The Bird Sanctuary & Salt Ponds'Tour, Hyères-les-Palmiers

When former salt ponds become a birds’ sanctuary…

Imagine a land where birds’ populations have conquered a territory dedicated once - until recently - to salt production, a land which sits just minutes away from Hyères, city of Art & History. Welcome to the “Salins”!

Salt marshes, hence salt production was probably known in Hyères even before the ancient Greek settlement of Olbia. Yet in 1995, salt production comes to an end leaving the marshes ready for a new life.

Despite the nearby human settlements, this protected area is now home to birds, small mammals, amphibians, butterflies & dragonflies species, which have found a suitable spot to develop, nest or simply rest before their migration. Your two hour walk will introduce you to the fauna of these former salty marshes. Flamingoes, egrets, herons, avocets populate the ponds in a land where sea water & fresh water meet ; while some birds call here for a given period during migration, some have definitely elected the swamps as their home all year round.

One should also give particular attention to the flora since some varieties need special notice as for instance the sea lily (a protected & very rare plant) or some orchids too; among these plants some will blossom on a very limited short period, for instance this crocus to the left: the  Romulée de Rolli.

What to do:

The birds’ sanctuary tour in the “Salins” in Hyères, escorted by your naturalist guide

• Followed by a visit to Olbia ancient Greek settlement & now archaeological site by the seaside, just a short drive from the salt ponds area

For more:
Lunch by the seaside in Hyères and afternoon at leisure on the Almanarre Beach or experiencing a watersport session (paddle, sea kayak, kite surf) or a trip to Porquerolles.

Duration: about 2-6 Hours