The salt marshes are among the most popular attractions on Île de Ré. Some visitors explore them during a hike or a bike ride. These are preserved natural areas that reflect the centuries-old role of salt production in the island's economy. Learn more about the salt of Île de Ré.
What is a Salt Marsh?
Salt marshes are coastal wetlands that are flooded and drained by saltwater brought in by the tides. These swampy areas are mainly composed of mud and peat. Peat is itself a thick layer of decomposed plant matter. It is waterlogged, filled with roots, and very spongy.
Salt marshes have played a significant role in Île de Ré's economy for several centuries. From the Middle Ages to the late 19th century, salt production even became the region's economic engine. However, the draining of marshes weakened this thriving industry. This was further compounded by competition from industrially produced salt, introduced to the island and surrounding areas thanks to the development of railway transportation in the 20th century. As a result, some islanders turned to other activities, starting with oyster farming.
But the determination of some salt producers to take control of their destiny led to the creation of the Coopérative des Sauniers in 1942. Its members pooled the human and material resources needed for salt production (harvesting, storage, packaging) and marketing. Today, the organization includes 70 salt producers out of around 100 on the island. Among the products that have earned the salt producers of Île de Ré their reputation are coarse grey salt, fine salt, and especially fleur de sel and Episalées.
The cooperative's salt marsh exploitation follows a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) approach. This EU certification links the quality and reputation of the products (in this case, salt) to their place of origin.
Visit the Salt Marshes on the Île de Ré
The Salt Marsh Eco-Museum
To learn more about the salt-making industry and its history, head to the Salt Marsh Eco-Museum on the Loix peninsula, located in the northern part of the island, just minutes from our hotel on the Île de Ré. Visitors will discover the expertise of producers as well as the tools they use. The tour also highlights the plants found in the marshes, such as glasswort, sea pepper, and wild mustard. Many visitors are particularly interested in the techniques used by salt workers to harvest their prized product: fleur de sel.
The eco-museum welcomes visitors:
- March 14 to April 15: Tuesday to Saturday, 2:30 PM to 5:15 PM
- April 16 to June 19: Tuesday to Sunday, 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM
- June 20 to September 17: Daily, 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- September 17 to November 4: Tuesday to Saturday, 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Each visit lasts 45 minutes. The eco-museum admits the first visitors 30 minutes after opening and the last visitors 70 minutes before closing. Admission fees:
- €6 per adult
- €3 for children aged 8 to 11
- €5 for teens aged 12 to 18
- Children under 8 enjoy free entry.
The Salt Workers' Cooperative
The eco-museum visit can be combined with a tour of the Salt Workers' Cooperative, located in Ars-en-Ré. This tour delves into the various steps that follow the harvesting of salt from the marshes. The cooperative welcomes visitors by appointment from April 1 to September 30, Monday to Friday at 2:30 PM, Admission fees €4 per adult €2 per child (aged 2 to 16)