Écurie du Marais: adventures in Benet, Vendée

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)

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 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 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)

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?

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.

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.

Detached old house dating from 1900, situated in a hamlet in the heart of the Marais Poitevin, close to another gîte. Ground floor: living room/kitchen, telephone, wc. First floor: bathroom, 2 bedrooms (1 double bed)(1 double bed). Wifi internet access. Enclosed landscaped grounds of 70 m², covered terrace (garden furniture, barbecue), boules pitch, rowing boat available, fishing on site. Mountain bikes and bicycles for hire. Gîte with character: End-of-stay cleaning: €40/stay; Sheet hire for 1 or 2 people: €10/stay; Bathroom linen hire: €8/stay. In addition: Electric heating: general meter reading (deduction of 8 kWh per day for current consumption) - The owner provides the wood (recommended price based on 50 to 70€ per stere). The 1st flambé is free. - Tourist tax. Electric recharging point with fast and normal charging at the entrance to Aziré (D104).

Old house dating from 1900, located in a hamlet close to another gîte in the heart of the Marais Poitevin. Ground floor: living room (fireplace, telephone), kitchen, shower room, wc, storage room. First floor: bathroom/wc, 4 bedrooms (1 double bed in each). Wifi internet access. Enclosed landscaped grounds of 250 m² (garden furniture, barbecue), table tennis, boules pitch. Boat available, fishing on site. Bikes for hire. Gîte with character: End-of-stay cleaning: €60/stay; Sheet hire for 1 or 2 people: €10/stay; Bathroom linen hire: €8/stay. In addition: Electric heating: general meter reading (deduction of 8 kWh per day for current consumption) - The owner provides the wood (recommended price based on 50 to 70€ per stere). The 1st flambé is free. - Tourist tax. Electric recharging point with fast and normal charging at the entrance to Aziré (D104).

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).

Old restored outbuilding, located in a hamlet in the Marais Poitevin, adjoining unoccupied buildings. Ground floor: living room/lounge/kitchenette, wc. First floor: 2 attic bedrooms (1 double bed) (2 single beds), shower room. No Wifi. Mobile phone (deposit required). Enclosed landscaped grounds of 400 m², covered area (garden furniture, barbecue). Marshland on site, rowing boat available. Niort 16 km. Coulon 5 km. Electric recharging point with fast and normal charging at the entrance to Aziré (D104). Optional extra: Cleaning package: €40/stay; Sheet hire for 1 and 2 pers. 10€/bed/stay; Bathroom linen hire: 8€/person/stay. Additional charges: Tourist tax and electric heating: general meter reading (deduction of 8 kWh per day for current consumption). The owner provides the wood. Recommended price based on €50 to €70 per stere. The 1st flambé is free.

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.

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

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.

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.

Come and relax and eat at the picnic area of the commune of Coulon on the Gilbert Tesson car park.

The current structures were built between 1862 and 1872. The greens, located on the navigable network, are the property of the DDE watching over the river level and the blues belong to the unions of the wet marshes governing the adjacent networks (ditches and conches). Two water body heights are defined for each connecting link (part of a river between two locks and ensuring the maintenance of a water line sufficient for navigation), an upper water level threshold for rainy seasons and a lower threshold for warm seasons. They thus make it possible to reconcile public (boating) and private (agriculture) interests. In 2013, the public river domain was transferred to the Inter-departmental Institution of the Sèvre Niortaise basin. Located on the former haulage road, the Sotterie Lock Dam, classified as a fishing reserve, was restored in 2006.

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.

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.

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 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.

L'Embarcadère de l'Autize, in a small village typical of the Venise Verte region, 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!

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.

"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.

Traditional cuisine in a friendly atmosphere, on the very pretty harbour in the village of Courdault. This restaurant serves traditional local dishes such as frogs' legs, eels, Farci poitevin, jambon - Mogette (from Les Herbiers)...

All the products used come from organic farming (95% label). We favour short supply chains, sourcing directly from local producers. Pizzas Rossa (made with tomatoes) or Bianca (made with fresh cream).

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.

Chez Fanny" offers traditional cuisine with menus that change every 2-3 days. "Chez Fanny" offers you a range of dishes with a minimum of 3 starters, 3 main courses and 3 desserts in an atypical country atmosphere. Ideal for families: animals on site to keep the kids happy! You can eat in the barn or under a tent: western atmosphere guaranteed! Concert evenings: one-off menu at €25. Thursday and Friday evenings: all-you-can-eat raclette or fondue. Minimum 6 people. Reservations required. 23€/person. Wood-fired cooking at ChezFanny Maillezais Exceptional opening on the evenings of 29, 30 November 16:00/21:00 and 1 December 12:00/20:00 as well as on 06, 07 16:00/21:00 and 08 December 12:00/20:00. Grilled mogettes/fressure, roast camembert and smoked ham, pork belly and grilled potatoes.... Bread baked over a wood fire!

