There is a special magic about Guérande’s and Noirmoutier’s marais salants or salt marshes.

Where does salt come from? It's a basic element in all our lives. Must be easy we think - you just evaporate water from seawater - wrong! A salt worker - 'Paludier' - is like a magician: he takes a drop of water and extracts a grain of salt!

Set between the sea and the land, Guérande’s and Noirmoutier’s salt marshes are where they have been making and collecting salt for thousands of years. The ingredients are 100% natural: sea, wind and sun and the process requires patience and dedication. Seawater circulates through a complex network of canals and basins before reaching the salt pools. Here the salt crystallises before being harvested by the paludiers.

All is explained (in English) at the fascinating “Terre de Sel’ museum. No dish is complete without seasoning and particularly salt. The 'Fleur de Sel' is the purest salt, like white gold! Here, some of the finest salts are on offer, in packets of all sizes, sometimes prepared with various spices. The sea salt is rich in iodized nourishment and is made available, by the paludiers, who are guardians of the Guérande and Noirmoutier salt marshes. They are happy to share original recipe ideas that will give you the edge with your dinner party guests. If you fancy a little on the side, try the Salicorne – a marsh plant, pickled in vinegar - guaranteed to spice things up!

For information:

www.seldeguerande.fr
www.noirmoutier-saveurs.com

Sam's Scoop

Try the Caramel au Buerre Salé de Guérande - yes caramel with salty butter! Sounds yucky? It's delicious! With yoghurt, icecream or straight from the spoon. Yummy!