes?

All year round! In the summer, you will have a better chance of seeing the harvest.

Can you visit a working salt marsh?

Yes, there are guided tours of the ecomuseum and tours led by salt producers (sauniers) .

When is harvest time?

In the summer, on days with wind and sun, the salt producers harvest the salt.

Are the marshes accessible with a pushchair or for people with reduced mobility?

Some areas and paths are accessible. However, it is best to go on the routes that have been adapted for pushchairs and people with reduced mobility.

Is it possible to buy salt on site?

Yes, directly from many salt producers.

The salt marshes and ecomuseum

Exploring the Île de Ré salt marshes: experiences, encounters and immersive tours.

The salt marshes on Île de Ré are much more than just a landscape: they are living places where you can discover ancient know-how, where water, wind and light shape the changing landscape every day.

As a family, with friends or on your own, immerse yourself in the heart of this unique heritage through guided tours, self-guided tours or encounters with salt producers (sauniers).

The salt marshes: a living, sensory experience

Present on the island since at least the 11th century, salt marshes are a universe shaped by people, nature and age-old traditions.

Watching the landscape change with the light

The marshes are truly natural mirrors. Their palette of colours changes throughout the day:

silvery blues in the morning
golden hues at the end of the day
pink or white textures at harvest time.

A natural area rich in biodiversity

This environment is home to a wide variety of birds and protected species. Salt marshes help maintain this precious biodiversity.

The ecomuseum: the ideal gateway to understanding the salt marshes

Located at the heart of the Loix salt marshes, the Écomusée du Marais Salant is the perfect place to start your visit. It outlines the history of salt farming on Île de Ré, from ancestral techniques to its major role in shaping the island’s identity.

A guided tour to understand the work of the salt producer

From March to early November, the ecomuseum offers an exhibition followed by a guided tour of a working salt marsh. You will discover:

the path taken by the water
how the marshes work
the precise movements made by a salt producer
the different stages of salt production.

This immersive, educational experience is perfect for families.

Visit the ecomuseum in Loix:

Prices for the ecomuseum:
– Adults €6.50
– Teenagers from 12 to 18 years of age: €5
– Children from 8 to 11 years of age: €3

Prices for the enchanted walk:
– Adults (aged 12 and over): €10
– Children €5
– Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): €25

Visits and experiences in the salt industry

Guided or self-guided tour of the PickSel salt marshes

Barrot Sud Salt Marsh - Tours and drawing classes

Marais du Roc salt marsh visit

Sel d’Isabelle salt marsh visit

Did you know?

In the ^19th century, there were over 1,000 salt producers on Île de Ré; today, only around a hundred remain.

Prepare your visit

Enchanted walks in the marshes

On Thursday afternoons during the high season, go on a guided walk through the salt marshes. Meeting point: Écomusée du Marais Salant, Loix.

This visit includes the poetic story of how salt producers turn water into salt, and ethereal music and sounds, making this a magical moment for all the family.

If you love lyrical expression, musical performance and local produce, this is an activity not to be missed!

Discover the enchanted walks

Practical tips for a successful visit

Remember to bring a hat, sun cream and water in the summer
Stay on designated paths to preserve the fragile environment
Respect the work of the salt producers. Stay away from prohibited areas
Use greener forms of transport to get to the marshes.

Exploring the marshes using greener forms of transport

Visiting the salt marshes also means adopting a gentle pace: on foot or by bicycle, the paths offer open, peaceful panoramas. It is an ideal activity with children who can observe wildlife, learn about manual work and enjoy walking safely through the salt marshes.

FAQ - Salt marshes