Salt from the Swiss mountains
Since 1554, the Sel des Alpes has been part of Swiss history. For almost five centuries, the inhabitants of Bex have been going to the heart of the salt mountain to extract the white gold of the Alps. Protected by the rock for millions of years, extracted with pure mountain water and produced in an environmentally friendly way, the purity of the salt of the Alps is truly unique. At the Bex Salt Mines, its origin, the last three miners in the country perpetuate this piece of living history by continuing to extract it, day after day.
Salt in the Alps? Two hundred million years ago, the primitive Thetys Sea covered Switzerland. It gradually retreated, leaving behind salt deposits. As the Alps rose, the salt was captured in the rock. Today, it is one of the few raw materials extracted in Switzerland.
The Salt Mines of Bex, the origin of SEL DES ALPES
Its discovery dates back to the 15th century, when the young shepherd Jean du Bouillet was leading his goats to graze above Bex. He realised that they always drank water from the same spot in the river. Out of curiosity, he tasted the spring and found it salty!
It was not until two hundred years later that the first gallery of what was to become the Bex Salt Mines was dug. Since then, the many kilometres of rooms, galleries and shafts have delighted generations of visitors who are captivated by the unique atmosphere of these places. Even today, aboard the Miners’ Train, they discover an underground world steeped in history and passion
A rock-solid production workshop
Although all the fine salt is produced at the Saline de Bex, a few kilometres below the Salt Mines, it is in the heart of the mountain that the Fleur des Alpes production workshop is nestled. Do you know how salt is produced? For those who are curious and passionate about salt, the production process is fully visible during a visit to the mines!
Naturally rich in minerals and trace elements, Fleur des Alpes, a true gourmet salt, is a culinary jewel without any additives. Its crystals, thanks to the diversity of their shapes, melt on the tongue at a different rhythm. The ideal finishing salt. Tradition, craftsmanship, know-how, the Fleur des Alpes is an authentic local product.
Feasting in the heart of the salt mountain
At 1500 m underground, feel the pulse of the mountain’s heart! Share a unique moment in a magical and unforgettable atmosphere. From a simple aperitif to a gastronomic banquet, the Taverne du Dessaloir can host any event you can imagine; the restaurant and conference room, impervious to the outside world, are fully equipped for rental and staff are available for workshops, conferences, aperitifs… let your imagination run wild!
Environmentally friendly production
The production of Sel des Alpes is based on centuries of experience and innovation. An exceptional know-how that allows the extraction of this white gold. Today, thanks to thermocompression, the least amount of resources required are used. It was invented in Bex in 1877 by Antoine-Paul Piccard, and the hydroelectric power station at the Saline de Bex. Nowadays, the entirety of the energy needs for the production of Sel des Alpes are covered by renewable energy. Sel des Alpes, a pure product of Swiss ingenuity.
