Since the Middle Ages, the salt workers of Île de Ré have combined their expertise, passion, and wisdom to produce the "white gold" of Ré la Blanche. Dive into the heart of salt harvesting to uncover all the secrets of fleur de sel.
First, what is fleur de sel?
Located in the north of the island, mainly between Loix, La Couarde, and Ars-en-Ré, the salt marshes of Île de Ré cover an area of 400 hectares. During the harvest season, from June to September, salt workers gather salt using a special rake, the "simoussi," and form small pyramids. This is the coarse gray salt. Over the course of the day, a kind of crust forms on the surface of the basins. This very thin layer, similar to the ice crust that forms on a lake in cold weather, is what we call fleur de sel. The fleur de sel is harvested at the end of the day by the salt worker using a special tool called the "lousse." This delicate operation requires steadiness and great precision.
Salt and Fleur de Sel from the Île de Ré
For centuries, salt was used to preserve food. Ideally located on key maritime routes leading to Scandinavia and the Netherlands, the Île de Ré had great commercial potential. The monks of the Saint-Michel-en-l’Herm Abbey were the first to exploit the clay-rich lands of Ré la Blanche. In the 19th century, 20% of the island's territory was devoted to salt production. Annual output approached 30,000 tons, making the Île de Ré one of the largest salt production centers on the Atlantic coast. Several factors, such as the industrial revolution and the advent of the railway, caused salt prices to plummet. The industry experienced a significant decline, and salt workers gradually abandoned their marshes due to lack of profitability. In the 1990s, political initiatives gave a new lease of life to salt farming. In collaboration with the Salt Workers' Cooperative, the Île de Ré Community of Communes launched an ambitious program to rehabilitate the salt marshes. This project aimed to promote this ancestral high-quality product and encourage young salt workers to settle on the island and continue the tradition. These young producers are drawn to the working conditions offered. They work outdoors, in harmony with nature, in a protected and fragile environment, learning to adapt to the tides and the climate to produce high-quality salt. Aware of their contribution to preserving local heritage, the 90 active salt workers on the Île de Ré strive to produce gray salt and fleur de sel that live up to their reputation.
100% Natural Salt
For over 1,000 years, Île de Ré salt has been harvested by hand, following tradition. This is part of what makes it one of the most flavorful and refined salts in the world. However, the secret to this product begins well before harvesting. Natural elements play a decisive role in the quality of Île de Ré salt. Seawater enters the clay basins, and evaporation occurs naturally, aided by the wind and sun. Coarse salt settles naturally at the bottom of the basins, while fleur de sel is collected at the end of the day during the high season. The salt worker uses a simoussi to gather the coarse salt into small pyramids (known as coubes). These small mounds are then transported to a larger pile, the pilot. Île de Ré fleur de sel is rich in trace elements and magnesium. It is sold without any processing or additives. Highly prized by gourmet chefs, it has a subtle flavor that adds exceptional value to refined dishes.
What are the benefits of Île de Ré salt?
- A 100% natural product containing no additives
- A product rich in magnesium and trace elements
- A refined product that adds a special touch to an elaborate dish
- A product that can be used as table salt
- The possibility to add another flavor: fleur de sel with cognac, saffron, basil, truffles, ginger, pineau, caviar…
Visit the Île de Ré Salt Farmers' Cooperative
Located in Ars-en-Ré, just a 20-minute drive from the 5-star Grenettes campsite on Île de Ré, the Île de Ré Salt Farmers' Cooperative is dedicated to the storage, preparation, and marketing of Île de Ré salt. It also promotes the product and trains young salt workers. Every year, from April to October, the cooperative opens its doors to the public and offers guided tours that provide insight into the salt-making process. Tour schedules may vary depending on the season. Contact the cooperative to plan your visit. Île de Ré Salt Farmers' Cooperative Address: 7 Route de la Prée, 17590 Ars-en-Ré Phone: +33 5 46 29 40 27