Discover Sansais with CAMPING LA GARETTE in Deux-Sèvres

Departure: Saint-Vincent church. Distance: 24.50 km. Duration: 2:15. 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.

The route I propose is relatively simple to follow. It's a 6 km loop, starting and finishing at the same place: the port of Vanneau. If you have a river map of the Marais Poitevin, you'll find it even easier to follow the signs, thanks to the square wooden posts (with location numbers) at many intersections. It's possible to follow the route in any direction, but my detailed directions below are in the "Bief du Vanneau" direction first. This canoe/kayak itinerary will take you along the main conches of this part of the marsh and allow you to discover the area?s major points of interest: the Vanneau harbour, its footbridge and communal gardens, the large La Garette channel, the Belette rope and its market garden houses?

Thanks to this route, come and discover the charming village of Amuré. Let yourself go and discover its wash houses, its church leaning against the cemetery, containing magnificent sculpted elements and its green nature just a stone's throw away. Take advantage of the calm at the Goron port to make a little stop! Have a nice walk and remember that you are not alone on the paths you will take. We invite you to respect nature: avoid picking flowers and plants, do not leave any rubbish behind, respect inhabited areas, stay on the paths, keep dogs on a leash. -> Itinerary not signposted on one part.

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 3. 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.

It is a circuit presenting a diversity of landscapes (agricultural plain, edges of Sèvre and bocage marsh) of which a long portion across fields rewarded by the coolness of the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise! Departure: the Marais Poitevin House, Place de la Coutume. Distance: 23 km. Duration: 2 h. 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.

Magné, from the Latin Magnus meaning great, is the ancient name of a rich Roman family settled on an island in the Gulf of the Pictons. Bordered by the Sèvre Niortaise and the Sevreau, the village has thrown four bridges over the waterways, the most characteristic of which is the metal drawbridge, a witness to the golden age of river trade in the 19th century. This traffic allowed the export of pottery, an old local industry fed by bri marin, the clay of the marsh. Today, the pots have given way to exhibitions at the Four Pontet located on the towpath. On the third weekend of July, Magné organises the international painting festival with 300 artists, making it the first place in France for this type of event!

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 5. 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.

From Coulon, through St-Georges de Rex or Le Vanneau-Irleau, discover the Marais and its typical villages. Ride your bike along the peaceful paths, in the shade of the Tetard ash trees! Safety instructions: We strongly recommend that you wear a helmet. I ride on the right. I respect the rules of the road. I check the condition of my bike (brakes and lighting). I respect the marsh, a sensitive and classified site. We therefore invite you to respect nature: avoid picking flowers and plants, do not leave any garbage behind, respect the inhabited places.

Discover an open marshland, turned towards the fauna and flora between urban landscape with charming houses and luxuriant vegetation. 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 respect the marsh, a sensitive and classified site. We therefore invite you to respect nature: avoid picking flowers and plants, do not leave any garbage behind, respect the inhabited places.

This course is part of the Niort - Marais Poitevin Trail Station. Do not hesitate to make this course to have fun to cross the installations of all kinds: bridges, footbridges, locks, dams, boats bridge above the channels. Observe all of these installations which are used to cross all of the canals of the Marais. Stop to test the bridge boat on the way back to Coulon For the more experienced and those who are looking for a little more performance, you can continue with the Ports & Rigoles du marais course. -> Course currently unmarked (but can be done with the mobile application On Piste)

In the classified site of the Marais poitevin, welcome to the "Green Venice", eco-labelled campsite with heated outdoor pool. Tent, caravan and motorhome pitches; rental of eco-lodges, mobile homes and chalets (120 pitches including 27 rentals). Direct access to the canals of the marsh (rental of canoes and paddles): nature reveals its riches! Entertainment in high season. Grocery store.

Discover the charm of a redefined hotel bordering the river ‘Sèvre’ in the heart of the ‘Venise Verte’ (Green Venice). Labellised "Home Bike".

A trendy boutique hotel with a minimalist design. Bedrooms with small terrace. Buffet breakfast available with homemade jams and cakes.

An address in Coulon, the emblematic village of Green Venice where hospitality, friendliness and comfort have been recognized for 25 years! 3 single-storey rooms with direct views of the marsh, located on circuit 19 of the Vélo Francette. Approval "Accueil Vélo" (garage available). Heated swimming pool from May 15 to September 30. Mini-fridge in every room. Welcome to the Reeds!

