Discovering the Marais Poitevin
At a time when our land is becoming increasingly urbanized, it’s not always easy to find a spot of greenery where you can recharge your batteries.
If you’ve chosen the Vendée as your base, it’s undoubtedly because you love to enjoy the treasures that nature has to offer.
With this experience, we take you on a journey of discovery through a spectacular natural setting.
If you’ve come to our little campsite, it’s because you like things simple.
The simple fact of being at one with nature brings you joy and soothes you.
The experience we’re proposing today is made for you.
We take you to a peaceful place where nature is the conductor.
If you’re the kind of person who hangs around in bed in the morning, we advise you not to get up too late to enjoy this experience to the full.
If it’s not the sun’s piercing rays that usually wake you up, then consider setting an alarm clock. So you can enjoy this beautiful day.
In your backpack, remember to take some ammunition with you:
- Your picnic: there’s nothing more pleasant than lunch in the open air, with nature as far as the eye can see.
- A good pair of shoes, as your odometer is likely to go up after such a day.
- But you’ll also need your car to get from one commune to another.
- And, of course, a bottle of water and a hat.
The first stage of this day takes you to Maillezais.
It takes about 1 hour to drive to the starting point for the day. This is the entrance to the Marais Poitevin.
Before entering the natural bowels of the Marais, we’d like to introduce you to an architectural gem: Maillezais Abbey.
This is an impressive building. Learn more about the history of the monks and their way of life.
In high season, you can enjoy shows and entertainment inside the building.
After visiting the Abbey, you can take the road to Coulon.
Coulon, to take it easy…
Coulon is 20 minutes away. This little town of character is a must-see.
The quay along the Sèvre niortaise is an invitation to stroll along the water’s edge. You’ll be able to walk for hours, contemplating the little houses on one side and the boats on the Sèvre on the other.
Continue along the quays and you’ll come to the Maison du Marais Poitevin. This museum retraces the history of this natural park, now classified as a “Grand site de France”.
Picnic on the riverbank
Numerous picnic areas can be found on the banks of the Sèvre.
On a table or sitting on a picnic tablecloth, you can enjoy your sandwich in a peaceful setting sheltered by trees.
These moments are simple, yet so precious. During this completely calm lunch, it’s as if time has stopped and nothing exists around you.
The boats coming and going before your eyes make you envious?
After discovering the Venise Verte in the Maison du Marais Poitevin, it’s time to see it for yourself!
As the capital of the Marais Poitevin, in Coulon you’ll be spoilt for choice in terms of landing stages.
No need to take the car back.
“Venise Verte Evasion” offers boat hire, with or without a boatman.
Advice from the Bergerie :
If this is your first visit to the Green Venice, we strongly advise you to take a boatman.
He’ll guide you to the most beautiful spots and tell you the best anecdotes about the marsh.
And last but not least, you won’t have to row. Just let yourself go with the flow.
