Planning to visit the Camargue? Then be sure to visit the Salins du Midi, the must-see landscape of Aigues-Mortes!
The Petite Camargue, the Gard part of the Camargue, is the place to be. Head for Aigues-Mortes to discover a real treasure: the Salins du Midi. These pink-colored stretches of water, bordered by salt mountains, will unfold before your eyes during a visit to the heart of Camargue traditions. From the town’s ramparts, you’ll witness a splendid spectacle, all in shades of pink… Or the promise of splendid, Instagrammable photos! Would you like to visit the Salins du Midi? With tips, history and practical information, we’ve got the essentials you need to plan your visit and make the most of it!
History of the region
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pascale Gueret
The cultivation of salt has been an economic activity in the region since antiquity. In 1856, the Compagnie des Salins du Midi was created, following the association of all the small salt producers in the area, and a merchant from Montpellier. The salt-makers who work in the salins have always respected tradition more than ever, harvesting the fleur de sel by hand.
Today, salt production is one of the Camargue’s biggest activities, occupying a surface area of over 14,000 hectares. With an annual production of 500,000 tons of salt, the Salins du Midi is a benchmark in the world.
Our advice for your visit to the Salins du Midi
Are you planning to visit the Salins du Midi soon? Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your visit.
The best time to visit the region
You can visit the Salins du Midi from March to November, and during the Christmas holidays.
Fleur de sel is harvested in summer, from mid-July to the end of August. So, if you’d like to see the salt-makers at work, harvesting this white gold by hand, this is the best time. Also, note that during the summer, night tours are organized. We strongly advise you to try them out, for a breathtaking sunset!
However, don’t forget that this is a region of south-eastern France where it can be very hot. Late in the day is best for visits with frail people.
To take in your backpack
- Plenty of water, especially in summer! And don’t forget your cap, sunglasses and sunscreen, especially if you choose to visit the site on foot or by bike;
- Your picnic: a shaded picnic area is available on the site;
- A camera!
What to see and do
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pascale Gueret
Pink flamingos
The beauty and uniqueness of the site lies in the pink water and the pink flamingos that blend into the landscape. It’s the largest flamingo reserve in Europe. But where does the pink come from? It’s actually a microscopic algae that proliferates in the marshes, the » dunaliella salina « . This algae feeds the shrimps, which in turn feed the flamingos.
Fauna and flora
To visit the Salins du Midi is to discover a wetland with an incredible heritage, playing a major role in maintaining biodiversity. The area’s salt production activity is responsible for the development of a rich and unique ecosystem.
You’ll discover an absolutely unique fauna, including 200 species of birds. Of these, 157 are protected species. The site is quiet, vast and extensive, making it an ideal breeding ground for migratory birds in spring and summer.
A flora unique to the saltworks has also developed over the years, thanks in particular to the salt harvest. Depending on the season, you can observe over 200 plant species, 20 of which are protected.
Fleur de sel de Camargue and the sauniers
White gold, caviar of salt… One thing’s for sure, fleur de sel is considered a rare and precious commodity! Harvesting it is a special process, requiring know-how handed down from generation to generation. Fleur de sel forms on the surface of the water in summer.
When you visit the Salins du Midi, you’ll be able to watch the salt-makers harvest it by hand. This painstaking work is carried out throughout the year, and requires a combination of water movement, gale force winds, climate and marsh salinity.
La camelle
The highlight of any visit to the Salins du Midi is the ascent of a gigantic « camelle ». This is actually a large salt mountain, from the top of which you’ll have a sublime view of the Camargue.
Salt museum and store
Round off your visit with a tour of the small Salt Museum. Here you’ll find information and old photos on the salt industry and its evolution through the ages. Then finish off with a visit to the boutique, where you can pick up some souvenirs: fleur de sel, flavored salts, regional products and salt-related objects… A wide choice awaits you.
How much does a ticket to the Salins du Midi cost?
Photo credit: Flickr – Sabin Paul Croce
There are several ways to visit the Salins du Midi. Here are the prices for each visit:
Little train :
- Adult: €10.80
- Children (aged 5 to 13): €8.50
- Family package (2 adults + 2 children): €35
- Disabled persons: €8.60
Cycling (ages 13 and up) :
- Adults: €20 with your mountain bike
- Children (8 to 13 years): €15 with your mountain bike
- Rental: €5 (+ admission)
- Guided tour with mountain bike rental: €31
- Other guided tour with your mountain bike: €26
Guided walking tour :
- Adults: €19
- Children (aged 10 to 13): €13
- Family package: €55
4×4 :
- Adult: €46
- Children (aged 5 to 13): €20
How do I book a ticket online for the Salins du Midi?
You can book your ticket to visit the Salins du Midi directly online, on the official Salins d’Aigues-Mortes website.
Are there guided tours of the Salins du Midi?
There are many ways to visit the Salins du Midi, thanks to several types of guided tours:
- Little train: for just over an hour, you’ll travel through the heart of the salt marshes on board a little train. Along the way, the driver will tell you many stories about the area and the salt harvest;
- 4×4: two types of outings are available. The « Salt & Nature » outing lets you discover this magical place and explore the 10,000 hectares of salt marshes, accompanied by a naturalist guide. The « Fleur de sel harvest » outing is only available in summer, when the salt is harvested, during which you can enjoy a privileged moment with the salt workers;
- Mountain biking: you can opt for a 3-hour guided tour on a mountain bike along the trails winding through the salt marshes;
- Walking tour: follow a naturalist guide for 2 hours, during which you’ll learn more about the work of the salt workers and the local flora and fauna.
Are there combined tours with other monuments?
Haven’t seen enough? Don’t panic, combined tours are available. These will take you to other sites in the region, such as Port-Camargue, le Grau-du-roi, le Chateau de Montferrand or the ramparts of Aigues-Mortes.
These tours of Aigues-Mortes often last afull day. Prices range from €30 to €60, depending on the options chosen. You can also visit the region on foot, or fly over it in a plane for the more adventurous.
How do I get to the Salins du Midi?
There are several options for getting to Aigues-Mortes and visiting the Salins du Midi:
- Car: from Nîmes (44 km away), take the A9, then the D979. From Montpellier (34 km), first take the D66, then the D62. The saltworks are 5 minutes from the city walls, on the RD 979 towards Grau-Du-Roi, Salins du Midi;
- Plane: the nearest airports to Aigues-Mortes are Nîmes and Montpellier.
If you arrive at Nîmes airport, you can then reach the train and bus station by cab or bus (lines 41 and 219). From Montpellier-Méditerranée airport, take a cab or bus (line 620) to the bus station. Don’t hesitate to use a flight comparator like Skyscanner, to find the best flight at the best price; - Bus: buses leave Montpellier (line L106) and Nîmes (line C32) every day, taking you to Aigues-Mortes in less than an hour, and for €1.50;
- Train: if you’re coming from Nîmes, you can also travel 45 minutes on the TER. From Montpellier, we advise against taking the train, as it passes through Nîmes.
Where can I park near the Salins du Midi?
Visiting the Salins du Midi by car? A free parking lot is reserved for visitors at the entrance to the site. You’ll have peace of mind throughout your visit.
Where to stay near the Salins du Midi?
The easiest way to visit the Salins du Midi is to stay in Aigues-Mortes. The town offers a wide choice of accommodation: gites, hotels, B&Bs, campsites, rentals, Airbnb… You’ll be spoilt for choice!
Lodging within the city walls promises an all the more authentic experience. Expect to pay around €80 a night for an Airbnb, and €120 for a hotel. To simplify your search and find the best deal, use a hotel comparator.