Visit the Salins du Midi: reservations & prices

Are you planning to come to the Camargue? So, don’t miss visiting the Salins du Midi, a must-see landscape of Aigues-Mortes!

It’s in Little Camargue precisely, the Guardian part of the Camargue that you are given an appointment. Then, direction Aigues-Mortes, to discover a true treasure: the unmissable Salins du Midi. These areas of pink-colored water, lined with salt mountain, will take the time of a visit to the heart of the Camarguas traditions. From the city's ramparts, you will witness a splendid show, all in shade of rose... Or the promise of leaving with splendid and "instagrammable" photos to be desired! Would you like to visit the Salins du Midi? Tips, history and practical information, we tell you the most important thing to plan your visit and make the most of it!

History of the region

The cultivation of salt is an economic activity in the region since ancient times. In 1856, the Compagnie des Salins du Midi was created, following the association of all the small salins of the territory, and a merchant of Montpellier . Ever since then, the saunters who work in the salins respect tradition more than ever, by harvesting the salt flower manually.

Saliculture is today, one of the largest activities of the Camargue, and occupies a surface of more than 14,000 hectares. With an annual production of 500,000 tons of salt, the Salins du Midi are a true reference in the world.

Our tips to visit the Salins du Midi

Are you coming to visit the Salins du Midi? To help you discover this essential site, here are some tips to prepare your visit.

The best time to visit the region

It is possible to visit the Salins du Midi, from March to November, and during Christmas parties.

Salt flower is harvested in the summer from mid-July to late August. Therefore, if you want to see the saunters at work, manually harvest this white gold is the best time. Also, note that during the summer, night visits are organized. We strongly advise you to try the experience, for a breathtaking sunset!

However, remember that it is a region of south-eastern France where it can be very hot. Take the end of the day for visits with fragile people.

To take in his backpack

• Many water, especially during the summer! But also do not forget cap, sunglasses and sunscreen, especially if you choose to visit the site on foot or by bike;
• Your picnic: a shaded picnic area is offered on the site;
• A camera!

What to see and what to do?

Pink flamingos

The particularity and beauty of the place come from pink water, as well as pink flamingos that melt in the landscape. It is the largest reserve of pink flamingos in Europe. But then, where does this rose come from? It is actually a microscopic algae that proliferates in the marshes, the “ dunaliella salina " It feeds shrimp, which in turn will feed the pink flamingos.

Wildlife and flora

Visiting the Salins du Midi is discovering a wetland with incredible heritage, playing a major role in maintaining biodiversity. Salary activity that is exploited in the territory allows the development of a rich and unique ecosystem.

You will discover an absolutely unique fauna, with 200 species of birds. 157 are protected species. The site is quiet, wide and wide, making it an ideal breeding place for migratory birds, during spring and summer.

A particular flora of salin has also developed over the years, thanks in particular to the salt harvest. Thus, it is possible to observe over 200 plant species, including 20 protected species, depending on the periods.

The salt flower of Camargue and the sauniers

White gold, salt caviar... One thing is sure, the salt flower is assimilated to something precious and rare! Its harvest is special, and requires knowledge transmitted from generation to generation. The salt flower is formed in the summer, on the surface of the water.

By visiting the Salins du Midi, you can observe the sauniers·ières harvest it manually. This very meticulous work spreads throughout the year, and requires the management of both the water movement, wind blows, the climate and the salinity of the marshes.

The camell

The highlight of the show if you come to visit the Salins du Midi: the ascent of a gigantic « camelle ». This is actually a great mountain of salt, at the top of which you will have a sublime view of the Camargue.

Salt Museum and Shop

Finish your visit by taking a tour of the small Sel Museum. You will find information and old pictures, salinary activity and its evolution through the epochs. Before finishing with a small tour of the shop, to bring back nice memories: salt flower, flavored salts, regional products and objects related to salt... A wide choice awaits you.

How much does a ticket cost to the Salins du Midi?

To visit the Salins du Midi, several ways are possible. Here are the proposed rates for each visit:

Small train:

• Adults: 10,80 €
• Children (5 to 13 years old): 8,50 €
• Family package (2 adults + 2 children): 35 €
• Persons with disabilities: 8,60€

Bicycle (from 13 years old):

• Adults: 20 € with your ATV
• Child (8 to 13 years old): 15 € with your ATV
• Rental: 5 € (+ entry)
• Guided tour with mountain bike rental: 31 €
• Another guided tour with your mountain bike: 26 €

Guided walking tour:

• Adults: 19 €
• Child (10 to 13 years old): 13 €
• Family package: 55 €

4×4 :

• Adults: 46 €
• Child (from 5 to 13 years): 20 €

How do I book a ticket for the Salins du Midi online?

It is possible to book your ticket directly to visit the Salins du Midi online, on the official website of the Salins d’Aigues-Mortes.

Are there any guided tours of the Salins du Midi?

You have several ways to visit the Salins du Midi, thanks to several types of guided tours:

• Small train: For a little more than an hour, you will advance to the heart of the salins on a small train. The driver will tell you through the journey, many stories about the place and the salt harvest;
• 4×4 : two types of outputs are proposed. The Sel & Nature exit will allow you to discover this magical place and survey the 10,000 hectares of salins, accompanied by a naturalist guide. The "Salt Flower Harvest" exit is available only in the summer, at the time of the harvest of the latter, during which you will enjoy a privileged moment with the saunters;
• ATV: you can opt for a 3-hour guided mountain bike tour along the slopes, winding in the middle of the salins;
• Walking tour: Follow a naturalist guide for 2 hours, during which you will learn more about the work of the saunters and the fauna and flora of the place.

Are there visits combined with other monuments?

Have you seen enough? No panic, there are combined visits. For example, you will discover other sites in the region such as Port-Camargue, the Grau-du-roi, the Chateau de Montferrand or the ramparts of Aigues-Mortes.

These visits d’Aigues-Mortes often hard full day . Prices oscillate between 30€ and 60€ according to the selected options. Be aware that you can also visit the area on foot as well as fly overflight for the most expensive.

How do I access the Salins du Midi?

To go to Aigues-Mortes and visit the Salins du Midi, there are several options available to you:

• Car: from Nimes (at 44 km), first take the A9 and then the D979. From Montpellier (34 km), first take the D66 and then the D62. The salins are located 5 minutes from the city walls, on RD 979 towards Grau-Du-Roi, Salins du Midi;
• Aeroplane: the nearest airports in the city of Aigues-Mortes are those in Nîmes and Montpellier.
  If you arrive at the airport of Nîmes, you will then be able to reach the train and bus station (lines 41 and 219). From the airport Montpellier-Mediterranean, join the bus station by taxi or by bus (line 620). Do not hesitate to call a flight comparison as Skyscannerto find the best flight at the best price;
• Bus: buses depart from Montpellier (L106 line) and Nimes (line C32) every day, to take you to Aigues-Mortes in less than an hour, and for 1,50 € ;
• Train: If you come from Nîmes, you can also travel 45 minutes aboard the TER. From Montpellier, we don’t recommend the train as it passes through Nîmes.

Where to park near the Salins du Midi?

Are you visiting the Salins du Midi by car? One. free parking is reserved for visitors at the site entrance. You will thus have a quiet mind throughout your visit.

Where to stay near the Salins du Midi?

To visit the Salins du Midi, the simplest is lodge in Aigues-Mortes . The city offers a wide choice of accommodation: holiday homes, hotels, bed and breakfast, campings, locations, Airbnb ... You will only have the embarrassment of choice!

Loger intra-muros promises an experience all the more authentic. Count the area 80 € the night for an Airbnb, and 120 € for a hotel. To simplify your research and find the best offer, use a Compare hotels .