The second largest wetland in France after the Camargue, the Marais Poitevin covers nearly 112,000 hectares between the departments of Vendée, Deux-Sèvres and Charente-Maritime. Between the Niort plains and the Atlantic Ocean, this natural destination offers a break from the hustle and bustle of the countryside for outdoor enthusiasts.
A charming mixture of nature, intertwined cycle paths and skilfully articulated canals, Poitevin Marsh consists of three distinct areas: the dry marsh, which is more dedicated to farming, the coastal area and the wet marsh, well known as the "Green Venice". The latter, a land of discovery conducive to outdoor activities, is the most popular part of the Poitevin Marsh: with its varied fauna and lush flora, its many jetties and waterways, the Green Venice, classified as a "Great Site of France", is a tireless invitation to poetic walks to the rhythm of its waves. During river excursions, you will discover everything that the inhabitants of the Marais Poitevin are proud of. In the heart of landscapes dotted with ash trees, herds of cattle, mallards and wild geese, you can observe the splendours of the meadows of Le Poiré sur Velluire, Fontenay-le-Comte and its castle in Newfoundland, Luçon, Marans, but also the Pointe d'Arçay, Échiré and its castle of Coudray-Salbart surrounded by legends, the splendid Natural Reserve of Saint-Denis du Pré, the Biological Reserve of Île de Charouin in Vix, without forgetting the beaches of La Tranche-sur-Mer and the magnificent Baie de l'Aiguillon which lives at the rhythm of the tides. Coulon is certainly one of the highlights of your visit: an elegant village watered by the Sèvre Niortaise, Coulon and its heart of a village beat to the rhythm of the boats sailing on the canals of the Marais. If the city is willing to discover itself by boat (alone or with a boatman, as in Venice!), it is also very well equipped to allow its visitors to enjoy bucolic walks and cycling along its quays. Take advantage of your visit to Coulon to visit the Maison du Marais Poitevin, a site that will allow you to discover the history and secrets of this region.
A few minutes from Coulon, Niort is one of the most emblematic sites in the Marais Poitevin. Take the time to visit the city from its quays along the Sèvre river, discover its halls, its old pedestrian streets and do not miss the Niort keep, considered by some to be one of the most beautiful Romanesque keep in France. Built at the time of the Plantagenêts at the end of the 12th century, this listed building with walls steeped in more than 1000 years of history now houses the Poitou archaeological and ethnographic museum. Both curious and imposing, this jewel of history offers from its northern terrace an incomparable panoramic view of the entire old town of Niort.
Another exceptional visit: the ornithological park "Les Oiseaux du Marais Poitevin", in Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud. In this preserved natural area, nearly 80 species of birds and animals live in harmony: during your walks in this park, you will be able to meet herons, Poitou baudets, chickens, white stilts and other draught horses that live in the shade of tall pollarded oaks. Another meeting place for birdwatchers: the Michel Brosselin National Reserve in Saint-Denis-du-Prayé (in the Vendée). Here, there are 120 species of birds that you can observe depending on the time of year, whether you are simply curious or passionate.
The abbey of the Marais is the cultural destination of the Marais Poitevin: located in Maillezais, this exceptional building in the heart of a natural setting conducive to escape was through the history well known to monks, knights and men and women of letters who found in this place an inspiring and reassuring residence. A true jewel of architecture transformed into a defensive fortress during the 17th century, the Abbey of the Marais is a superb blend of Gothic, Romanesque and Renaissance art. Note also that the abbey's landing stage is the perfect place to discover the Poitevin Marsh by boat, canoe or bicycle.
