Current from Niort to the bay of l'Aiguillon, shared between Deux-Sèvres, Vendée and Charente-Maritime, the Marais Poitevin regional natural park constitutes the second largest wetland in France. The paradox of this protected area of more than 110,000 hectares? There is nothing natural about its creation, its countless channels having been shaped by man. The area has long been prey to flooding; This is why the great abbeys of the region undertook, from the 11th century, to channel the Sèvre Niortaise and its tributaries. Work continued during the time of Henry IV, when Dutch engineers were commissioned to build dikes and hydraulic structures. However, it will be necessary to wait until the end of the 19th century and the boring of new canals for optimal water management.The fact remains that the Marais is maintaining itself and that it is necessary to tirelessly consolidate its banks, maintain its "flood gates" and clean its conches or channels ...
Read also: Destination Niort, a city where life is good at the gates of the Marais poitevin
Cumulating nearly 8,200 km of waterways, the whole is made up of three distinct zones. The
wet marsh
, nicknamed “the Green Venice”, is the most emblematic. Its green canals bordered by pollard ash trees or adorable market garden houses are the kingdom of boatmen, who move there on flat-bottomed boats. If these boats are still used to transport livestock or goods, they are mainly used to ride tourists. With its more open horizons, the
parched marsh
is suitable for crops. Wide canals, dikes and locks protect the fields from floods and tides. Finally, the
maritime marsh
extends over some 150 km of coastline of the natural park.
Its salt marshes encircle the immense mudflat of the Aiguillon bay, which lives to the rhythm of the tides and mussel farming.
Many activities are organized.
Here are our favorites.
Explore the swamp on the water
There are plenty of possibilities when it comes to exploring the Marais Poitevin on the water. The great classic is of course the
boat ride
- the famous “flat” - accompanied by a boatman guide: initiation into the handling of the pigouille (pole to move the boat) and tasty anecdotes are then required. Almost every village in the wet marsh has its own landing stage, find out more! Another possibility for spinning along the conches, the
rental of a kayak or a paddle
, which allows you to be more autonomous. In a different genre, driving the
electric boats
from the Marans pier offers a good overview of the landscapes of the region.
Rental of kayaks or paddles: pier at the locks of Bazoin (17170 La Ronde) or Venice Verte (85420 Le Mazeau).
Cycle the paths
The cycle routes cover almost 850 km in the regional natural park.
Sebastien laval
In the natural park, the cycle routes cover almost 850 km. A major axis crossing the park, the Vélo Francette links Niort to La Rochelle via Marans. These 82 km are mostly carried along the Sèvre Niortaise: prefer the
section between Coulon and Bazoin
, where you can enjoy the magical landscapes of the Green Venice. Of
marked local loops
offer more secret detours, especially around Maille, Damvix or Maillezais. Sometimes, it is possible to embark your bike on a "chain box" in order to cross a stretch of water. As for the Vélodyssée, it crosses the west of the Marais poitevin during the stage between La Tranche-sur-Mer and Marans through the parched marsh.
For those who prefer to ride accompanied,
Original Vélo Tour organizes guided and commented walks.
3, rue du Gros-Noyer, 85420 Maillé.
Phone.
: 06 67 96 97 88.
Agnès Duforestel also organizes private bike tours.
Phone.
: 06 48 62 52 90.
To read also: Vélodyssée, Vélocéan, Loire à Vélo… Six ideas for cycling routes in the Pays de la Loire
Hike in the middle of an ocean of greenery
The Comptoir des Itinérances et des Randonnées lists all the hiking possibilities in the region.
Benoit Ghio / World Else
What a pleasure to walk the shaded towpaths, to walk along the meadows where market garden cows graze or to cross the bridges and locks that span the conches, while enjoying the play of light and reflections that are imprinted on the water ... From Next to La Ronde, we follow with enthusiasm the walk leading to
the levee
, where a hamlet was built straddling a dike. In the town of Benet, the
Nattes trail
begins at the picturesque port of Aziré and then leads to a rustic washhouse, all in an exceptional environment. For the more athletic, running outings are organized from Coulon by Patrice Bruneteau (tel: 06 67 33 59 46).
The Comptoir des Itinérances et des Randonnées lists all the hiking possibilities in the region.
Port Boinot, rue de la Chamoiserie, 79000 Niort.
Phone.
: 05 49 24 18 79.
The free Niort Marais poitevin Tour app details 60 hiking trails with points of interest and GPX tracks.
Observe the local flora and fauna
The regional natural park hosts a varied fauna that will delight bird watchers.
