Description
The Fleur de Sel Festival will take place at Les Portes. It will highlight the traditional know-how of the salt-marsh workers and offer an immersion into the world of salt marshes.
With Arthur Da Costa Adao, chef at the Michelin-starred restaurant L’Écailler in La Flotte, serving as the event’s patron.
The Fleur de Sel Festival is a festive and friendly day that invites visitors to discover the world of the Île de Ré salt marshes, their traditional craftsmanship, biodiversity, and local flavors.
With family-friendly activities, guided tours, meet-and-greets with salt workers, gourmet tastings, and a farmers’ market, the event offers a complete immersion in the heart of the Île de Ré’s salt-making heritage.
Throughout the day, a large area featuring free activities welcomes visitors of all ages.
Giant wooden games, a carousel, a trampoline, a climbing tower, a kite-making workshop, face painting for children, board games, and encounters with local cultural figures round out the program. Families can also explore the salt marshes in a fun way through activities offered by the Écomusée du Marais Salant, which focus on how a salt marsh works, the process of harvesting salt, and the techniques used by salt workers.
The festival also offers the chance to explore the salt marshes through several free guided walking tours. Guided by salt workers and environmental specialists, participants learn about the different stages of salt harvesting, how the salt pans operate, and the rich variety of flora and fauna that inhabit these natural areas, which are emblematic of the Île de Ré.
Conferences and discussion sessions bring together producers, chefs, local experts, and heritage stakeholders to explore topics related to salt, gastronomy, agriculture, and local craftsmanship. These events offer a deeper understanding of salt’s importance in the region’s history and economy while exploring its culinary uses.
Food enthusiasts can attend cooking demonstrations and tastings showcasing products from Charente-Maritime. Chefs share their tips on seasoning, cooking, and showcasing local products, while a food court brings together food trucks, local producers, oyster farmers, winemakers, and brewers from the Île de Ré.
For sports enthusiasts, the “Selathlon” offers a unique challenge combining running and canoeing/kayaking amid the salt marsh landscapes. This team event combines exploration of the region, physical activity, and a spirit of camaraderie in a friendly atmosphere.
A farmers’ market rounds out the event with a selection of local products from Charente-Maritime: salt and fleur de sel, honey, vegetables, fruits, flours, artisanal breads, meats, spirulina, edible flowers, chocolate, and olive oil. Visitors can also meet salt workers, environmental organizations, and institutional partners committed to preserving and promoting the salt marshes.
With most activities free of charge, the Fleur de Sel Festival is a must-attend event for families to discover the traditions, landscapes, and people who bring the Île de Ré’s salt-making heritage to life.
