Discovery of the salt marshes of the Ile de Ré
The salt marshes are part of the natural heritage of the island of Ré, but also one of the island's best known activities. It is the ideal place to go for a nice bike ride, visit the eco-museum, taste the island's salt and discover the ecosystem and biodiversity of the island. For a day, discover the secrets of salt production, the daily life of the salt workers and the fauna and flora of the island of Ré.
The salt marshes in the early morning
As soon as the sun rises, rent your bike at the Sunêlia Interlude campsite, then head for the salt marshes... As you venture along the paths through the salt marshes, you can admire the beautiful light that floods the landscape at sunrise. The village of Loix, bordered by the salt marshes, is the ideal place to go.
Want to know how the salt marshes work? Then visit the salt marsh eco-museum to discover the tools and techniques used to harvest salt. During the visit, you will also learn more about the history and importance of salt farming on the Ile de Ré. Once the tour is over, you can buy some good locally produced salt in the museum shop.
Then set off by bike along the cycle paths that cross the salt marshes. There are many salt marshes in Loix, Ars-en-Ré and Les Portes-en-Ré. During your walk, stop to observe the salt workers at work and don't hesitate to ask them questions about salt. They will be delighted to share with you their passion for the profession of salt worker!
Lunch in the salt marshes
After visiting the salt marshes of Loix, stop for a gourmet lunch in an oyster hut. Here you can taste oysters and all sorts of shellfish facing the sea, perfectly seasoned with the salt of the Ile de Ré. You will have a front row seat to admire the salt marshes and the centuries-old work of the salt workers.
Here are a few ideas of nice places to eat in the middle of the salt marshes:
- The Saunier oyster hut between La Couarde-sur-Mer and Loix;
- The oysters of Trousse-Chemise in Les Portes-en-Ré;
- La cabane du Feneau in La Couarde-sur-Mer
- L'Huître DoRê in Ars-en-Ré ;
- La Cabane du Grouin in Loix.
Your afternoon in the salt marshes
Continue your journey through the salt marshes to discover the richness of the local flora and fauna. Spend part of your afternoon at the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve on the Fier d'Ars. In this nature paradise, you can admire a series of protected salt marshes and numerous species of birds. To keep beautiful memories, remember to take photos. To finish the day, head to Loix and try out new sporting experiences with a nature paddle or canoe trip in the salt marshes.