Benoit Ghio / World Else
Dragonflies, nutria, gray herons, kingfishers and even otters: we come across many animals in the regional natural park. This diversity is just as important on the plant side. Of course, it is easier to identify all these beautiful people by being accompanied by a naturalist guide. Jérôme Davin, who works at
La Ferme du marais poitevin
, will show you all the richness of local biodiversity. In Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud, the
Oiseaux du Marais poitevin ornithological park is
home to nearly 75 species of birds, to be discovered along an educational trail. As for the
Parc du Coq à l'âne
, in Saint-Georges-de-Rex, it hosts cute specimens of Poitou donkeys.It is also necessary to mention the coastal zone located around the
port of Pavé à Charron
, where migrating birds and… Ornithologists flock.
La Ferme du Marais Poitevin, 19 rue du Port-Grenouillet, Sainte-Christine, 85 490 Benet.
Phone.
: 02 51 52 98 38.
The Birds of the Marais Poitevin, Le Petit Buisson, 79 210 Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud.
Phone.
: 05 49 26 04 09.
Parc du Coq à l'Âne, 2 rue du Moulin, 79 210 Saint-Georges-de-Rex.
Phone.
: 05 49 35 06 28.
Fish along the conches or with your feet in the water
In Maillezais, it is possible to learn crayfish fishing with a professional every Thursday from June to the end of August.
Clo & Clem
The Marais Poitevin is a true fisherman's paradise. Its fish-bearing waters are home to many species: carp, roach, pike, pikeperch, bream… But the most emblematic of the local fish is obviously the eel, which has the particularity of migrating to the Caribbean to reproduce. Unbelievable ! Various kinds of fishing are practiced: with bait for predators, with vermée for eel or with scales for crayfish. In Maillezais, it is possible to learn about the latter with a professional every Thursday from June to the end of August. Le Marais prides itself on being a sustainable fishing destination, offering various “no-kill” routes. Fishing cards are on sale on the internet or from local associations.
Read the file: Poitou-Charentes: the
Figaro
travel guide
Feast on local producers
The town of Marans is famous for its “goose that lays golden eggs”, with extra-red eggs.
C. Barbateau / Aunis Marais Poitevin Tourist Office
Appreciated since the Middle Ages, the angelica plant is emblematic of the region.
Its candied stem perfumes the confectionery of the chocolate maker Huvelin, in Niort.
Sorrel, spinach and even nettle are part of the recipe for delicious
stuffed poitevin
. Endemic legume, mogette - a white bean - goes perfectly with Vendée ham. On the coast, the succulent Bouchot de Charron mussel meets strict specifications, to be discovered at the Esnandes mussel culture museum. Maraîchine cows sometimes reach their meadows by boat: in Épannes, Ludovic Vassau produces this exceptional meat and welcomes gourmets. As for the town of Marans, it is famous for its “goose that lays golden eggs”, with extra-red eggs. Poitou obliges, farm goats are everywhere in the spotlight, as at Fromages d'Emma, in Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud. To quench your thirst, you can bet on La Tête de Mule, a beer brewed by craftsmen in Coulon. More surprisingly, the region also produces wine:The Priory la Chaume and the Vignoble Mercier are located on a clay-limestone soil corresponding to an ancient island.
Explore the local heritage
The abbey of Maillezais presents an exceptional architecture, where Romanesque and Gothic dialogue in perfect harmony.
Emmanuel Steffan / Adobe Stock
One cannot fail to visit the market gardening villages of La Garette, La Grève-sur-Mignon, Le Vanneau or Damvix.
Some even have the honor of being classified as a
Small City of Character
such as Arçais or Coulon, which hosts the interesting Maison du Marais poitevin.
As for the towns, the charming quays of
Marans
deserve to be visited;
just like the city center of
Niort
, dominated by an impressive keep.
Other unmissable places in the region, its admirable
abbeys
, which have played a major historical role.
Partially in ruins, that of Maillezais presents an exceptional architecture, where Romanesque and Gothic dialogue in perfect harmony.
In summer, shows bring back to life the heyday of this place frequented by Rabelais.
The abbey of Nieul-sur-L'Autize, which retains an impressive Romanesque cloister, also organizes events: family Sundays, concerts or operas, there is something for everyone.
Convenient
How to get there
By train, TGV to Niort (1 hour 50 minutes from Paris - Montparnasse) or La Rochelle (about 3 hours from Paris - Montparnasse).
From Niort, buses nos 21 and 22 from Tanlib allow you to reach most of the villages of the Marais poitevin.
From La Rochelle, bus no2 from Nouvelle-Aquitaine serves Marans.
Almost every village has its own bicycle rental company and its pier.
Tourist information
The regional natural park of the Marais poitevin
Niort-Marais Poitevin Tourist Office
Aunis - Marais Poitevin Tourist Office
South Vendée tourist office - Marais poitevin