Birds of the salt marshes
Flamingo's kingdomA walk in the heart of nature
An extraordinary variety of birds awaits you at the Hyères salt marshes for incredible birdwatching sessions. Guided birdwatching tours are organized all year round on the two former salt harvesting sites. Since the end of this industry, an exceptional biological reserve has been able to develop in peace and quiet. If you’re looking for a pleasant surprise, take a walk in the heart of a rare geological environment and appreciate the remarkable biodiversity.
5 good reasons for birdwatching in the salt marshes
- Identify species on visits organized throughout the year
- Get up close to pink flamingos, in the heart of an exceptional site
- Use equipment to observe birds in their protected habitat
- aiscover the industrial history of the salt marshes
- If you’re lucky, watch rare migratory birds
Our advice
Bird migration begins in spring.
Mid-April marks the peak arrival for waders and passerines(avocets, white stilts, redshanks…).
It is during this period that the site welcomes the greatest diversity of species.
See the Tadorne de Belon and, of course, the local star, the pink flamingo.
Free observation posts are available at the entrance to the old salt marshes, along the salt road or near the Redon marsh.
357 SPECIES OBSERVED
Preservation and biodiversity
Once a true island, nature has gradually linked Giens to the mainland by two parallel sandbars called tombolos – there are only five double tombolos in the world, including Giens – between which lie lagoons long used as salt pans. The Hyères salt flats are divided into two wetlands: the old salt flats and the Pesquiers salt flats.
In addition to a landscape of rare beauty, it is now a habitat for over 200 species of birds and 300 varieties of plants.
Guided tours
The exceptional ecological heritage of the salt marshes, owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral, is managed, maintained and promoted by the Metropole. Welcoming and informing the general public are among the objectives set to raise awareness of this rare and rich environment.
Guided tours to observe birds, endemic flora and the history of salt are organized all year round. These fascinating tours are at the top of the list of outings to do with children.
Get your binoculars and cameras ready: here, nature shines. During your visit, you’ll be immersed in the wonders of the landscape. Located between La Capte, l’Almanarre and their beaches for the Pesquiers salt marsh, and on the seafront at Pothuau for the old salt marshes, visits to the salt marshes are an unmissable walk in the heart of nature, and all year round thanks to the LPO (League for the Protection of Birds).
Focus on
Hyeress salt marshes
Divided into two distinct wetlands (les vieux salins and les salins des Pesquiers), the site is a rare wetland classified Natura 2000. Managed and protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral, this protected area welcomes you all year round.
Stroll along the Pesquiers salt marshes greenway or the old salt marshes signposted path to observe and photograph sedentary and passing birds.
How to get here ?
Aux Vieux salins (Pothuau)
By bus: take the Mistral line 63 or 65 (Vieux Salins stop).
By car: on the RN 98, take the “Saint-Nicolas – Salins” exit and drive to the hamlet of Les Salins.
Follow the signs for ” Espace nature des salins d’Hyères “.
You can park in the free parking lot at the municipal stadium and follow the signs to the site entrance.
At the Pesquiers salt marshes (La Capte)
By bus: use the 67 or 68 towards Giens to the “La Capte” stop.
By car: take the Port d’Hyères road (D559), then the Giens road (D197) to La Capte.
You can park around the village, as there is no parking inside the salt marshes.