Hyères has salines since the 4th century CE. The natural landscape lends itself to this and since then the area has been repeatedly reshaped for this purpose. Salt has not been produced in the Vieux Salins since 1995 and the area became the property of the non-profit organization Conservatoire du Littoral. Now the canal and basin system will continue to be kept operational. This is important for several reasons. Above all, erosion by the sea can be avoided in this way. The narrow dam would quickly be breached if the narrow edge of the dunes were not also protected. On the other hand, this protects the increasingly rare wetlands. Although of human origin, they have long been occupied by many species of birds and other fauna and flora. Finally, we can also learn how to protect wetlands.

As the many different shallow pools are now populated by a variety of bird species, the dams are not allowed to roam freely. There are two entrances to the salines: the first is shorter and leads right into the middle of the area. This trail is not open every day of the week. However, you can always walk along the sea to the south of the salines and get a similarly good insight into the bird world.

Visitor house Espace Nature

Up an 800 meter gravel road from the south you come to a house where changing exhibitions can now be seen. The path leads right through the different pools, which are also inhabited by different plants and animals. This route is marked in purple on the map. This access is only open from Wednesday to Sunday at different times:

• November - March: 10h - 12h and 14h - 16h30
• April - June: 9h - 12h and 14h - 17h30
• July - August: 9h - 12h and 16h - 20h
• September - October: 9h - 12h and 14h - 17h30

There is a viewing terrace on the roof of the reception.

Guided tours start on site, but reservations are required.

The coastal footpath south of the salines

A classic coastal path leads across the narrow strip between salt flats in the north and the sea in the south. Explanation boards can also be found here and birds can be seen here as well. The hike trip is about four kilometers including the return. Access is free at all times. The path changes between sandy gravel road behind dunes, pine forest and beach.

Of course, it is a bit more difficult to see birds here because they prefer to stay in the middle of the former salines. After about 30 minutes of walking, you can switch to a path further back and get closer to the Étang de l'Anglais pond. If you go through the undergrowth to the fence, you can watch flamingos because you are well hidden behind the bushes. This route is marked in dark red on the map.

Access by public transport

The number 66 bus in the group Réseau Mistral runs from the center of Hyères to the village of Les Salins. There are around ten connections Monday to Saturday and around three on Sundays. The timetable is denser in summer.

Access by car

We are located east of the center of Hyères. Drive in the direction of Toulon via the A8 and A57 motorways, then take the A570 motorway to Hyères. We cross the town and continue towards Le Lavandou. On this expressway, we pay attention to the exit for Pierrefeu and Saint Nicolas. At the T-junction turn right towards Les Salins. This is how you circumnavigate the salines in the west. When you arrive at the sea, turn left towards Salins Centre. Once there, follow the signs for the Plage car park.

Parking site

You can park in the town center on Rue St. Nicolas, which leads inland from the sea and directly to the entrance to the salines. But there are also large parking lots in the east of the center.