Experience Nature at Camping Le Marais Sauvage

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)

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!

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.

This walk allows you to discover the heart of the Marais de Saint-Georges de Rex. You will stroll through the numerous conches, cross beautiful bridges and discover the fauna and flora of the Marais Poitevin during this 6 km loop. Have a good 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 lead.

This course is part of the Niort - Marais Poitevin Trail Station. This course will allow you to reach the authentic villages of Saint-Georges-de-Rex with its church and its fairground as well as the village of Vanneau-Irleau, a characteristic village of the Marais Poitevin. A route that will give you wings! -> The route is currently unmarked (but can be done using the On Piste mobile application)

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)

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.

1st BEST CAMPSITE in the Pays de la Loire & 2nd in FRANCE! (according to Pitchup) > Escape to the heart of the Marais Poitevin: Camping Calme et Nature - Le Marais Sauvage**** campsite Embark on a serene, natural holiday! Le Marais Sauvage*** campsite in Le Mazeau offers you a unique experience of peace and quiet in the heart of the Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park and its famous Venise Verte (Green Venice). Far from the hustle and bustle, come and recharge your batteries and enjoy the unspoilt countryside in complete peace and quiet. > Our Spirit: Calm, Nature and Conviviality Ideally situated for lovers of nature and outdoor activities, our human-sized campsite is deeply committed to an ecological approach. Here, the watchword is tranquillity. Natural accommodation: Our family-run establishment offers 54 spacious, grassy bare pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes. A restored vintage caravan, a real little cocoon, ideal for a cosy stopover full of charm. Two Tiny Houses for a taste of glamping in a warm, unusual setting. > Au Cœur de la Venise Verte Just a stone's throw from the campsite, the Venise Verte pier and Original Vélo Tour offer guided and unguided tours of our wonderful Marais Poitevin (boat, canoe, bike). It's the ideal starting point for your hikes and bike rides! > Simple services for a comfortable stay Because "nature" doesn't mean discomfort, you'll find all the services you need: Bar, Grocery shop, Restaurant with tasty home-made galettes and crêpes. Free, unlimited WiFi throughout the campsite. Bread and pastries available every morning. Laundry / nursery, play area, motorhome service area, fridge hire... > Your Stay Benefits Pets: With the "Qualidog" label, your dog's stay is free on the pitches! FFACCC partnership: 10% discount on pitches outside July/August for members. Book your peaceful holiday at Camping Le Marais Sauvage*** and experience the Marais Poitevin in a different way!

Motorhome service area at Le Marais Sauvage campsite in Le Mazeau, in the Marais Poitevin.

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

You can discover this area through the work of the artists exhibiting at the old dairy (2.5 km), the cycle paths of the Vélo Francette (3.2 km) and Maillezais Abbey (9.4 km). You can also enjoy a nature excursion around the Mervent forest (35 km), as well as visiting the beaches and town of La Rochelle (53 km). The house comprises a kitchen, a living room with open fireplace, three bedrooms (each with 2 single beds, 2 twin beds and 1 double bed), a shower room, a separate toilet and a laundry area. The accommodation is on one level, but has internal steps. Outside, you will enjoy an unenclosed wooded plot with garden furniture, barbecue and deckchairs, and a parking space shared with the owners where you can park 2 cars (plug available for recharging electric vehicles). You will also have access to the owners' meadow, where you can watch hens roaming freely. The land is surrounded by canals, so you can enjoy a fishing spot and sail in the marsh using a boat, canoe and kayak. This gîte is next to the owners' accommodation and adjoins a house. Heating, beds made on arrival and towels included. Optional: End-of-stay cleaning: €60/stay. Additional charge: Tourist tax.

Gîte in renovated outbuildings, adjoining the owner's home, located in a hamlet in the heart of the Marais Poitevin. Single-storey house: living room/kitchen with 1 x 90cm bed, 1 bedroom (1 x 140cm bed), shower room, WC. Wifi internet access. Enclosed garden of 500 m² with private terrace of 50 m² (garden furniture, sun loungers). Owners may pass through the grounds. Small dogs accepted (15kg). Summer swimming pool 6 km away (Benet): End-of-stay cleaning: €50/stay; Sheet hire for 1 or 2 people: €10/stay; Bathroom linen hire: €8/stay. Additional charges: Visitor's tax; Pellet-fired central heating: €3/day (payable to owner).

