Camping Le Lidon: Explore Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud

Departure: Place de la Mairie. Distance: 30 km. Duration: 2:45. Safety instructions - The helmet is strongly advised. I drive to right. I respect the highway code. I check the status of my bike (brakes and lighting). I stay on the marked trails. I respect the marsh, sensitive and classified site.

Cross 3 departments on this pilgrimage: the Vendée, the Deux-Sèvres and the Charente-Maritime. You will be able to discover the Marais Poitevin which extends over these 3 territories. Landscapes, monuments, fauna and flora will be there in all their diversity.

All the cycle routes in the Deux-Sèvres Marais Poitevin have the same markings. On these markers (wooden beams with a turquoise plate), are indicated the numbers of the circuits in black. Here, follow the Number 2. The circuits are marked out in both directions, there is no specific starting point, you can start your walk wherever you like. Be careful, the small paths can be used by motorized vehicles. Safety instructions - Wearing a helmet is highly recommended. I ride on the right. I respect the rules of the road. I check the condition of my bike (brakes and lighting). I stay on the marked paths. I respect the marsh, a sensitive and classified site.

This course is part of the Niort - Marais Poitevin Trail Station. A course which will make you visit by running the network of the port with its channels, rivers, conches, ditches. These installations allow to welcome and preserve a rich flora and fauna in connection with the life of the Marais. Open your eyes when you run and let yourself be surprised by the natural encounters along the way. Work on your mind, concentrate on your feeling while running in this soothing environment. -> Handisport course -> Course currently not marked (but can be done with the mobile application On Piste)

This course is part of the Niort - Marais Poitevin Trail Station. This course will lead you in a corner of the marsh where the frequentation is less strong than on other places. You have the possibility of discovering two villages with a natural zone arranged: the Ornithological Park. Do not hesitate to stop and refuel in the village of Saint-Hilaire-La-Palud which represents well the preserved and quiet rural France. Beware of the endurance course where the mind will have to be pumped up to avoid the changes in the terrain! -> Course currently unmarked (but achievable with the mobile application On Piste)

This short stroll will take you to the heart of the village of Arçais. Typical of the Marais Poitevin, it has many treasures. Enjoy this walk at your own pace, guided by the audio commentary or simply strolling through the narrow streets. Nice discovery and don't forget that you are not alone on the paths you are going to take. We invite you to respect the environment and the inhabitants and not to leave any trace of your passage. This route was created by the Tourist Office in partnership with the elected representatives of the commune of Arçais and in collaboration with the mediation service of the Regional Natural Park of the Marais Poitevin. Photo credits: PNR Marais Poitevin Scripting and texts : Lauriane Angibaud and Amandine Louveau, Niort Marais Poitevin Tourism Voice : Mathilde Cornuau, Niort Marais Poitevin Tourisme -> Unmarked itinerary

Discover the Marais sauvage by bike, an exceptional place rich in fauna and flora!

Departure: the church square. Distance: 23 km. Duration: 2h. Safety instructions - Wearing the helmet is strongly recommended. I roll on the right. I respect the rules of the road. I check the condition of my bike (brakes and lighting). I stay on marked trails. I respect the marsh, sensitive and classified site.

From the martin pêcheur pier on the road from Damvix to Arçais, in Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud, cover around 15 km of the Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park and get to know the wild marshlands. You can also discover the landscape by boat (a flat boat), in the biefs, gullies and conches. The route takes in parts of PR loops. Please note that some sections are liable to flooding in wet weather. This route is proposed by the Comité Régional de Randonnée Pédestre. Departing from a station or TER bus stop, it allows you to join a walking or hiking itinerary, and to take an ecomobility trip!

The village, located in the limestone plain, overlooks a small preserved marsh. It is certainly one of the oldest market gardening settlements. Thanks to the sale by candlelight of part of the communal marsh and with the stones of the old sanctuary, a new building was constructed by the Niort architect Bergeron from 1881 to 1882. Partly acquired by the Conservatoire Régional des Espaces Naturels de Poitou-Charentes, the marshes of Saint-Georges-de-Rex and Amuré present two major ecosystems: 40 ha of wooded islands of ash trees to the west and 125 ha of wet meadows to the east. The flagship species of this confetti are the marsh euphorbia, the ophioglossus buttercup, the marsh fern, the marsh copper (butterfly), the Alpine rosalia (insect), the genet and the European otter.