3 km from the historic centre of Niort, between town and countryside, in a beautiful wooded domain, your pleasure meeting in Niort-Bessines. Free parking. In front of the fireplace or on the large terrace, a warm welcome, a tasty and generous inn kitchen with the products of the market and the essential bistro cuisine. "Homemade" recommended by Tripadvisor. Since May 2018, the establishment has been invested in the "Mon resto engagé" operation, whose objective is to combat food waste by various means both in the organization and in the use of products.

2 Star recently renovated Hotel for business trips or holidays. Air conditioning. Between Niort and the ‘Venise Verte’. Parking. Sauna. Terrace. Swimming pool. Bar. Lounge. Wi-Fi. Receptionist 24/7.

Single-storey house converted in 2014 in a former sheepfold, set in a 3500 m² property in the heart of Venise Verte, close to the owner's accommodation and another gîte. The accommodation comprises a living room/lounge/kitchen (fireplace, connected speaker), 2 bedrooms (1 double bed 180) (2 twin beds 90), a shower room, a separate WC, and a fishing/laundry room. Wifi free of charge. Outside: private terrace (garden furniture, barbecue). Shared with another gîte and the owners: car park, large enclosed garden with swimming pool (5x10m) open from 01/05 to 28/09 heated by geothermal energy (minimum 24° and if outside temperatures exceed 20°) and enclosed by a safety barrier (with opening/closing times to ensure cleanliness and hygiene), children's play area, petanque area, adult bikes (baby seat available), rowing boat available (life jackets). Hébergement ACCUEIL VELO close to the Vélo Francette and the Vendée Vélo Tour, with services tailored to cyclists: secure storage space for bikes, repair tools, information on local routes, and facilities for touring cyclists. Other gîte on site: H85G023244. All-inclusive price (cleaning, sheets and towels). Additional charge: tourist tax.

Gîte in an old renovated barn, adjoining the owners' house, situated in a 3500 m² property in the heart of the Venise Verte, close to another gîte. The ground floor comprises a large living room/lounge/kitchen, 2 bedrooms (1 x 160cm bed + 1 x 90cm bed) (2 x 90cm twin beds + 1 x 90cm bed), each with its own private shower room and separate private WC, and an additional separate WC. Upstairs, a mezzanine with a relaxation area (games, books) and 1 bedroom (1 double bed) with its own private shower room and separate private WC. Free Wi-Fi. Outside: 2 private terraces (garden furniture) and a stone barbecue area. Shared with another gîte and the owners: car park, large enclosed garden with swimming pool (5x10m) open from 01/05 to 28/09 heated by geothermal energy (minimum 24° and if outside temperatures exceed 20°) and enclosed by a safety barrier (with opening/closing times to ensure cleanliness and hygiene), children's play area, petanque area, adult bikes (baby seats available), rowing boat available (life jackets). Hébergement ACCUEIL VELO close to the Vélo Francette and the Vendée Vélo Tour, with services tailored to cyclists: secure storage space for bikes, repair tools, information on local routes, and facilities for touring cyclists. Other gîte on site: H85G023243. All-inclusive price (cleaning, bed linen, towels). Additional charge: tourist tax.

Gîte located in Benet, in the heart of the Venise Verte region, adjoining the owner's house and another gîte. Ground floor: living room/kitchen with pellet stove, shower room with WC, mezzanine: sitting area and sleeping area (1 bed 140 + 1 bed 90). Wifi internet access. Outside, private terrace on a small enclosed plot. In the grounds shared by the owner and another gîte, shared swimming pool (5x8.5m) open from 2pm to 6pm from June to September, petanque area, table tennis table, children's swing. Other gîte on site: H85G23585. Heating included. Optional: End-of-stay cleaning: 45€/stay; Sheet hire: 10€/bed/stay and per change; Towel hire: 10€/person/stay and per change. Additional charge: tourist tax.

Gîte located in Benet, in the heart of Venise Verte, adjoining the owner's house and another gîte. Ground floor: living room/kitchen with pellet stove, bedroom (1 x 140cm bed), shower room (PRM access), separate WC (PRM access), storage room, mezzanine sleeping area (2 x 90cm twin beds). Wifi internet access. Outside, private terrace on a small enclosed plot. Shared swimming pool (5x8.5m) open from 2pm to 6pm from June to September, petanque area, table tennis, children's swing. Other gîte on site: H85G23585. Optional: End-of-stay cleaning: €45/stay; Sheet hire: €10/bed/stay and per change; Towel hire: €10/person/stay and per change. Additional charge: tourist tax.

