The Saline of Giraud, Camargue
The Saline de Giraud is the largest saline in Europe (about 11 000 ha) extends over a large area of the Rhône Delta. It is one of the largest biospheres, a protected area of international importance. The salt - area consist of a series of more than 100 lagoons where salt (halite) is extracted by evaporation of sea water, - the final product is 99% pure NaCl.
Flamingos, shelducks, shorebirds, gulls and terns are the main bird groups that use the salt flats. The seasons determine which bird species are there and when, because very few bird species live exclusively in the salt flats. Most species are invertebrate generalists, crabs, mollusks, etc. that often feed on low or medium salinity, and only flamingo and shelduck are more common in the higher salinity areas. This is why the high as well as medium salinity lagoons are largely avoided in winter.
Salin-de-Giraud is actually a pioneer town built for forced labourers who were "employed" in the particularly arduous work of salt extraction and processing. Today, Salin-de-Giraud is still home to numerous descendants of immigrants from Kalymnos, a small island in Greece. The village is marked by the Camargue tradition, as evidenced, for example, by the arena in the center, it also owes part of its unique identity to this diaspora, characterized by the Orthodox church and the regular festivals with traditional dances and food from Kalymnos.
Flamingos, shelducks, shorebirds, gulls and terns are the main bird groups that use the salt flats. The seasons determine which bird species are there and when, because very few bird species live exclusively in the salt flats. Most species are invertebrate generalists, crabs, mollusks, etc. that often feed on low or medium salinity, and only flamingo and shelduck are more common in the higher salinity areas. This is why the high as well as medium salinity lagoons are largely avoided in winter.
Salin-de-Giraud is actually a pioneer town built for forced labourers who were "employed" in the particularly arduous work of salt extraction and processing. Today, Salin-de-Giraud is still home to numerous descendants of immigrants from Kalymnos, a small island in Greece. The village is marked by the Camargue tradition, as evidenced, for example, by the arena in the center, it also owes part of its unique identity to this diaspora, characterized by the Orthodox church and the regular festivals with traditional dances and food from Kalymnos.