Original Vélo Tour has been offering guided gourmet bike rides throughout the Marais Poitevin and Vendée since 2017. Off the beaten track or on cycle paths, our 1h30 Bike Escapades or Discovery Days offer discoveries of fauna, flora, local producers and little-known heritage. Find out more about our experiences at www.originalvelotour.fr Original Vélo Tour has been awarded the Qualité Tourisme and Valeurs Parc Naturel Régional du Marais Poitevin labels since 2019.

Motorhome service area, with 16 pitches, located 400m from the village centre with all amenities. You're in the heart of the Marais Poitevin, facing the Sèvre Niortaise. You can take advantage of the Grenouille Bleue jetty for a stroll through the Venise Verte. Many restaurants offer quality cuisine.

I'll be waiting for you at Nathalie's to take you on a traditional boat tour of the Venise Verte (Green Venice), despite the fact that we're on a jetty, I'm the one taking you on a boat tour! Are you ready to discover the Marais Sauvage? Lunch will be a local picnic. Get your taste buds ready! Then it's time to get on the bike and head for the land of donkeys. After a few kilometers, we'll stop off at Quentin's Parc Du Coq à l'âne. This place helps to preserve the Baudet du Poitou. With an exceptional and unique show, we enter the donkey enclosure. Ready for a cuddle? Not even Park visitors are this lucky! After the presentation of this great animal, we walk towards the soap factory to join Christelle. Can you smell it? That's the smell of soap. Those fumes, Madame, but also Monsieur.

Old house adjoining the owner's accommodation and another gîte (Nymphéa), on an enclosed 1,200 m² property, located in the market town of Damvix in the heart of the Marais Poitevin, on the edge of the Conche des Oisiliers, close to the Sèvre Niortaise and the Damvix Embarcadère. Ground floor: living room/kitchen, small lounge (BZ), disabled-accessible shower room/WC. First floor: bedroom/lounge (2 single beds separated from the lounge by screens), shower room/WC, 2 bedrooms (1 double bed) (1 double bed). Baby equipment. Wifi internet access. 2 televisions, one of which is connected. 2 small gardens with garden furniture to the south and north, deckchairs and gas barbecue. Petanque court shared by the 2 gîtes. Car parking. 2 rowing boats, 2 canoes, 1 pedalo, available free of charge at all times with life jackets and maps. Fishing on site. Local shops (bakery, mini-market, butcher, chemist, doctor). Public swimming pool open on summer afternoons at Benet (13km), and Xanton Chassenon lake 19 km away. Festival des épouvantails (scarecrow festival) in Damvix all summer (signposted 3km walking trail). Options : End-of-stay cleaning: €60/stay; Sheet hire for 1 or 2 people: €15/stay; Bathroom linen hire: €8/stay. In addition: Fixed price for heating 2023: 10 € per day (to be paid directly to the owner). Heating included in 2024 rates. Visitor's tax.

Gîte in former stables, adjoining the owner's accommodation and another gîte (L'Oiseleur), on an enclosed 1,200 m² property, located in the market town of Damvix, in the heart of the Marais Poitevin, directly overlooking the Conche des Oisilliers (small private waterway), close to the Sèvre Niortaise and the Damvix Embarcadère. Ground floor: living room/kitchen (wood-burning stove), shower room/WC, 2 bedrooms (1 x 160cm bed) (2 x 90cm beds). Baby facilities. Wifi internet access. Connected television. Terrace overlooking the Conche des Oisiliers and adjoining shaded green area with deckchairs. Petanque court shared by the 2 gîtes. Car parking. Boats, canoes and pedal boats available free of charge at all times (2 boats, 2 canoes, 1 pedal boat), with life jackets and maps. Garden furniture, deckchairs, barbecue. Fishing on site. Local shops (bakery, mini-market, butcher, chemist, doctor). Public swimming pool open on summer afternoons at Benet (13km). Lake Xanton Chassenon 19 km away. Festival des épouvantails (scarecrow festival) in Damvix all summer (3km walking trail with scarecrows). Options: End-of-stay cleaning: €60/stay; Sheet hire for 1 or 2 people: €12/stay; Towel hire: €8/pers/stay. In addition: 2023 geothermal heating package (radiator in bedrooms and bathroom and underfloor heating in living room): €10 per day to be paid directly to the owner. Geothermal heating included in 2024 rates. Tourist tax. Wood for the stove (for amenity purposes): €70/stove.

