Salt marshes: a world thousands of years old

As you cycle through the marshes of the Ile de Ré, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of sauniers harvesting in the depths of the “aires sonnantes”. These harvesting areas, which shape the landscape, are an integral part of the island’s charm.

In the heart of the Ile de Ré salt marshes, a crystalline treasure forms on the surface of the basins: fleur de sel. This fine layer of white crystals, meticulously harvested by the salt-makers, is much more than a simple condiment; it embodies the very essence of the island’s tradition and know-how. Each grain is the fruit of handcrafted skill and an intimate relationship with nature.

Harvesting fleur de sel is a delicate process that requires patience, expertise and sensitivity to environmental conditions. When weather conditions are favorable, a fine film of salt crystals forms on the surface of the salt ponds, creating the precious fleur de sel. The salt-makers, equipped with their traditional tools, then carefully scour the basins, harvesting this delicate layer by hand, usually from early June to late September.

At the heart of this age-old activity are the sauniers, men and women who perpetuate the tradition of salt harvesting with passion and know-how. Their work, often little-known, requires particular expertise and care, as salt production is subject to the vagaries of climate and tides. Despite the challenges, salt workers continue to perpetuate this tradition with pride, passing on their know-how from generation to generation.

The Ile de Ré salt marshes have a long history, dating back to antiquity. As early as the Middle Ages, Benedictine monks began exploiting the salt pans to produce salt, thus contributing to the island’s economic development. Over the centuries, this activity has endured, passing from generation to generation, to become a true island tradition.

In addition to their economic and cultural value, the salt marshes of the Ile de Ré are also home to a rich ecosystem. The salt marshes are a refuge for many species of migratory birds, which come here to find food and rest on their journeys. What’s more, the sauniers, the marsh guardians, ensure that this fragile balance is preserved in harmony with nature.