Drôle de marais is a fun, sensory walk for all the family. Young and old alike can discover the secrets of the Marais Poitevin accompanied by a nature guide. During a 1.5km walk along the waterways, you'll discover how the marshes work, the big and small animals that live there, the plants that grow there and their uses... Our aim is to give young people a taste for hiking through exploration and discovery! This activity must be booked in advance, as places are limited. Closed shoes and a bottle of water are essential. Every Monday during the summer. From 3pm to 5.30pm. The farm also offers : Petit Fermier workshop, farm tour...

Join the shepherdess and her sheep on a transhumance through the marshes. Discover the work of the sheepdog and taste the farm's produce. Summer Thursdays The farm also offers : Petit Fermier workshop, nature walks, farm tours, escape-game...

Come and discover Poitevin goats and take part in the manual milking of our small herd. Share a convivial moment over a farm snack. Summer Tuesdays The farm also offers : Petit Fermier workshop, nature walks, farm tours, escape-game...

Bed and breakfast located in the Venise Verte in the heart of the Marais Poitevin on an educational and holiday farm ideally placed between La Rochelle and the Puy du fou.

Activities for families: l'Atelier du Petit Fermier. Come and discover local breeds: baudets du Poitou, Solognotes ewes, Marans hens and their chicks, geese and goslings, as well as rabbits and goats! There'll be plenty to discover, cuddle and look after! 2 hours. Booking essential, subject to availability. Online booking available. Appropriate clothing and footwear Also available in "Special Tribe" format

Breeding cattle and milk production. Sale cheese "The Paloubéen", beat cream cheese and yogurt plain or with jam. At the farm, Monday to Friday, from 17h to 19h. At market Mauzé-sur-le-Mignon on Wednesday and that of Niort on Saturday.

Picnic area in Arçais direction Damvix with tables and benches.

This Grand Logis was enlarged in the 19th century (private residence visible from the street). Its first owner is at the origin of the implantation of the first poplar tree in the Marais Poitevin. The eleven stores on the first floor were used for the storage of goods (wine, wood, fish) in transit to Niort and Marans, then rented until 1960 to farmers who stored their equipment necessary for the exploitation of the marsh.

Its Grand Port, totally restored, was one of the main places of exchange between the plain and the valley of the Sèvre Niortaise. Two wooden cranes remind us that in the past, poplar trunks, transported by water, were hoisted onto the bank. On the edge of the river port stands a 19th century dwelling (private property visible from the street). (private property visible from the street). The 11 warehouses on the ground floor were used to store goods in transit to Niort and Marans. In its extension, old farms lined up along the chemin de la Garenne overlooking both the street and the Minet reach. Arçais is a typical market gardening village and an ideal starting point for discovering the wetlands on foot, by boat or by bicycle.

Come to relax and eat at the picnic area of the commune of Arçais at the Coursault area, this one is shaded and is accessible by the D101.

Its fully restored Grand Port was one of the main exchanges between the plain and the valley of Sèvre Niortaise. Two wooden cranes recall that once the poplar trunks, carried by water, were hoisted on the bank. On the edge of the river port stands a residence of the XIXth century. (private property visible from the street). The 11 warehouses on the ground floor were used to store goods in transit to Niort and Marans. In its extension, line up along the Chemin de la Garenne old farms overlooking both the street and the Minet bief. Typical village of the market garden, Arçais is an ideal starting point for discovering the wetted marsh on foot, by boat or by bike. To see: Garenne houses, lock and old cable lift bridge of the Bourdettes, St-Cyr church and chain boat.

