The Saltworks of Aigues-Mortes

A NATURAL TREASURE BETWEEN SALT, SEA AND TRADITIONS

Just five minutes from the ramparts of Aigues-Mortes lies a spectacular site shaped for centuries by the alliance between man and nature : the Aigues-Mortes Saltworks.

Nestled between the lagoons and the Mediterranean Sea, this unique landscape is both the birthplace of the famous Camargue Fleur de Sel and a refuge for exceptional biodiversity.

Every summer, when the wind calms, a thin film of crystals forms on the surface of the salty waters. This is how Fleur de Sel appears, delicately hand-harvested by salt workers following ancestral traditions. This know-how, passed down through generations, makes the Camargue one of France’s major centres of salt culture.

But the Aigues-Mortes Saltworks is not only about salt : it is also a natural sanctuary. Nearly 200 bird species find refuge here, including 157 protected species, such as the majestic flamingos. These preserved areas offer a haven for migratory birds that come to feed, rest or reproduce. The flora is also remarkable, with 208 plant species recorded, including 20 protected species, some of which can only grow in these rare and fragile saline ecosystems.

THE HARVESTING OF FLEUR DE SEL : AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

In July and August only, follow a salt worker and discover the traditional harvesting of Fleur de Sel, an ancestral know-how full of magic.

THE SALIN LITTLE TRAIN : A VISIT NOT TO BE MISSED

To fully experience the Aigues-Mortes Saltworks, board the tourist little train !

With family or friends, let yourself be guided through unique landscapes with rosy hues, shimmering pools and spectacular salt mountains.

The visit is fully guided with commentary (duration : 1h15), allowing you to discover the salt worker’s profession, the history of the saltworks and the ecological balance that makes this site so unique. The tour also includes an exhibition room and access to a salt mound (camelle) offering an exceptional panorama over Aigues-Mortes and the largest saltworks in the Mediterranean.

Visitors who have booked their tickets online can go directly to the “Little Train Departure” sign.

The online ticket office opens month by month : if no date is available, it means that the ticketing is not yet open or that the departures are fully booked.

The little train is accessible to wheelchair users upon prior request. For your comfort, booking is recommended.

Please note that animals are not admitted.

Departure times may be changed or cancelled without notice depending on weather or operational conditions.