The first church is built near the old castle, from the end of the 11th century to the second half of the 12th century on the site of a Merovingian sanctuary, itself resting on the remains of a Gallo-Roman temple (discovery of four female heads in round hump whose faces are drowned in the romanesque walls as if to make forget the memory of a monument dedicated to pagan deities. Faces visible today in the masonry of the sacristy). It was set on fire during the Hundred Years' Wars (English coins were discovered in its ruins in the 19th century), and then Religion. In 1879, it was demolished (discovered in the choir of bones of the parish priest Jean Guyotière buried in 1672). Rebuilt by Niortais architect Bergeron, it was given to worship in 1880.

Come and relax and eat at the picnic area of the Sansais commune, at La Garette.

This commune, located on the edge of the Gulf of Pictons, is composed of 2 large villages: Sansais perched on the hillside and La Garette on the edge of marshes. The future King Henry IV visited the latter in 1576 and later said of the Marais that … Among these deserts are a thousand gardens where one only goes by boat… La Garette is typical of the traditional market garden habitat providing direct access to water for each house. A major cargo transit port between Bas-Poitou (north) and Saintonge (south) until the middle of the 19th century, this village-street was completely restored in 1995 as part of Operation Grand Site. It became a major stage of discovery of the Green Venice. A wooden footbridge on stilts connects it to the one of Coulon. To see: St Vincent church in Sansais, Maison du Cheval, lock-dam of Chail, educational route on flora and fauna market gardens...

Located on the highest hill of Magné, this high holy place of the market garden country is dedicated to Macrine, patron saint of boatmen and the agricultural world. In the twelfth century, the small church was rebuilt. Under the Revolution, it was in ruins and sold to Jacques Barré de Niort. His widow donated it to the commune of Magné in 1806, which rebuilt it from 1867 to 1886 in the Gothic Revival style. In 2004, an ex-voto in chestnut with the effigy of the saint was inaugurated. Since the Middle Ages, every 6 July, a pilgrimage has been taking place that continues today. Arriving from Marans, Maillé, Vix, Damvix, Arçais… by the old Sèvre and mooring their boats near the Gué de Magné, the pilgrims passed through three miraculous springs. Today, only the “fountain of the Gravelled Three Elms” was erected in 1845, 1 km from the chapel on the street of the same name.

A XVth century triumphal cross, listed in 1889 and tombs from the XVIIth and XIXth centuries can be seen in the old cemetery which is next to the parish church. What was a triumphal cross for ? On the Sunday before Easter, the priest read out the gospel celebrating the entrance of Jesus to Jerusalem. The crowd shouted "Hosanna" and spread branches on the lectern to the West.

Amuré celebrates nature since 1996. Every year, at the end of November, it organizes the Feast of the tadpole Ash. One of its leafy market gardeners is also classified as a remarkable tree of the Deux-Sèvres. In 2001, the Ministry in charge of the Environment presented the municipality with an award for its involvement in upgrading its landscapes by planting thousands of tadpole ash trees and hedgerows, the cleaning of the Conches and ditches and the installation of a tourist signage. This desire for environmental excellence is always reflected in the various municipal facilities. In direct contact with the Marais, Amuré is committed to preserving its heritage both built and natural. To be seen: 15th century cross hosannière, megaliths, Notre-Dame church, Goron port, market gardening farms, wash houses, former bog of La Gorre and botanical area of the educational pond.

It is a "pocket" of wet marshland on the edge of a limestone plain and hemmed by a border of bocage. It is located in the eastern part of the Marais Poitevin, on its southern edge. Its main axis is made up of the large gully of Port Goron and the Amuré gully. It is made up of two groups: 125 hectares of bocage marshland to the east and 40 hectares of wooded islets to the west. Its ecosystem is varied: wet meadows, megaphorbia (tall grasses on wet peat) with meadows, sedge meadows (rugged grass) and ash woodland. It is inhabited by marsh spurge, ophioglossus buttercup, marsh fern; marsh copper, alpine rosalie; genet and European otter. [More information on the PDF file]

Come and relax and eat at the picnic area of the town of Amuré on the car park of the Town Hall.

