Come and explore the history of the salt marshes

Only 15 minutes from the campsite

Discover the salt marshes of Guérande, a unique historical and natural site in the Pays de la Loire region. The salt marshes of Guérande are an ideal place to perpetuate a thousand-year-old tradition. Covering a total area of almost 2,000 hectares, the salt marshes are a priceless part of the region’s heritage. The salt workers have managed to preserve over a thousand years of history on this site, one of the few places on the coast to have escaped industrial activity. They use traditional methods to produce a rare and noble product, while preserving the surrounding flora and fauna.
The area is located in the west of the Pays de la Loire, in the communes of Batz-sur-Mer, Guérande, Le Croisic, La Turballe and the Mès basin, and has been a protected site since 1996. The salt works that produce Trad Y Sel Guérande salt are the most northerly salt works in Europe.

Discover the world of the salt marshes and the life of salt workers past and present by visiting the following tourist attractions: the Maison des Paludiers (Saillé), Terre de Sel (Pradel), around the 1,650-hectare Traict du Croisic, in the communes of Guérande, Batz-sur-Mer and La Turballe. You can discover the salt marshes in the company of a guide between April and October. If the weather and seasonal conditions are right, you may be lucky enough to witness the harvesting of coarse salt or flower of salt.

Salt Marsh Museum

Discover all the facets of the salt marshes and the history of Guérande salt in a must-see museum in Batz-sur-Mer.
The Musée des Marais Salants is open all year round. Opening times vary according to the season.

Average length of visit estimated at 50 minutes (excluding events and temporary exhibitions).
Salt Marsh Museum
Information: 02.40.23.82.79
*** Preferential rate on presentation of wristband ***

Salt production and processes

The salt production process consists of several stages: filling the resting basins, crystallisation, irrigation, salt collection, storage and packaging. Filling involves pouring brine onto the platforms to expose them to the sun and wind. Crystallisation takes around four hours and the brine is transformed into salt flowers. Irrigation involves stirring the brine to speed up crystallisation. The salt is collected with water in the areas and cleaned before being stored and labelled.

The importance of Guérande salt in local history and culture

Guérande salt is important to the region’s history, culture, economy and gastronomy. Traditional salt production dates back to ancient times, and in the Middle Ages Guérande was an important production centre. Traditional know-how is still used to harvest the salt, making it a symbol of the region and a product of excellence. Guérande salt is renowned for its quality and distinctive taste, and is much appreciated by chefs and food-lovers alike. Salt production is an important economic activity for the region, and also attracts many tourists every year.