The Ecomuseum's "
" activities

Annual Exhibitions

The salt flats of Aunis and Saintonge

During the Neolithic period, sea salt could be crystallized using various methods, including heating concentrated brine in clay molds. The Esnandes salt site, featured in this exhibition, is one such example.

Tours

Discover it all

Guided tour

The tour begins with a model display and continues outdoors in the active salt marshes. The tour—from the harvesting ponds to the sea—will help you understand the water’s journey and the work of the salt workers. You’ll discover the marsh’s unique flora: glasswort, sea lavender, and sea mustard, and, depending on the season, you may spot brant geese, shelducks, and egrets...
Duration:
45 min

An Enchanting Stroll

From June through September, every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. A musical and poetic stroll accompanied by various instruments from faraway lands. Enchanting melodies, songs, and stories written and performed by Clémentine Mallein tell the story of how the salt worker transforms water into little gems.
Duration:
1 h

Afternoon at the marsh for the kids

Dive into the world of the salt marsh in a fun and educational way! Every Tuesday and Thursday in July and August, ten children ages 6 to 11 can spend an afternoon at the salt marsh (from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.). On the agenda: working with clay, a treasure hunt, and harvesting salt with the salt worker and his tools. At the end of the day, the children go home with their very own salt!
Duration:
3 h

An afternoon in the marsh for adults and children

Become a salt worker for a day on Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. in July and August. Join the guided tour of the eco-museum, then spend some special time with the salt worker. He will explain his craft and show you how to use the tools for harvesting coarse salt and fleur de sel. Cancelled if harvesting is not possible.
Duration:
1 hour (+ guided tour)

Hike through the salt marshes

Discover how the salt marshes have shaped the landscape, local traditions, and biodiversity. A 7-kilometer guided hike through the Loix salt marshes. The hike begins at 9 a.m. at the Loix Salt Marsh Ecomuseum. The hike ends around 1 p.m.
Duration:
4h

SELATHLON

Sunday, September 6, 2026 / As part of the Fleur de Sel Festival, the Salt Marsh Ecomuseum is organizing a SELATHLON, a non-timed multisport challenge for teams of two that involves carrying 2 kg of coarse salt in a pouch—combining running and canoeing. / Start: Ars-en-Ré—La Prée parking lot at 10:15 a.m.—Finish: Fleur de Sel Festival in Les Portes-en-Ré. / Participation fee: €18 per person / REGISTRATION and information: ecomusee@marais-salant.com / LIMITED SPACES: 20 pairs, or 40 people
Duration: