The Salt Route

There are places where you forget time, where the minutes stretch like the reflections of the water... Sallertaine, a small village set between sky and marsh, is one of those places. Take the road to this jewel-box of surprises and you'll be there in just 25 minutes (Zone modifiable: 35 minutes for Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie). Welcome to a day out of time!

Discover the Salt Route

Set sail in the morning for the Route du Sel. Set off from Sallertaine in a canoe for a peaceful 2-hour adventure along ancient saltwater paths, lulled by the songs of the marshes. You'll find everything inviting. You'll find yourself immersed in nature as you paddle along, reeds dancing in the wind and dragonflies scouting for you...

💡Practical information :

Departure is at 10 a.m., but it's best to arrive 10 minutes beforehand at the Route du Sel reception desk.
Booking is compulsory
Prices: adults (+12 years) €22; children (6-12 years) €11; toddlers (3-5 years) €6
Take along a hat, sun cream and a bottle of water: even the shadow of the clouds can be deceptive

If you prefer to be completely self-sufficient, don't panic! The Salt Route also offers canoe trips without a guide, for a fun-filled experience with family and friends.

💡Prices: adults (+12 years) €20; children (6-12 years) €10; toddlers (3-5 years) €6

Don't worry about the weather: the purists confirm that the Salt Route is charming come rain, shine or snow!

Local flavours and gourmet stopovers

After this bucolic interlude and paddling to the rhythm of the waves, treat yourself to a gourmet break in a local restaurant nestling between the flower-filled lanes of Sallertaine. Local cuisine, fresh produce and a friendly atmosphere make for an authentic lunch. We suggest you visit the restaurant Le Marais Gourmand, an address acclaimed by regulars. Although we haven't yet put down our fork, the feedback is enough to arouse our curiosity... and our appetite. They are so enthusiastic that they are irresistible: the soul of the region is revealed in every bite.

Art on the move on Artisans Island

Head to Île aux Artisans, the beating heart of the village, to continue your adventures. It's time for a change of palette: Ile aux Artisans is waiting to welcome you. In this unique district, galleries and workshops reveal the talents of ceramists, glass-blowers, textile designers, blacksmiths and many other inspired artists. Take the time to talk to these passionate craftspeople, look around and maybe even touch them. If you feel like it, venture as far as the Jardin de Vaulieu, a natural area of lush greenery, ideal for digestion or simply a stroll: the vegetation flourishes freely in a bubble of tranquillity.

Heading for Tonnelles beach

And when you're craving the great outdoors, take the road to Saint-Jean-de-Monts (about 15 minutes away). Free parking is available at the end of the Chemin des Tonnelles. Head for the Tonnelles beach, which is wilder and more peaceful than its central neighbour. The blonde dunes caress the horizon, the maritime pines whisper in the wind and the warm sand welcomes bodies in search of rest. Swimming, playing in the waves or strolling along the seafront... there's something for everyone to enjoy in this corner of unspoilt coastline.

Before you leave, take a moment to contemplate the sun as it slowly declines over the horizon. Then make your way back to the campsite, where you can enjoy the rest of the day: dinner in the campsite restaurant, a few laughs during the entertainment and perhaps, over a drink, the pleasure of hearing about your day's greatest adventures!