Ile de Malprat

In the middle of the Eyre delta, the island of Malprat ("mauvais près") was dyked at the end of the 18th century for salt production, and this activity was later replaced by extensive fish farming. This 140-hectare island, surrounded by 11 locks, has 19 basins and a network of deep canals fed exclusively by brackish water (60 hectares). A prairie ecosystem favors the development of certain species of flora and fauna (amphibians, otters, cistude, mink, anatidae, insects), as it is fed exclusively by freshwater (rainfall, artesian wells). Visits are only possible with a guide, and must be booked in advance at the tourist office.