These shallow stretches of water, bathed in sunshine, are the scene of an age-old activity that shapes the identity of our coastline. It's the ideal place to immerse yourself in salt production and the salt-maker's trade, a real journey through time and nature!
The salt marshes are not just places of production; they are rich ecosystems and breathtaking landscapes. As you wander around, you'll discover a maze of basins, known as "œillets", where seawater circulates and evaporates under the effect of the sun and wind. It is here that the salt workers, true "farmers of the sea", carry on the traditions handed down from generation to generation to harvest the precious fleur de sel and coarse salt.
Visit the salt marshes and meet the salt workers
To learn more about this ancestral profession and the history of salt, les Marais Salants de la Vie open their doors to you. You can choose between self-guided tours or guided tours by reservation (reservations open at the beginning of May 2025 for the season). This is a unique opportunity to meet the salt workers, who will be passionately sharing their know-how. You'll be able to observe the painstaking work involved in harvesting and understand the importance of this heritage.
Don't forget to buy a small sachet of Vendée salt, direct from the producers, as a souvenir of your visit. It's an authentic product and a great way to bring a little of our region's flavours home with you.
