It's a walk in the heart of 322 hectares with changing reflections, a crossing between land and the Mediterranean. The Salin de Gruissan, nicknamed "the pink lake", is one of the most remarkable natural areas of the territory. An idea for a unique family excursion in Occitania.
It was 100 years before Jesus Christ that the first traces of “white gold” appeared in Gruissan, a village which proved to be favorable to the exploitation of salt. Opened in 1910, the Salin de Gruissan now offers several activities on the site.
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The pink color is due to a micro-alga: Dunaliella salina loaded with beta-carotene and which resists a high concentration of salt. The same algae that feeds small crustaceans, themselves eaten by flamingos.
The pink color of the salt is more spectacular in summer.
Program of visits
| Low season (February, March) | |
|---|---|
| Departure 11 p.m. | Friday to Sunday |
| Departure 15 p.m. | Friday to Sunday |
| Mid season (April, May, October, November) | |
|---|---|
| Departure 11 p.m. | 7 days a week |
| Departure 15 p.m. | 7 days a week |
| Departure 16:30 p.m. | 7 days a week |
| High season (June, July, August, September) | |
|---|---|
| Departure 11 p.m. | 7 days a week |
| Departure 15 p.m. | 7 days a week |
| Departure 16:30 p.m. | 7 days a week |
| Departure 18 p.m. | 7 days a week |
- Visit accessible to all, children and adults alike.
- Duration: about 1h15 (2km)
- Wearing closed-toe shoes and a hat or cap is recommended.
- Bring something to drink. Bottled water is on sale on the site.
- This activity is accessible to people with disabilities who use a wheelchair.
Protected area
Like the village, the salt marsh contains many treasures. It is an ideal site for the observation of birds (terns, woodcock, flamingos…) which know how to find a safe refuge there. So much so that the Aude Bird Protection League organizes observation trips.
The Salt lake of Gruissan reveals a protected environment, a sanctuary where many varieties of plants (saladelle, linoniastrum, etc.) have taken up residence. In short, a breathtaking panorama.
Good to know
- Free parking
- Shop with salt and local products
- Bar / restaurant / ice cream parlor
- Exhibition gallery
The pearls of Salin
Today, we also harvest the fleur de sel, jewels of the production, and we breed oysters. Barbarossa, Casanova, Fleur de Sel and the Île Saint-Martin Special are the pearls that should delight the palates of the finest connoisseurs. Oysters have indeed found here a privileged space to develop, the methods of breeding and refining implemented ensuring them a constant quality. And to savor them, go to the Cambuse du Saunier.
Let yourself be immersed in this universe shaped by man and nature in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of Narbonnaise in the Mediterranean.
The salt marshes of Gruissan in video
La Cambuse du Saunier where the chef of course prepares fish in a salt crust.
The salt festival
The first Friday of July the Salin de Gruissan celebrates. The salt workers distribute small sachets of salt as a lucky charm. The restaurant offers a special menu for the occasion, served to the sound of an orchestra.
More information on the site www.lesalindegruissan.fr
How to come
Take the direction of the old village to the small port Barberousse. Cross the bridge and follow the signs.
