Sallertaine: History, Crafts and Landscape

Sallertaine combines a long history of settlement with the salt trade, a distinctive geological history and cultural activities. When choosing a destination, you can weigh up different interests: traces of the past, traditional ways of life, crafts or activities in the landscape. The following topics offer concrete starting points for considering Sallertaine as a destination for your stay.

Historical traces from different periods

The first settlement in Sallertaine dates back to the Neolithic period, about 6,500 years ago. In the early Middle Ages, three religious institutions gave an important economic boost to salt extraction and trade. Another archaeological trace is the curved stone structure at Rairé. It may have been built at the end of the Bronze Age, sometime between about 1000 and 700 BC. This dating is only a possibility and does not indicate a precisely established construction year. These different periods take you from early settlement to a possible Bronze Age structure and the economic impetus generated by salt in the Middle Ages. If you are interested in how the area developed, you will encounter different historical perspectives rather than just a single period.

Geology and landscape at Jardin de Vaulieu

Jardin de Vaulieu is in the centre of Sallertaine and welcomes passers-by. The site is a former limestone quarry that was worked from antiquity until the 1950s. The garden also illustrates the geological development of the area: Sallertaine was built on a limestone island that was once surrounded by salt marshes. The garden thus connects the specific site of former stone quarrying with the broader geological context of the area. On your visit, it offers an introduction to Sallertaine’s landscape history; its central location and welcome for passers-by also shape the way it caters to visitors.

Discover traditional homes and crafts

La Bourrine à Rosalie offers another perspective on regional history. This traditional home in the Marais Breton Vendéen gives an insight into the way of life of the Maraîchins at the beginning of the 20th century. The focus is therefore on a historical type of dwelling and the way people lived at that time, while the Rairé stone structure and salt activities relate to much earlier periods.

Practical introductions to different crafts are also part of Sallertaine’s arts and crafts programme. It includes glassblowing, blacksmithing and knife making, pottery, Raku ceramics, mosaics, basketry, artistic embroidery, upholstery and leatherwork. The range extends from glass and metal to ceramics, woven materials and leather, and may appeal to a variety of craft interests. Individual workshops and their availability may change. If you have a particular introduction in mind, check the current programme in advance.

Guided excursions and outdoor activities

La Route du Sel offers guided canoeing, cycling and walking excursions departing from Sallertaine. The offer may change, so check current options before making specific plans. The landscapes around Sallertaine can also be explored by bike and on foot, as well as on horseback. When choosing an activity, you can consider whether a guided tour is important to you or whether the main factor is how you get around.

Another option is the Moulin à Vent de Rairé, with a guided tour lasting about 45 minutes. The approximate duration gives you a useful indication for planning. As the visitor offer may change, check the latest visitor information in advance.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Brem-Sur-Mer, La Jonchère, Nalliers, Mareuil-Sur-Lay-Dissais, La Boissière-des-Landes, Saint-Christophe-Du-Ligneron, L'Orbrie, Saint-Hilaire-La-Forêt.

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