Étang des Pesquiers, Lake in Hyères, France.
The Étang des Pesquiers is a lake system on the Giens Peninsula featuring interconnected pools and salt marshes that form a coastal wetland complex. The landscape alternates between shallow waters, reed beds, and sandy shores with numerous shallow channels running throughout.
The area began as a royal fishery until 1848, when private owners transformed it into salt production facilities. This shift from fishing to salt extraction fundamentally reshaped how water and land are managed here.
The site takes its name from the salt workers who once operated here. Visitors can still observe how this former industrial activity shaped the landscape's layout today.
Guided walks and birdwatching opportunities are available on-site, with extended tours offered from June to September. Access to certain areas depends on water levels and weather, so visitors should wear sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing.
The site hosts more than 70 nesting bird species, with thousands of flamingos wintering here. This concentration of birds makes it an important stop for ornithologists and nature watchers traveling along migration routes.
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