Renovated gîte in an old barn, located in the centre of Damvix. Ground floor: living room/kitchen (pellet stove), 1 bedroom (1 x 160cm bed), 1 shower room, 1 WC. Upstairs: 1 bedroom (2 double beds), an open-plan room (1 comb bed 80, convertible to 160). Wifi. 120 m² enclosed landscaped garden with terrace (picnic table, barbecue, deckchairs). Public car park nearby. Optional extras: End-of-stay cleaning: €60/stay; Sheet hire €12/week; Towels €8/person. Additional charges: Tourist tax, electric heating: general meter reading (deduction of 8 kWh per day for current consumption, excess to be paid on site to the owners): to be paid on site. Pellet stove in the living room (1st bag free): additional bags at cost (to be paid to the owner).

L'Ancien Relais de la Poste welcomes you to the heart of the Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park, 150 m from the Capucines pier, and within easy reach of fishing spots and bicycle hire services. The house is ideally located for visiting the region (Maillezais and its abbey 6.4 km away, Damvix 6.4 km away, Coulon 22 km away, Mervent 28 km away), the Vendée coast (L'Aiguillon sur Mer 52 km away) and the Charente coast (La Rochelle 45 km away, Ile de Ré 49 km away). On the ground floor, this traditional 18th-century house comprises a living room with wood-burning stove, a kitchen (accessed by a step) and a toilet. Upstairs, you will find a first bedroom with 2 twin beds (90x190), a bathroom/WC, and two other bedrooms (access by a step) each with 2 twin beds (90x200). Outside, there is a 60m² enclosed garden with terrace (garden furniture, sun loungers, electric grill, bike rack). From outside, you have access to the boiler room, where you'll find the washing machine, and you'll be able to store your bikes. Free parking in the street. The accommodation is adjoining a house. Heat pump heating included. Wood-burning stove: first flambé free of charge, then wood supplied by the owner for a fee. Optional: End-of-stay cleaning: €80/stay; Sheet hire: €12/bed/stay; Towel hire: €8/person/stay. Additional charge: Tourist tax.

Embark on a nature holiday! Come and enjoy a unique experience at Le Marais Sauvage*** campsite in Le Mazeau, where nature and a change of scenery meet in the magnificent setting of the Marais Poitevin. Soak up the essence of this exceptional natural site and discover a new way to spend your holidays, in harmony with the environment and enriched by human contact. Ideally located, designed for lovers of nature and outdoor activities, and ecologically committed, we offer you a campsite on a human scale, simple and friendly. Our campsite has 54 spacious, grassy bare pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, a vintage caravan for stopover travellers and two "Tiny Houses" where you can try out "Glamping". And because 'nature' doesn't mean no comfort, you'll find all the services you need in our family-run establishment: - A bar, grocery shop and restaurant serving home-made galettes and crêpes in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere; - Free, unlimited wifi throughout the campsite; - A laundry / nursery; - Play area; - A service area; - Bread and pastries available every morning; - Fridge hire... With the "Qualidog" label, your pet's stay is free of charge. Just a short walk from the campsite, the Venise Verte pier and Original Vélo Tour offer guided and unguided tours of our wonderful Marais Poitevin. Partner of the Fédération Française des Associations et Clubs de camping-cars (FFACCC): 10% discount on all pitches except July and August.

