DISCOVER THE VIE SALT MARSHES
The Vie Salt Marshes represent a natural geographical site on the outskirts of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. They are located just 5 minutes from Camping Les Biches. It is a magnificent place to visit whose historical and tourist heritage is the pride of the Saint Gilles region.
THE STORY OF THE VIE SALT MARSHES
The salt marsh lands were shaped by human effort starting in the Middle Ages, around the 7th century. It was in the 1700s that the Vie Salt Marshes were created. They extended over an area of 1000 hectares in the Vie Valley by the mid-19th century. However, after some periods of activity, they were gradually abandoned until 1970 in favor of fish ponds.
Twenty years later, in 1990, former salt marshes were renovated to be identical to those that had existed. This was a way to revive the white gold activity in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. It is this activity, in fact, that attracts visits to the Vie Salt Marshes today.
THE SALT MARSHES, A REAL TOURIST ATTRACTION
The discovery of ancestral traditions and the experience of the salt formation stages passed down over time is one of the tourist interests of these marshes. Moreover, it is an opportunity to understand the salt worker’s craft and appreciate these movements acquired over generations.
The Vie Salt Marshes offer a natural landscape that benefits from the protection of coastal law and is classified as Natura 2000. In addition to discovering the secrets of white gold, exclusive techniques, and tools, the flora and fauna also represent a tourist attraction.
Species such as swans, avocets, and magnificent cormorants can be observed in this natural territory. Tasting the white gold from these marshes is a taste experience whose unique flavors are of definite interest to all visitors.
ACTIVITIES AT THE SALT MARSHES
Do you want to understand the salt worker’s craft?
To admire traditional techniques and the salt worker’s craft, come and stroll through the salt marshes. In addition to a guided tour, a salt horn tasting will be offered. You can also observe the marsh fauna and flora: herons, egrets, marsh harriers, and wild ducks.