Built in the 7th century AD, the salt marshes of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riz were exploited until the 1970s.
Salt marshes occupied up to Saunier harvesting the 1,000 ha of land. 400 families from the surrounding villages worked there.
The Hilairois salt marshes are located on the right bank of the coastal river La Vie. When you enter, you are on a remarkable site, protected by the Littoral Act and classified as Natura 2000. Abandoned after the 1970s, these marshes were rehabilitated in 1997 and now revive the salt harvest.
Guided by the saunier, you will understand how the salt marsh becomes the salt marsh; an alchemy between land, water, moon, sun, wind and man. The singularity of this activity is to have preserved, through the ages, its traditions, its tools, its working methods, despite the evolution of trade and operating conditions.
A picturesque walk in the heart of the marshes will allow you to understand the work of the saunier and admire the traditional gestures he carries out on a daily basis. The fauna and flora of this natural territory made of land and water will also be presented to you during your visit which will end, if you wish, with a tasty tasting of salt of Life.
Duration of the visit: about 1h30.