Around the salt marshes
From industrial site to natural ecosystemA bird’s paradise
The Hyères salt flats are divided into two wetlands: the vieux salins and the salin des Pesquiers. Today, they provide a habitat for over 200 species of birds and 300 varieties of plants. Maintained and preserved by the Conservatoire du Littoral, this timeless space is a delight for young and old alike, whatever the season.
5 good reasons to discover the salt marshes
- Nature walks
- Photographing birds up close
- Take part in fun guided tours
- Discover a rich and varied flora and fauna
- Talk to passionate guides
Birds of the salt marshes
Pink flamingos, herons, Belon shelducks, avocets, little egrets and cormorants are just some of the 200 species of birds that can be seen at the Pesquier salt marsh and the old salt marshes. Guided ornithological tours are organized all year round. Your specialist guide, a member of the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO), will reveal the secrets of the flora and fauna typical of these refuge areas.
The history of salt
The Pesquiers pond covers almost 550 hectares. Developed as salt marshes over more than half its surface area, the Hyères salt marshes, operated until 1995 by the Compagnie des Salins du Midi, produced up to 30,000 tons of salt a year. Guided tours are now organized most of the year. Our guide will tell you all about the salt industry, the salt harvest and the trade of the saunier.
Walks around the salt marshes
Located between the hippodrome traffic circle and the village of La Capte, the 1.6km-long Le Pas du Saunier path allows hikers, cyclists and amateur photographers to stroll inside the Pesquiers salt marsh, sheltered from traffic. On the other side, on the old salt marshes, a discovery trail offers explanations of the flora, fauna, hydraulic management and history of the sites. Stop off at the Espace Nature to enjoy the current art exhibitions.