Old house located in the heart of the Marais Poitevin, in the centre of the village opposite the Romanesque church, adjoining a house. Ground floor: entrance (sitting area), living room/kitchen (decorative fireplace, telephone, shower room/wc (whirlpool shower), 1 bedroom with shower and washbasin (1 double bed). 1st floor: 2 bedrooms (1 double bed)(1 single bed), wc (washbasin). Linen provided. Hairdryer. 100 m² enclosed courtyard with covered area (garden furniture, electric barbecue): Visitor's tax, oil-fired heating: €20/day (payable to the owner).

Côté Ouest is semi-detached accommodation located in the heart of the Marais Poitevin in a beautiful residence, with a living room/kitchen, bathroom and toilet on the ground floor. Upstairs, two bedrooms, shower room and wc. There is a large garden with a lounge and barbecue, so you can make the most of the pleasant outdoors. Bikes and canoes are available for unforgettable walks in the Marais Poitevin. 1h15 from Puy du Fou 1h15 from the beaches 45 minutes from La Rochelle

We are a family farm in the heart of the Marais Poitevin. We have various activities: Livestock 350 goats, cheese, cereal crops and rearing suckler cows limousines bio. We invite you every Tuesday and Friday from 17h to 19h, to visit the farm and see the cheese. We will offer you to taste cheese and watch the milking takes place at 18pm. We are also present on the markets of Niort (Saturday), from Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud (Sunday) of Frontenay-Rohan-Rohan (Tuesday) and Mauzé-sur-le-Mignon (1 and 3rd Wednesday of the month).

It is a natural space of 8 ha, in the heart of the wild marsh, in which are presented more than 70 species of birds of the Marais Poitevin and the domestic animals created in the Poitou. In order to recognize them, information panels and initiation modules to ornithology are at your disposal along the discovery path. You can also learn to recognize the trees and wild plants of the wet marsh. At the end of the visit, a film will make you fly over the landscapes of the Marais Poitevin and you will discover in their intimacy the birds of this region. A labyrinth awaits you, punctuated with educational panels on migration.

The pollard ash has been present en masse in the Marais Poitevin since the 19th century. At that time, great works of draining the wet marsh were undertaken. The ash tree was preferred to many other tree species because it has the advantage of being very tolerant to water, it allows to consolidate the banks, to heat the habitats, and to serve as a refuge for many animal species. Keep your eyes open during your walks, you will find them lined up along the conches, offering magnificent photographic shots.

Stretching forward from the Broue d'Arçais, the two village-streets are at the beginning of the eighteenth century qualified as considerable by Claude Masse, ordinary engineer and geographer of the king, thus signalling an important river trade. Their houses have a double exposure: on the river leading to the marsh and to the cultivated fields. The name of the River, an amphibious district, is linked to its membership in the world of water. As for Monfaucon, an islet inhabited since the Celtic era (the discovery of bronze axes), is in the Middle Ages the seat of the seigneurry of the canons of Saint-Hilaire-le-Grand de Poitiers. Its main artery is the Rue de la Venise Verte and the pier of Montfaucon corresponds to the former communal port partially built during the Grand Travaux du Marais poitevin. The village still retains a small rural heritage (bread oven, ponne, ferry tail...).

Monfaucon, an island inhabited since Celtic times (bronze axes have been found), was in the Middle Ages the seat of the lordship of the canons of Saint-Hilaire-le-Grand de Poitiers. Its main street is the rue de la Venise Verte and the pier of Montfaucon corresponds to the old communal harbor partly developed during the Great Works of the Marais Poitevin. The village still has a small rural heritage (bread oven, ponne, boulite, ferry tail...).

Located in the heart of the Marais sauvage, emblematic landscape of the Venise Verte, St-Hilaire-La-Palud gives you access to more than 100 km of waterways and white paths. From the Latin palus meaning marsh, the Paludens maintain the know-how and traditions through the numerous summer animations provided by volunteers. The villages of La Rivière and Montfaucon bear witness to the flourishing river trade of the early 18th century. The hamlets of Névoire keep the memory of the brick and tile making activity, once very present. The bird park of the Marais Poitevin is now the spearhead of a tourism respectful of nature and men.

