The characteristic bright pink color of the ponds intensifies during the summer months due to sunlight exposure and the concentration of beta-carotene produced by the microalgae.
The salt marsh covers approximately 10,800 hectares, making it one of the largest in Europe.
The salt collected here is harvested using traditional methods that have been refined but fundamentally maintained since the 19th century.
The Camargue salt marshes serve as a major nesting ground for greater flamingos.
The 'camelles' (large white salt mounds) can reach heights of up to 15 meters during the harvest season.
The water salinity in the deepest basins can reach levels significantly higher than that of seawater.
Le Petit Train des Salins d'Aigues-Mortes offers a guided tractor-train tour through the active salt marshes of the Camargue region. The site is characterized by its vivid pink-colored water, caused by the Dunaliella salina microalgae that thrives in high-salinity environments. Visitors traverse the salt-harvesting ponds, observing the industrial process of salt collection that dates back to Roman times. The tour includes a stop at the 'Salins' viewpoint, providing panoramic views of the salt stacks, known as 'camelles'. The excursion covers terrain inside the protected site of the Gard Camargue, home to diverse avian wildlife. The salt harvested here is widely known as Sel de Camargue.
The top of the 'camelle' (salt hill) at the designated stop provides the best elevated view of the pink basins.
Wear sunglasses and a hat as there is almost no shade on the salt pans.
Bring binoculars for better observation of the diverse bird species present in the marshes.
Book your spot in advance, as tours frequently sell out during the peak summer season.
Attempting to walk to the middle of the salt pans from the town; it is a restricted industrial site and only accessible via the tour.
The site operates seasonally, typically from spring through autumn, and is closed during the winter months.
Stay on marked paths when exiting the train, as the salt crusts can be fragile and the area is a protected nature reserve.
