Discover the salt marshes

Duration: 1 day

If you’ve chosen the Vendée, it’s for its unspoilt natural setting. For this new experience in the Vendée, we’re taking you on a tour of unsuspected landscapes. It’s time to get off the beaten track and admire something other than the department’s magnificent beaches.

Team tips :

In summer, the population of the Vendée doubles, so there can be a lot of people on the roads, so to make the most of your day, we recommend setting off in the morning.
Pack a picnic lunch in your backpack or cooler, as the salt marshes offer the perfect setting for lunch.
Put on a good pair of shoes.
After a few words of advice, it’s time to tell you how this unforgettable day will unfold.

By car, Simone, towards Les Sables d’Olonne

This natural area is only a few kilometers from Les Flots de l’Océan campsite. It takes about 30 minutes to drive to Les Salines. On-site parking is readily available.
It’s the perfect place for the whole family to learn all about salt marshes.
Whether you’re here for the weekend or on vacation, it’s imperative that you take the time to stroll through the heart of the salt marshes.

Discovery by boat

Rather than strolling along the canals on foot, we suggest you opt for a visit on board a boat.

This 2h-2h30 guided tour will introduce you to the culture of salt.

For 8 kilometers, you’ll sail along the water’s edge. A feeling of freedom will come over you. As the gentle breeze caresses your face and makes your hair fly, the history of salt will hold no secrets for you.

Salt mining dates back to the Middle Ages, so there’s a lot to discover here.
On both sides, you’ll be surrounded by lush green countryside.

During the walk, you’ll stop off in the heart of the marsh. You’ll have the chance to meet a saunier. This enthusiast will be delighted to tell you all about his secrets and techniques for harvesting this white gold.

Good to know:
Your children can even pick up their own bag of salt, just like the salt workers.

Practical info :
Boat Discovery: €20 per adult / €11 per child (3 to 12 years). We advise you to book 1 or 2 days in advance.

These enthusiasts have only one aim: to help you spend a moment rich in discovery.

From sea to plate

After an instructive tour, combining fun and learning, it’s time to take a break.

At the entrance to the marshes, you’ll find tables and chairs. But we’d advise you to head off into the Olonne forest just opposite. Picnic tables provide shady spots.

It’s with a head full of information and new knowledge that you’ll enjoy your meal.

To round off your day in the marshes, consider canoeing or paddling.

Just a few minutes from the crowded beaches, the salt marshes offer a much more peaceful setting.

Spend an afternoon recharging your batteries in this wildlife paradise.
Rent a canoe or paddle to explore this saltwater river. You can choose the length of your tour: 1 hour, 2 hours, or more.

It will take some time to get the hang of your boat. But once it’s done, it’ll be nothing but bliss.

A feeling of well-being will come over you.
You’ll swap the cries of children for those of egrets.
A few strokes of the oars and you’ll be carried along by the gentle current.

A move to the right, a move to the left, the flora and fauna of this area is rich.

Breathe in the pure air.

The end of the ride approaches, and after rowing for almost an hour, the heat is beginning to make itself felt.
In summer, it’s hard to finish a canoe trip without getting your fellow passengers wet.
Of course, the whole family will end up soaked.
To everyone’s delight!