Built in the south of the current commune, in the place called Butte de la Vieille Eglise, the first sanctuary, isolated (no trace of nearby dwellings), named the Grande Eglise, was probably destroyed during the Wars of Religion. From 1855 to 1862, the parish church was rebuilt in the other direction (reversal) in the neo-Gothic style. Unusual are the hooks on the north exterior facing of Saint-Cyr, located high up and used to dry the leather hoses of the firemen, without twisting them.

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.

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.

Picnic area next to the church.

"Au bord de l'eau" is an open-air restaurant in the shade of the trees on the site of the Mazeau pier. Every lunchtime, except Wednesdays, from Easter to the end of September: You can choose from a discovery menu (Préfou, Jambon de Vendée, Farci poitevin, Fromage de Pays, Gâteau minute...) or an à la carte menu with starters, hot dishes, salads, a seasonal tart and desserts. All menus are prepared using local and seasonal produce, and everything is homemade! In the evening, from Thursday to Saturday in July and August: Enjoy the peace and freshness of the marshes over a wood-fired oven, with all-you-can-eat rolls baked before your very eyes in the wood-fired oven! This is the common thread running through the menu, and is used to garnish, sauce and spread local specialities. Sunday evenings: You can book in advance or come and enjoy a wood-fired pizza! Homemade dough, matured for 24 to 48 hours, rolled out by hand and topped with fresh local produce! You can even try your hand at Vendée shuffleboard, share a board game or take a siesta! There's also a children's play area. In the afternoon, the restaurant remains open, serving crêpes, pastries and local drinks. Picnic baskets can be booked for boat trips.

Meals cooked on site, poke bowls, tajine, traditional dishes, salads, homemade ice creams. To eat in or take away, delivery subject to certain conditions. You can also take advantage of the Coffee Shop, a cosy, gourmet tea room. Opening times : - the shop/tea room: every Saturday 10am-1pm / 3pm-6pm - restaurant, by reservation: every Saturday 7pm-10.30pm

L' Embarcadère de l'Autize - St Sigismond , in a small village typical of the Venise Verte, in the heart of the Marais Poitevin. Come and spend a pleasant moment in a friendly setting by the water. L'Embarcadère de l'Autize serves grilled meats, regional dishes and brasserie classics. And don't forget to grab an ice cream or a drink! During the summer, mussels and chips evenings are organised every Tuesday evening in July and August. Individuals, families or groups. Booking recommended And don't forget to take a boat trip while you're here!

A traditional restaurant where it's good to stop for a break in the company of owners Angie and David GRASLIN! In addition to eating, the restaurant also serves as a bar, tobacconist's, newsagent's, fishing card seller and bread seller.

We offer a varied menu: "homemade" pizzas, patties made with flour entirely imported from Brittany and from an organic farming, salads, stuffed vegetables (local speciality). For your gourmet break, in the afternoon, we offer you a whole selection of homemade ice creams, as well as sweet pancakes. We are open all day to serve you at your convenience and offer you a snack outside of hours of service. Very good tasting to all and good stay! Dishes (pizzas and pancakes) and take-out drinks from May 15, depending on the deconfinement measures.

In the heart of the small village of Arçais, in a hamlet bathed in calm and greenery, with its authentic houses, our establishment welcomes you in a cosy setting where hospitality and know-how go hand in hand. Just 100 metres from the boat departures to discover the Venise Verte, near the footpaths and cycle routes, you will enjoy traditional market garden cuisine, based on local produce; refined, original cuisine and a menu that changes with the seasons. A daily menu is offered every day of the week. Our chef's homemade cuisine is a delight to share! Our restaurant is open on weekends in low season (February, March, October and November) and the following days are closed: from April to September (Sunday evening, Monday and Thursday evening).

Located in the heart of Arçais, the Ptit Creux offers a wide choice of pizzas, panini, sandwiches, salads, fries ... on the spot (shaded terrace) or take away. Open all year. In the off-season, from 18h to 21h (from 18h to 21h30, the weekend). In season, from 11h to 14h30 and from 18h to 21h30.

