If you're staying at camping Kabana Village, why not head off for a unique day of exploration on the Route du Sel? This wilderness getaway takes you through the Vendée salt marshes, offering a timeless journey between boat rides, discovering the trade of the salt maker and local tastings. Follow our detailed itinerary for an unforgettable day in the heart of the Vendée heritage.
9.30 am - Departure for Sallertaine, a village of craftsmen and traditions
Your adventure begins in the charming village of Sallertaine, around thirty minutes from the Kabana Village campsite. Known for its "Ville et Métiers d'Art" label, this small town is packed with craft workshops where you can discover pottery, leatherwork, woodcarving and art glass. Meet passionate creators who are happy to share their skills, all in a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for strolling through the flower-lined lanes before embarking on your adventure.
Before you leave, be sure to visit the Romanesque church of Saint-Martin and stop off at the shop of Moulin de Rairé, one of the last remaining working windmills in the Vendée.
10:30 - Boarding for a boat trip along the Salt Route
One of the highlights of your day begins here: a traditional boat ride along the canals and marshes of the Pays de Monts. Accompanied by a guide, you board a plate (a flat-bottomed boat typical of the marshes) for a gentle sail through the unspoilt countryside.
What you'll discover along the way:
- Local flora and fauna: herons, egrets, storks and reeds dancing in the wind.
- The old smugglers' paths that were once used to transport salt in secret.
- The mysteries of the salt marshes and the secrets of the saunier's trade.
Your guide will tell you fascinating anecdotes about the history of the marshes, and you may even get the chance to try pushing the boat with the "pigouille", a pole used by local boatmen.
12.30 - Lunch with the flavours of the marshes
After this soothing stroll, make way for a gourmet lunch! Here are a few good places to savour Vendée specialities nearby:
- L'Auberge du Marais (Sallertaine): authentic cuisine with local produce, such as the famous eel fry or mogette ham.
- Le Bistrot du Marais (Challans): a friendly atmosphere and dishes revisited with fresh, local produce.
- Picnic by the water: if you prefer an outdoor lunch, opt for a picnic basket with local specialities (Vendée brioche, duck rillettes and seasonal fruit). The many green spots along the canals provide an idyllic backdrop.
2.00 pm - Visit a salt marsh and meet a salt worker
The afternoon is devoted to a meeting with a saunier, the salt craftsmen who perpetuate an ancestral know-how. Several salt marshes offer fascinating guided tours: the Salins du Breuil in Beauvoir-sur-Mer or Le Marais de la Vie in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez.
The guides will explain how the seawater is transported, how it evaporates under the sun and how the salt is finally harvested by hand. It's a unique opportunity to gain a better understanding of the white gold for which the Vendée is famous.
4.00 pm - Bike ride between the etiers and the oyster huts
After visiting the salt marsh, hop on a bike and explore the surrounding countryside. The Vélodyssée, the famous cycle route along the Atlantic, passes through several picturesque corners of the marsh.
We suggest you choose the 10-kilometre circuit around the marshes of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, with a stop at an oyster hut! On the way, stop off at one of the oyster huts for a tasting of oysters accompanied by a glass of local white wine.
And at 6.00 pm, return to the Kabana Village campsite for a relaxing evening. You can share your experiences with other travellers over an aperitif, and why not prepare a recipe using the Noirmoutier salt you've brought back as a souvenir!
Why choose the Salt Route?
- An immersive adventure between nature and heritage.
- A activity accessible to all the family, with no physical difficulties.
- A unique experience, far off the beaten track.
- A perfect blend of history, gastronomy and unspoilt landscapes.