This communal market garden and hedgehog is located in the wild marsh. The Vana Aqua drift means vain and vague water preventing any cultivation before the digging of canals in the XIXth century. Irleau is a contraction of reau island where moreover have been exposed the stakes of a prehistoric lake city or well fortifications of a more recent period. The last Saturday of July, is organized at the Grand Port of Vanneau the Water Market where the products of individuals and traders are sold to more than 15.000 visitors! This festive event reflects one of the most singular traditions of market gardening: the transport of people, animals and goods on the humid roads forming the Green Venice. To see: Grand Port du Vanneau, houses of the weasel, metallic bridge of the village of Sèvre, church St-Eutrope and Grand Port of Irleau.

Area near water.

The "Le Chantilly" bog paillote. A cuisine based on fresh products (pancakes, pancakes, brasserie, snack), a bar, cocktails and ice creams. A friendly and natural atmosphere.

The "Vieille Auberge" welcomes you on the banks of Sèvre, on a shady, calm and relaxing terrace. Traditional cuisine with fresh products. For a weekend or more, the hotel welcomes you in this quiet location, 2 km from Coulon. Possible options: hotel - restaurant - on-site pier. Nearby, bike and hiking trail. Bicycle storage available. Possibility to privatize the room up to 80 people (group - birthday - family meal - CE).

Gastronomic restaurant in the heart of the Marais Poitevin on the commune of Coulon, opposite the lock of the Sotterie. Regional cuisine and not only, based on regional and local products.

Welcome to Le Fusionnel restaurant. Our cuisine is family-style and traditional. It's inspired by simple moments of sharing and indulgence. From Monday to Friday, we offer lunchtime menus: - Starter + Main Course + Dessert at 18.00 ? - Starter + Main Course or Main Course + Dessert at 16.00 ? - Main course at 12.00 ? For takeaway catering and events, please contact us by phone on 05 49 04 64 63

In the heart of Green Venice, ideally located on the quays, opposite the pier and next to the museum "La Maison du Marais poitevin". Enjoy a relaxing moment on our large shaded terrace with direct views of Sèvre and enjoy our regional cuisine.

Sèvre Niortaise flows quietly in front of the terrace. The ballet of the boats offers a relaxing show for a break. Alone, as a couple, with family or with friends, the Café de l'Escale is an essential place to live and share in the village. Whether it is taking a drink, a pancake, a black wheat cake or an ice cream, Bernadette, Jean-Pierre or Melvin are always there to serve you and especially welcome you. As soon as it gets a little chilly, push the door to enjoy the fire. Before or after you discover the marsh, you can warm up in a very relaxing setting.

In a warm setting, the Brasserie de la Repentie offers a selection of the best specialities of the Poitevin Marais. At the entrance to Coulon, it has two rooms and two terraces to accommodate you comfortably. The service is provided by a team present throughout the year. From the dining room to the kitchen, all the team-mates are dedicated to making your meal a moment of pleasure. The "homemade" dishes offered highlight the best specialties of the marsh. Eels, frog thighs, vegetable stuffing... are cooked according to tradition. The menu and menus from 16€90 to 37€90 per adult and from 7€ to 9€ per child adapt to the season because of respect for the products, but also to surprise you on the occasion of each of your visits.

In the heart of Coulon, the picturesque capital of the Green Venice, the inn La Pigouille welcomes you every day and offers you a varied menu combining local specialities and traditional cuisine through a wide choice of tasty and generously served dishes that highlight the fresh produce and culinary riches of the region. On the terrace or in one of the 2 rooms, you will appreciate the proximity of the water and the peaceful comings and goings of the boats. La Pigouille also offers a "boat formula" which allows you to combine your meal with a surprising discovery of the secrets of the marsh revealed along the water by passionate and experienced boatmen from 29,50 €. In a green and flowery setting, you will spend a pleasant moment combining the pleasures of the table and the eyes that a warm service without false notes contributes to make unforgettable.

In a modern and warm setting, the Atelier Gourmand will be happy to welcome you to enjoy simple and family cuisine. A slate menu that varies daily with grilled meats, salads, pies and formulas. Terrace with trees.

Our cottage is located Sansais, just 3 kms from Garette, village typically maraîchin with essential starting traditional punting. You will find the quiet of the countryside and have direct access (500m) to hiking trails (biking and walking) that cross the Green Venice. Sleeps : 2 people, 45 m2. Holiday cottage in 2013. Landscaping and decoration - new interior equipment: TV, dishwasher, microwave, induction hob, fridge, washing machine. 1 living room / dining room / kitchen. 1 bedroom with 1 double bed 160, bathroom with shower and sink, separate WC. - Outdoor equipment: terrace, private garden of 300 m2, garden furniture, barbecue, covered parking. 45 minutes from La Rochelle, 1h 1:15 Futuroscope and Puy du Fou.