Opening a new restaurant in a maraîchine house recently ranked "Small City of Character". Located in the center of Arçais, there is a warm atmosphere with a patio, a dining room. The port is 2 minutes and 20 meters free parking. The traditional cuisine combines fish and meat and maraîchine kitchen. Our dishes are available à la carte, prepared with fresh, seasonal produce. Open all year, 7/7, from Easter to the end of December. Thursday to Sunday in the off-season.

Associative and cultural bar with various activities scheduled every weekend

Snacks and drinks by the water at the Embarcadère de la Grenouille bleue.

1st BEST CAMPSITE in the Pays de la Loire & 2nd in FRANCE! (according to Pitchup) > Escape to the heart of the Marais Poitevin: Camping Calme et Nature - Le Marais Sauvage**** campsite Embark on a serene, natural holiday! Le Marais Sauvage*** campsite in Le Mazeau offers you a unique experience of peace and quiet in the heart of the Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park and its famous Venise Verte (Green Venice). Far from the hustle and bustle, come and recharge your batteries and enjoy the unspoilt countryside in complete peace and quiet. > Our Spirit: Calm, Nature and Conviviality Ideally situated for lovers of nature and outdoor activities, our human-sized campsite is deeply committed to an ecological approach. Here, the watchword is tranquillity. Natural accommodation: Our family-run establishment offers 54 spacious, grassy bare pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes. A restored vintage caravan, a real little cocoon, ideal for a cosy stopover full of charm. Two Tiny Houses for a taste of glamping in a warm, unusual setting. > Au Cœur de la Venise Verte Just a stone's throw from the campsite, the Venise Verte pier and Original Vélo Tour offer guided and unguided tours of our wonderful Marais Poitevin (boat, canoe, bike). It's the ideal starting point for your hikes and bike rides! > Simple services for a comfortable stay Because "nature" doesn't mean discomfort, you'll find all the services you need: Bar, Grocery shop, Restaurant with tasty home-made galettes and crêpes. Free, unlimited WiFi throughout the campsite. Bread and pastries available every morning. Laundry / nursery, play area, motorhome service area, fridge hire... > Your Stay Benefits Pets: With the "Qualidog" label, your dog's stay is free on the pitches! FFACCC partnership: 10% discount on pitches outside July/August for members. Book your peaceful holiday at Camping Le Marais Sauvage*** and experience the Marais Poitevin in a different way!

Motorhome service area at Le Marais Sauvage campsite in Le Mazeau, in the Marais Poitevin.

Gîte de la Treille - Holiday rental is located in the heart of a charming little village in the Marais Poitevin. This typically Marais-style detached house has a large living/dining room with a wood-burning stove, a fully-equipped kitchen and a toilet. Upstairs, 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and 2 WCs. A large plot with garden furniture and barbecue will enable you to make the most of your holiday. Access to a private conche opens the doors to the Venise Verte! Le Mazeau is ideally located in the Marais Poitevin, a starting point for walks, bike rides and boat trips... Garage 1h10 from the beaches 50 minutes from La Rochelle 1h15 from Puy du Fou

Comfortable stone house with large rooms, 1 enclosed garden with trees, 1 large terrace, 1 car park ... Situated 230 metres from the Port du Mazeau, this well-equipped house offers a relaxing stay for one or more families. The house is well insulated, particularly against heatwaves. You can take a boat trip along the canals of the Venise Verte, go cycling (you can borrow 2 bikes) and visit the beautiful surrounding villages. You can also drive to La Rochelle (50 minutes), the Ile de Ré (1 hour), the beaches of the Vendée (1 hour 15 minutes), the Futuroscope (1h30), Nantes (1h30) or Puy du Fou (1h10). This is the owner's main house, available to you when he goes on holiday.

The service and visitor centre in LE MAZEAU welcomes you to the heart of the Marais Poitevin. Situated in the centre of the village, near the town hall and the village hall, you’ll still find it a peaceful spot! For refreshments, you’ll find: the ‘Échoppe du Marais’ wine cellar and biscuit shop, the bakery, the ‘Au Bord de l’Eau’ restaurant, or ‘L’Orée du Marais’. Before or after your tastings, you can choose from a range of boat trips, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding or cycling by contacting “l’Embarcadère de la Venise Verte”, or explore the Marais on foot along its trails. During the summer season, a range of activities are organised by local businesses. On site, you’ll find free, unrestricted parking, including: 1 water supply point and 2 power points, each with 4 sockets (suitable for camping cars), as well as a waste water disposal point for black and grey water... For further facilities, the “Le Marais Sauvage” campsite is open from April to October.

