Hop on the little train for a 1-hour and 15-minute guided tour through the heart of the salt flats and dive into the treasures of this iconic location. Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Quentin, an intern at the Aigues-Mortes tourist office, and today, I'm taking you on a journey to discover the Salins d'Aigues-Mortes Little Train tour.
2:00 PM : The passengers board, the driver takes his place, and off we go ! The little train starts its 1 hour and 15-minute journey through the vast salt mountains and stunning pink waters.
Spanning 8,000 hectares, this site is a true gem that stretches across several departments, providing a natural paradise for wildlife and flora. Over 200 species of birds live here, including the famous pink flamingos we spot right away.
Our guide begins by explaining the impressive work of the salt workers, who collect the salt by hand. We then pass by the massive machines used to collect and transform the salt, giving it its characteristic pyramid shape, known as a "camelle," referring to the hump of a camel.
A quick stop at the Salt Museum allows everyone to learn more about the Salins du Midi, with several murals explaining the history of salt and its benefits for the human body.
The driver takes a short break to allow us to climb to the top of a salt "camel." This privileged moment offers us an unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape. From there, we can admire a spectacular panorama of the salt marshes, stretching as far as the eye can see, the imposing salt "camels" nearby, and the medieval town of Aigues-Mortes, located less than a kilometer away. The sunlight reflected by the pink waters and salt creates a fascinating natural scene, a true postcard of the Camargue.
3:15 PM : Time has flown by ! My adventure, full of discoveries and wonder, is already coming to an end. The final stop is at the Salins' shop, where we explore a range of iconic regional products. Among them are the famous "La Baleine" salt and fleur de sel, as well as the new Salins cellar offering local wines such as Saint-Louis and Terre de la Baleine. You'll also find cosmetics from the Eclaé brand, made from the benefits of salt. It's the perfect souvenir to extend the experience of the Salins du Midi at home.
Enjoy a guided tour accessible to all, available in several foreign languages, with free private parking, and a shop where you can discover and purchase a variety of locally made products. For more information, click here.
Place Saint Louis - BP 23
30220 AIGUES-MORTES