In the heart of the Marais Poitevin, enjoy a nice house (new construction, wood frame, BBC), air conditioned, in the village of Sansais-La Garette. Enclosed courtyard of 400m², wooden terrace of 40m², courtyard with terrace of 20m². Parking on the property. Ground of bowls. Nice private swimming pool. In an independent building, the Cabane du Maraîchin with a 25m² wellness area with spa and sauna + Room 1 (9m²-bed 1 140) with shower room (wc). The spa is on reservation with a supplement of 100? (for generated expenses and energy consumption), thank you to confirm it to us obligatorily. The gite, on one level, has a living room of 40m², very luminous, with equipped kitchen, living room with billiard table opening on the south exposed terrace, Bedroom 2 (10m²-1 bed 160), Bedroom 3 (10m²-2 beds 90), shower room (wc), Bedroom 4 (12m²- 1 bed 160, shower room with private wc)

Gîte "Le Four à Pain" - Marais Poitevin. 2 people. House located 3 km from the Garette, typical village of the Marais Poitevin where you can embark on the "flat" (boats) in this cathedral of greenery and waterways. Loft of 45 m2 including: equipped kitchen, living room, toilet, bathroom with shower, bedroom (bed 160). Sleeping facilities for children on the mezzanine (bed 140 + cot). Bed linen, toilet linen and table linen provided. Private parking. Terraces including one with barbecue. Close to La Rochelle, Ile de Ré, Vendée beaches, Futuroscope. Price of the week in July and August: 400€ + tourist tax and week off season: 300€. Possibility of short stays in April-May-June-September: 210€ (2 nights), 250€ (3 nights) and 280€ (4 nights).

In the heart of the Marais Poitevin, on a beautiful property located in a green setting, the old barn has been fully restored and converted into a loft. Private enclosed garden of 120m², terrace facing East and enclosed of 20m². Portico and slide. The gite is located away from the owners' house and another gite and you have access to a large common green space. On the first floor: large convivial space of 85m² with functional kitchen (11m²), dining room (49m²-fireplace with insert), living room (14m²) opening on the terrace, relaxation space (11m²-sofa bed for 2 persons). 2 bathrooms and 2 toilets, one of which is independent. On the first floor, 3 bedrooms have been fitted out in mezzanine open on the living room. A first staircase gives access to 2 communicating rooms: room 1 (11m²-1 bed 140), access to room 2 (12m²-1 bed 110 and 1 bed 90).

Old renovated barn in the extension of the owners' house, located in a hamlet 6km from Frontenay and 4km from Magné, in the heart of the Marais Poitevin. Independent access, private courtyard and terrace (150m²), garden furniture and armchairs, barbecue. Large common green space (pond 15ares, 80cm deep, boat), swings, river (Sèvre Niortaise) at 300m. Ground floor: kitchen-living room (40m² - internet access by wifi from owner's fiber optic), shower room, wc. First floor: bedroom 1 (11m²-1 bed 120, in mezzanine: 1 bed 90), bedroom 2 (11m²-1 bed 140), oil heating included in the price. Coulon 12km (boat rides, bike rental, marked trails, Maison du Marais poitevin, boat landing stages), Niort 10km (market, museums, golf, TGV station), Puy du Fou 1h15, La Rochelle 3/4h, Vendée beaches 75km, Futuroscope 1h. Smokers are welcome as long as they respect

Our gîte is located in the heart of the Marais Poitevin. Lovely walks, bike rides and boat trips. We're at the end of a cul-de-sac, so it's very quiet. Fishing nearby. Close to shops, 50 min from La Rochelle, 1h15 from Puy du Fou

Unique site in the heart of the Marais Poitevin, the MFR, opened since June 2012, welcomes you all year round for your family celebrations, seminars, internships... The MFR offers a quality welcome and offers you a large dining room (100 persons), a small dining room (20 persons), an equipped kitchen, 16 rooms with 5 beds with sanitary facilities and showers, 2 rooms for people with reduced mobility, activity rooms equipped with Wifi. You will also enjoy many activities offered nearby (within 100 meters): horseback riding, boat rides, hiking or horse-drawn carriage rides, restaurants, swimming pool...