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

You can discover this area through the work of the artists exhibiting at the old dairy (2.5 km), the cycle paths of the Vélo Francette (3.2 km) and Maillezais Abbey (9.4 km). You can also enjoy a nature excursion around the Mervent forest (35 km), as well as visiting the beaches and town of La Rochelle (53 km). The house comprises a kitchen, a living room with open fireplace, three bedrooms (each with 2 single beds, 2 twin beds and 1 double bed), a shower room, a separate toilet and a laundry area. The accommodation is on one level, but has internal steps. Outside, you will enjoy an unenclosed wooded plot with garden furniture, barbecue and deckchairs, and a parking space shared with the owners where you can park 2 cars (plug available for recharging electric vehicles). You will also have access to the owners' meadow, where you can watch hens roaming freely. The land is surrounded by canals, so you can enjoy a fishing spot and sail in the marsh using a boat, canoe and kayak. This gîte is next to the owners' accommodation and adjoins a house. Heating, beds made on arrival and towels included. Optional: End-of-stay cleaning: €60/stay. Additional charge: Tourist tax.

Since 2011, La Ferme de la Venise Verte has been a holiday rental in the heart of the Marais Poitevin. With its 5,000 m2 of enclosed wooded grounds, including a garden and orchard, this 3-star bed and breakfast is comfortably furnished and spacious (175 m2). 6 bicycles, a canoe, 2 kayaks and a rowing boat are available free of charge. Cycle paths and waterways nearby. Table tennis table Fishing facilities, Well-equipped kitchen with appliances and scullery, dining room, lounge, 3 bedrooms, bathroom with bath and shower, shower room with shower, 2 WCs. Wifi Internet, TV, DVD player To view more photos, please visit my website: www.lafermedelaveniseverte.fr 1h15 from Puy du Fou 1h10 from the beaches 45 minutes from La Rochelle

In an authentic setting on the banks of a millstream and the Sèvre Niortaise river, Stéphanie welcomes you to her characterful stone and exposed-beam gîte, combining old-world charm with a touch of modernity. Water is at the heart of this house, visible from every room! Ground floor: large kitchen (29.5 m²), dining room (34m²), living room (14m²) with fireplace and wood-burning stove, wc. Upstairs: family bedroom 1 (19 m²- 1 bed 140, 1 bed 90 in a separate communicating room), bedroom 2 (14.5 m²-1 bed 140), mezzanine (1 bed 90), wc and shower room. A wooded park of approx. 7,000 m² runs alongside the millstream and a stream, home to numerous crayfish. Unenclosed garden. Ideal for fishermen and hikers, you'll have direct access to the Sèvre. You'll come into contact with moorhens, ducks, coypu, swans and storks. Numerous hiking and biking trails

Beautifully restored typical farmhouse retaining its original character (whitewashed walls, regional furniture) located in the heart of the Marais Poitevin (Nature Park) on the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise, boat available. Enclosed garden 200m², garden furniture, 4 sun loungers, barbecue, terrace 50m² overlooking the Marais. Carport. Adjoining the owners' house, independent access. CHARMING GITE: Ground floor: dining room (36m²-fireplace with insert), living room (36m²-fireplace), kitchen (18m²), laundry room (wc). Attic floor: bedroom 1 (27m²-1 bed 160x200), bedroom 2 (18m²-2 beds 115), shower room (wc). Internet access (wifi from owner's ADSL box). Oil-fired central heating included in rates. Marais Poitevin on site, hiking and biking trails on site, Coulon 8km, La Rochelle 50 km, Ile de Ré 1h, Vendée beaches and Puy du Fou 90km, Futuroscope 1h10.