A lake with a small park with trees.

Situated between Arçais and Damvix on the navigable network of the Sèvre Niortaise river, the Bourdettes includes a lock (1862-1872) and a drawbridge with cables (rebuilt in 2003) to allow for road traffic by joining the D 102 to the D 104, and river traffic for the passage of maintenance barges to Marans or to Niort.

Character honeys collected locally by our bees on the flowers of the Poitevin marsh. Glass hive and exhibition at the farm, come and discover the life of these bees in the lock house of Bourdettes. Tasting at the farm.

Located in the heart of the wild Marais, emblematic landscape of the Green Venice, St-Hilaire-La-Palud gives you access to more than 100 km of waterways and white paths. From the Latin palus to the marsh, the marshes maintain the know-how and traditions through the many summer activities provided by volunteers. The village-streets of the Rivière and Montfaucon are the testimony of the flourishing river trade at the beginning of the 18th century. The hamlets of Névoire keep the memory of the brick-making activity and Tuilière, once very present. The Bird Ornithological Park of the Marais Poitevin is now the spearhead of a tourism respectful of nature and people. To see also: St-Hilaire church, Sazais castle (private), communal ports, robinier faux-acacia classified, cinema of the Green Venice... To do: the 24h of the boat on the last weekend of July.

A visit in the "Marais"? A break is needed! The restaurant "Le Lidon" welcomes you with its new team and its new menu in a warm atmosphere, from breakfast to dinner, to propose a traditional and friendly cuisine in order to delight the taste buds of the most gourmets. As well as numerous activities to accompany your beautiful days and summer evenings.

The Collibert leaves at lunchtime during the summer season (season ends on 5 October). For departure dates, please contact us by telephone. Booking is essential, as the schedule is already very full. A discovery cruise (approx. 30 km), relaxation, gastronomy and historical commentary, in a unique setting on the Sèvre Niortaise, to be discovered to delight the eyes and fill the spirit. Menus to choose from when booking (Cruise menu included) : Huttier Menu (€50) Vegetarian Menu (€53) Boat Choat Menu (55€) Collibert Menu (€65) Children's menu (€30 for children under 6 and €40 for children aged 6 to 12). For group rates, there is one free meal for every 20 paying diners. Boarding at 11:45. Return from the cruise around 3.30pm.

Located in the Marais Poitevin, in the heart of the village, the restaurant offers its specialties maraîchines (Stuffed poitevin, eels and frogs persillade, pike perch with white butter ...), but also its traditional specialties (duck breast, steak Bearnaise , gambas flambées ...). You will enjoy home-made cooking using fresh, seasonal produce. We also welcome you for your family and professional receptions. 3 rooms and 2 terraces are at your disposal. Open all year, 7/7 days, except Monday in low season.

In the tourist village of Damvix, La Gambille is part of the Sud Vendée Saveurs network, which showcases local produce: gourmet cuisine from the Marais: eels, frogs' legs, snails, pike-perch.

Élodie offers homemade crêpes, waffles, single or double Italian ice creams and granitas.... Also hot and cold drinks. You'll find the Parade des Douceurs opposite the rue des petites cabanes in Damvix on Mondays and Thursdays, and at the port of Maillé on Wednesdays. Present from 12pm to 7pm.

Located in the old village school in Damvix, "La Récré" takes you back to your school days... Local produce used (salad). Enjoy crêpes and pizzas with evocative names: addition, division or dictation... in a warm and original setting. Shady terrace by the towpath (pedestrianised), games area, ideal for families! Map available on Facebook.

