Le salin d'Aigues Mortes

In Roman times, the legionnaires received part of their wages in the form of salt, called the “salarium” which gave rise to the word salary. Today, the Fleur de Sel de Camargue, the delicately salty salt crystals, are carefully harvested in the salt flats in Aigues Mortes. These fine crystals have long been a delicacy and have been produced for ages. The warm sun and powerful Mistral wind create the ideal conditions for strong evaporation, which is why salt has been harvested here since time immemorial. Since the mid 19th century, the company known as La Compagnie des salins du Midi has been operating salt production on land covering 200 km² accessible to visitors. Visit in the little train: Board this little train which travels through the salt flats for over an hour. On board, learn how salt from Camargue comes into being, why the water is pink before the harvest, and many other facts. Learn about the different trades – the work done by the saunier and other persons who contribute to keeping nature intact, wild and generous. Stop in at the Salt Museum and Shop, see the displays, the tools, the historical packaging. Lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Early March to early November. Groups over 20 persons, 55 maximum) by advance reservation. Gather at the Billetterie/Boutiquein the parking lot at the entrance to the site.Outing in 4-wheel drive vehicle Salt & Nature outing: Drink in the beauty and magic of this site in the middle of nowhere. Visit places that are otherwise inaccessible amidst 10,000 hectares of land.Go with a naturalist guide and discover the diversity and natural beauty in this preserved space where the salt from Camargue comes from.Every day (except 1 May), mid-April to late September. Outing takes 3 ½ hours – Two visits per day: at 8am and 4pm. Reservations required - 8 persons maximum. Visit subject to weather conditions. Harvesting the Fleur de Sel outing: During summertime, see and learn about the harvesting of the Fleur de Sel de Camargue. A naturalist-guide takes you to where the Fleur de Sel is harvested for a special, unique understanding of the work done by the sauniers, a trade which preserves the environment while making salt. Come away with your very own freshly-gathered Fleur de Sel.mid-July to late August (depending on harvesting dates). Monday to Friday morning. Lasts 1 ½ hours – Two visits per day: 8am and 10am. Reservations required - 8 persons maximum.Visit subject to weather conditions.During these two different outings, a stop will be made at the Salt Museum and Shop to discover salt activity and work throughout the ages, through a display of photos, tools and historical packaging. Group prices for a minimum of 20 persons, please check with us.