A cultural project around salt
Created on a disused salt marsh, the Port des Salines is part of a strong desire on the part of the island’s stakeholders to encourage and support the cultivation of salt: a know-how inextricably linked to the history of Oléron, which has long been one of its main economic activities. The project, which began in the 90s, also aimed to protect and enhance an environment threatened by urbanization. The creation of the Port des Salines was supported for several years by the commune of Grand-Village-Plage and the Charente-Maritime department.
Rehabilitation work began in 1990. The marsh’s clay was worked under the guidance of the Guérande salt-marsh workers to restore the salt marsh’s hydraulic functions. At the same time as the marsh was being put back into service, a salt granary, a port, typical colorful huts and an eco-museum were created on the site.
Inaugurated in 1994, the Port des Salines salt mill produced its first tons of salt, and the first visitors discovered the site. Two years later, an interpretation trail was laid out to enable tourists to walk through the marsh and observe its biodiversity.the ecomuseum’s collections were lost in a fire in 1999. The site will benefit from valuable donations and loans, notably from the Corderie Royale de Rochefort, which will enable it to continue its vocation of raising awareness of thehistory of salt-making.
Visits and events at Port des Salines
There are many ways to discover the trade of the salt worker at Port des Salines. The eco-museum occupies a number of huts along the marshes, and features exhibits suitable for a wide audience of adults and children. The guided tour then takes you into the heart of the marsh and its various basins to understand how they work. It’s also an opportunity to see the salt-maker in action, and to taste salt at different stages of its cultivation.
From the quayside along the string of colorful huts, you can also take a boat trip: a relaxing, fun and instructive way to discover yet another facet of the marsh. From the boat, you can observe the site’s flora and fauna from the best vantage points. Finally, a walking trail has been laid out in the Port des Salines: the path is lined with explanatory panels and observation points. An unmissable visit to theisland of Oleron!
The Port des Salines showcases the culture of oléron and the know-how of the sauniers through a wide range of activities for young and old alike. In summer, for example, visitors are invited to try their hand at the trade. During the school vacations, workshops specifically designed for children are organized. Other original events and activities on the site include aperitif boat trips, treasure hunts in teams and tasting tours of local products. At the end of your visit, you can take the Poitou Charente island cycle paths to Saint Pierre d’Oléron, Saint Trojan les Bains, Saint Georges d’Oléron, Sait Denis d’Oléron or even Marennes-Oléron.
Practical information
Le Port des Salines is located less than 5 km from the Made in Camp Le Fief Melin campsite on the Ile d’Oléron, in the commune of Grand-Village-Plage. It is open to the public from March to November. In July and August, the site is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. non-stop, Monday to Saturday and on Sunday afternoons. During the other months when the site is open, you can enjoy theeco-museum and boat trips on all-day Wednesdays, Sunday afternoons and the mornings and afternoons of other days, with lunchtime closing. Guided tours are offered at various times from March to October, and at fixed times in July and August: 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. (except Sunday), 2:00, 3:30 and 5:00 p.m. in the afternoon.
Self-guided tours of the ecomuseum, with free access to the interpretation trail, cost €4.50 full price and €3.00 reduced price (6 to 18 years, students, groups, jobseekers, PRM).
A guided tour of the salt marshes is available at the same price. A combined ticket for the guided tour + ecomuseum is available at €7.00 full price and €3.50 reduced price.
For entertainment, prices are :
- Appointments with the salt grower cost €9.50 and €5.50 respectively.
- Educational workshops at €5.50 per child
- Boat aperitif at €12 per person
- Treasure hunt at €18 for a team of 2 to 5 people
- Tasting tour at €16 per person
Boat hire is available at €16 for boats accommodating up to 4 passengers.
Visit our region
Cycle paths on the Ile d’Oléron
Visit Château-d’Oléron
Château-d’Oléron Citadel
Le Marais aux oiseaux
Boyardville
Port de la Cotinière
Chassiron lighthouse
Fort Boyard
The beaches of Ile Oléron
Campsite Saint-Denis-d’Oléron
Camping La Brée-les-Bains
Camping Saint-Georges-d’Oléron
Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron campsite
Boyardville Campsite
Camping Dolus-d’Oléron
Camping Saint-Trojan-les-Bains
Camping Le Grand-Village-Plage