Just a stone's throw from the pier, we welcome you in one of our dining rooms or on the shady terrace. Come and discover our Chef's colourful cuisine. Come and sample our ice creams, crêpes and desserts and enjoy the peace and quiet. Contact us for your family or friends meals. We offer traditional dishes such as eels, frogs' legs, salads and, for meat lovers, rib steak and beef onglet en canon... Dishes vary daily. The daily menu is only available at lunchtime from May to June and in September (excluding July and August). On the road to Futuroscope and Puy-du-Fou, a stopover in Damvix will give you peace and quiet. Open from the end of March to the end of September; from May to the end of August open 7 days a week. Closed on Thursdays (daytime) and on Wednesday evenings in the off-season for the months of April and September.

Traditional restaurant to discover with family or friends. Local specialities to discover: snails, eel fricassee, farci poitevin, frogs sautéed in garlic... Dishes vary according to the season. Set menu at €14 for lunch on weekdays Seasonal produce. Organic wines. Groups and seminars, workers' meals, business meals. Discover our dishes on our Facebook page! Restaurant partner of the FFACCC (Fédération Française des Associations et clubs de camping-cars)

Le comptoir Lenas offers traditional dishes from the region (oysters, terrines, farci poitevin, wild eels, etc.) as well as from abroad (jamon Ibérico, ceviche, thai, coconut rice, etc.). The restaurant has a wood-fired oven, which is used to cook your dishes. The restaurant has an outdoor terrace in the village of Damvix, opposite the church.

For our motorhome friends, we have a few stabilized pitches, and a dumping area for motorhomes at the entrance to the campsite. Our pitches are shaded, but we do have a few where you can catch satellites with your satellite dish. A sanitary block with baby-child bathroom is open all season long, and a second sanitary block with baby-child and PRM bathroom is available in high season. A children's playground is also available.

In a privileged natural setting, in the heart of the wild marshes in the listed part of La Venise Verte, come and enjoy a cosy little nest on the water's edge for a calm and serene interlude for two (2 nights minimum). Within the campsite you will find a jetty for guided or unguided walks, bike hire, a swimming pool and a bar/restaurant.

In a privileged natural setting, in the heart of the wild marsh in the classified part of La Venise Verte, our family campsite in the middle of nature will allow you to discover this great Site of France on foot, by bike, by boat or by canoe. On site swimming pool, pier for walks with or without guide, bike rental and bar/restaurant... Everything you need for a great holiday!

House of character thought for people with reduced mobility, decorated with antiques, well equipped, comfortable, large, enclosed courtyard, outbuilding, 200 m. from the pier, 800 m. center town, near the paths of the marsh. Garden furniture, barbecue. Cozy and quiet residence.

In the heart of the Marais Poitevin, at the start of hiking and biking trails, small, independent, single-storey gîte adjoining the owners' outbuilding, on their wooded property. Small private covered terrace (10m²), garden furniture, barbecue, 2 sun loungers overlooking the accessible garden with trampoline and swing. Kitchen-living room (25m²-2-person sofa bed), wifi Internet access, bedroom (8,10m²-1 bed 140) with connecting shower room (5,40m²-wc). All utilities and electric heating included. All shops and services in the village 1km away. Small market on Sunday mornings. Poitevin marsh on site. Boats and bird park "Les Oiseaux du marais poitevin" 1km away. Niort 25min away (Museums, Donjon, train station, etc.), La Rochelle 45min away, Ile de Ré 1h away, Futuroscope 1h10mn away, Puy du Fou and Vallée des Singes 1h30 away.

Very pleasant stone gîte with exposed beams and old bread oven, on one level, located at the east end of the farmhouse, facing south and east, adjoining another gîte but independent and not overlooked. Dining terrace not adjoining the other gîtes, garden furniture, deckchairs, barbecue. Unenclosed 460m² garden with uninterrupted views over the surrounding countryside, opening onto a vast 10,000m² plot. Shared pétanque court and ping-pong table, outdoor swing, sandpit. Quiet location. Wifi Internet access. Kitchen-living room (30 m²-microwave, dishwasher, TV, sofa bed), utility room with washing machine, shower room with walk-in shower, separate WC. Bedroom 1 (18 m²-bed 160, bed 90). Bedroom 2 (12 m²-bed 140, bed 90). Cot and high chair available on request.