Salin Aigues-Mortes

The basics

Just outside the walled city of Aigues-Mortes, you can see the Salin Aigues-Mortes as an addition to a city sightseeing tour. The most popular way to go is to take the small tourist train, hopping off to visit one of the traditional salt farms, where you’ll meet the salt makers and see how the salt is harvested, and to learn about all about the Mediterranean’s largest salt marshes at the Salt Museum.

Another highlight is climbing the camelle, a gleaming white mountain of salt that affords a great view over the pink-tinted lake and salt marshes. Visitors can also explore on a walking tour, take a guided or self-guided bike tour, or venture further into the Camargue Regional Natural Park on a 4WD excursion.

Things to know before you go

• The Salin Aigues-Mortes is a fun choice for families, and family tickets are available.

• The tourist train takes about 75 minutes, and ticket holders should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

• Facilities at the salt marshes include a shaded picnic area and portable restrooms. There’s also a gift shop selling a range of local salt and salt products.

• The tourist train is accessible for wheelchair users by prior reservation.

How to get there

The Salin Aigues-Mortes lies just south of the medieval city of Aigues-Mortes, about a 20-minute walk or 5-minute drive. The departure point for the train is just north of the salt mound. If you want to explore the marshes on your own, it’s possible to take your own car during the low-season months (February-April and October-November), and there’s free parking on-site.

When to get there

The salt marshes are open to the public daily from mid-March through mid-November (the exact dates vary each year), as well as on select days during the Christmas and February school holidays. The frequency of the tourist train ranges from three daily departures during the low season to departures every 30 minutes in the high season, and reservations are essential, especially during the peak months of July and August.

Exploring the natural wonders of the Camargue

In addition to being famous for its salt marshes and rice paddies, the Camargue Regional Natural Park is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is renowned for its picturesque landscapes. Hiking, cycling, and horseback-riding tours are some of the top ways to explore, and you can also go kayaking around the wetlands. Look out for free-roaming herds of white Camargue horses and black Camargue bulls, and more than 400 different bird species, including the ubiquitous pink flamingos.