The Pizzeria de la Venise Verte is run by a baker, Kevin, and a cook, Noémie. Lovers of good food, they will offer you fresh, local produce to give you the very best! (honey from Maillezais, cheese from the Maillezais dairy, local and French vegetables). To take away, or to eat in (children's menu available). Pizzas (2 sizes), wraps, paninis, salads and desserts (including dessert of the day and tart of the day).

Immerse yourself in a friendly atmosphere where the crepe makers are in action. Achille is ideally located, offering a gourmet break to visitors strolling through the Marais, as well as history buffs discovering the charms of the nearby abbey. Its green terrace is very pleasant and refreshing. If the raindrops come to invite themselves to the meal, the crêperie welcomes you in its old traditional stone building. For your convenience, a nearby car park makes it easy to arrive, allowing you to concentrate fully on enjoying your meal. The whole Achille team is looking forward to welcoming you.

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.

In the heart of Venise Verte, La Ferme du Marais Poitevin welcomes you to its educational and holiday farm. Housed in an old market-garden farm, on a 10-hectare estate in Sainte Christine, a small village in the Venise Verte, Pascal, Mauve, Jérôme and Yvonne offer you the chance to stay in guest rooms, group gîtes, camping on the farm, a motorhome reception area or in gipsy caravans. On site: table d'hôtes, swimming pool, sale of farm produce, discovery of the Baudets du Poitou, milking of the Baudets, tour of the farm, nature activities, boat or canoe trips, walking and cycling routes. Black water drained on site if natural product added; for grey water: service area in nearby villages (Le Mazeau, Benet, Maillezais....). Campsite toilets and freezer available. Swimming pool and free Wi-Fi.

In the heart of Venise Verte, La Ferme du Marais Poitevin welcomes you to its educational and holiday farm. Set in an old market-garden farm, on a 10-hectare estate in the small village of Sainte Christine, Pascal, Yvonne, Mauve and Jérôme invite you to stay on their campsite close to the animals. You can stay on our large pitches, in our camper van area or in our gypsy caravans for a more unusual stay. You can enjoy our table d'hôtes, swimming pool, farm produce sales, donkey rides, farm visits, nature activities, bike hire, guided boat trips... Mauve, the environment and heritage coordinator, offers tours of the farm, educational activities, discovery workshops and guided walks. You'll discover the farm and its various endangered breeds, such as the Baudets du Poitou. Swimming pool & free WiFi.

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.

Enjoy a unique stay with family and friends in wonderful gypsy caravans on a farm campsite on the edge of the marsh. Our gipsy caravans are equipped with a dining area and a kitchen area with fridge - hob - microwave - coffee machine - crockery, a bedroom area with two 140cm bunk beds, a sleeping area with a dry toilet and access to the campsite's sanitary facilities for showers - washing up and toilets, heating for cooler nights, garden furniture and a barbecue for summer evenings. You can enjoy our table d'hôtes, swimming pool, nature activities, boat or canoe trips and guided walks, as well as our animals: Baudets, sheep, goats, rabbits, poultry... Take the opportunity to discover the Marais Poitevin and its many exceptional landscapes in a fun way, with family or friends.

Detached old house dating from 1900, situated in a hamlet in the heart of the Marais Poitevin, close to another gîte. Ground floor: living room/kitchen, telephone, wc. First floor: bathroom, 2 bedrooms (1 double bed)(1 double bed). Wifi internet access. Enclosed landscaped grounds of 70 m², covered terrace (garden furniture, barbecue), boules pitch, rowing boat available, fishing on site. Mountain bikes and bicycles for hire. Gîte with character: End-of-stay cleaning: €40/stay; Sheet hire for 1 or 2 people: €10/stay; Bathroom linen hire: €8/stay. In addition: Electric heating: general meter reading (deduction of 8 kWh per day for current consumption) - The owner provides the wood (recommended price based on 50 to 70€ per stere). The 1st flambé is free. - Tourist tax. Electric recharging point with fast and normal charging at the entrance to Aziré (D104).

Old house dating from 1900, located in a hamlet close to another gîte in the heart of the Marais Poitevin. Ground floor: living room (fireplace, telephone), kitchen, shower room, wc, storage room. First floor: bathroom/wc, 4 bedrooms (1 double bed in each). Wifi internet access. Enclosed landscaped grounds of 250 m² (garden furniture, barbecue), table tennis, boules pitch. Boat available, fishing on site. Bikes for hire. Gîte with character: End-of-stay cleaning: €60/stay; Sheet hire for 1 or 2 people: €10/stay; Bathroom linen hire: €8/stay. In addition: Electric heating: general meter reading (deduction of 8 kWh per day for current consumption) - The owner provides the wood (recommended price based on 50 to 70€ per stere). The 1st flambé is free. - Tourist tax. Electric recharging point with fast and normal charging at the entrance to Aziré (D104).