The Bird Sanctuary & Salt Ponds'Tour, Hyères-les-Palmiers
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
Details
Type of excursion
Type of public
Duration of the visit
1 or ½ day excursion
All ages (disabled access: to be confirmed)
About 2 hours + transportation · (depending on the formula)
VIP Tour | Medium group
Segment: Economy | Medium | Luxury
Location
Hyères-les-Palmiers
Driving time from...
anchorages
MIN
KM
SAINT-CYR-SUR-MER
45
50
BANDOL
40
40
SANARY-SUR-MER
40
35
TOULON / LA SEYNE-SUR-MER
30
20
LE LAVANDOU
35
25
CAVALAIRE-SUR-MER
60
45
SAINT-TROPEZ
65
50
SAINT-RAPHAËL
80
100
FRÉJUS
75
95
For more information
The Var Provence Cruise Club remains at your disposal to help you finding new excursion ideas or specific providers and to give you qualified contacts thanks to its extended network.