Explore the charms of Benon, Charente-Maritime

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.

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 8. 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.

2 PR connected by a linear of 1.7 km along the canal of Mignon.

This course is part of the Niort - Marais Poitevin Trail Station. Without doubt a royal course for beginners and those who are looking for a place to recover actively This trail originates from a variety of strawberry that bears fruit for 40 days. These atypical strawberries were known at the court of the kings of France! Enjoy this trail in the peaceful territory of the Niort Marais Poitevin trail station! -> Trail Station marked out course

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.

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 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!

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.

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.

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).

This small riverside campsite offers 27 spacious, green pitches. 11 rentals: Coco Sweet (4 pers), Bungalow toilé (1/5 pers), Tentes Tipi (1/3 pers), Tentes Tipi Family (4/6 pers), la p'tite perchée (2 pers), la grande perchée (4 pers). Catering on site throughout the season, with a more extensive menu in July and August (Wednesday to Sunday). Sanitary facilities accessible to people with reduced mobility. Children's play area. Canoes, pedalos, paddles and bicycles for hire. For cousinades or other events, a 150m² Berber tent is available for hire. In season: guinguette afternoons and evening aperitif concerts.

Apero concerts at the O p'tit marais campsite in Vix: A Friday evening by the water, with good music... In short, everything you need for a great evening out! JULY : 10/07: The Jouby's (rocksteady) 17/07: Octopus King (kraken'roll) 24/07: Golden Parachute (turbo pirates party) 31/07: Nini Poulin (neo French chanson) AUGUST 07/08: Radio Byzance (live electro world) 14/08: Fab I and I (reggae music) + The Rezident (Danakil DJ) 15/08: Flower Toaster (rockab' twist'n roll) + Arnofantomas (rock & fun mix) 21/08 :La Route des Airs (French chanson) + Les Sympatikeufs (zik and humour) 28/08: Panda Bisou (hip hop swing balkanik) + DJ Mapleboy (dj set disco rock electro) Reservations at the ticket office: www.optitmarais.fr/billetterie/ Price: €4 / under 14s free To enter the site you will be asked for your tickets, so remember to print them out or have them on your smartphone. Admission will be free for campers staying at the campsite (remember to print out your holiday vouchers). Tickets will be available every Monday evening from 7pm for the following Fridays. Bar and snacks on site (no credit card required for snacks). Sundays: Guinguette (from 12 July to 23 August). Shows from 4pm. Wednesday evenings (from 8 July to 26 August): all-you-can-eat mussels and chips + live concert = 16 euros / booking essential.

Guinguettes Sundays, open to all! Musical entertainment from 4pm. July : 12/07: Les copains des Bois (festive songs) 19/07: Le Tarot des Marais (fairground theatre show) 26/07: Anisette et les Glaçons (retro burlesque trio) August : 02/08: Les Trimardeurs (locomobile company) 09/08: Mimi Triple Bordel (festive song trio) 16/08: Lady la Fée (hybrid rock kabaret) 23/08 : Cpatain Mike (pirate songs) A warm and happy atmosphere, in a lush green setting by the water! The campsite offers a snack bar restaurant with platters of cold meats, cheeses, beer, wine and soft drinks... Wednesday evenings: all-you-can-eat mussels and chips + live concert = 16 euros / reservations essential Friday evenings: apérô concerts from 8.30pm (booking required) from 10 July to 28 August.)

Mussels and chips on Wednesdays with live music – open to all! July: 08/07: Bilbao / Music of the nomadic world 15/07: M Pyl / Versatile folk music 22/07: Les Zoives / Festi'guinguette songs 29/07: De La Mancha / Festive music August: 05/08: Mazi Missouk / Fusion songs 12/08: Les Zazoux / Burlesque and unconventional acoustic duo 19/08: Décalé Catin / Zouk'n roll 26/08: Les Mains dans les Poches / French songs Booking required. All-you-can-eat mussels and chips / €16 A warm and cheerful atmosphere, in a leafy setting by the water! The campsite has a restaurant and snack bar: platters of cold meats, cheeses, beers, wines and non-alcoholic drinks... Sunday afternoons: Guinguette – free and open to all from 4pm, 12 July to 23 August. Friday evenings: aperitif concerts from 8.30pm (booking required), 10 July to 28 August.

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).

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 lake with a small park with trees.

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.

In 1315, the Lord of Mauzé “had land cut off” to create a port. In 1714, King Claude Masse’s engineer visited the port of Chaban and Mauzé, which was threatened with ruin. A canal project was examined in 1808 by Napoleon I. From 1843 to 45, the Mignon canal was built from the Bazoin lock to the port of Gueux (near Sazay), then extended from 1880 to 83 to Mauzé to connect the municipality to the sea by the Sèvre Niortaise and allow the transport by gauge of goods. Quickly competed by rail, then the road, the largest port of Green Venice is soon abandoned. In 1996, it was rehabilitated as part of the Grand Travaux du Marais poitevin, but remained inaccessible to boats since the canal is currently navigable from Bazoin to a little upstream of La Grève-s.-le-Mignon.

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...).

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...).

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.

Near downtown, huge park, toilets

At the crossing of Poitou and Aunis, Mauzé takes its name from "Mauseacum" meaning placed in the middle of the waters. Built on the banks of the Mignon, the city develops around the seigneurial castle and close to a toll. In the 17th century, she was subjected to the Dragonnades in the image of Protestant Jean Migault, a refugee in Breuil-Barrabin, the city’s district. The wine and brandies trade ensured the municipality a major economic boom in the 18th century. After the phylloxera crisis, minotiers and dairy replaced little to little coopers and carts. Mauzé is also the birthplace of the adventurer René Caillié whom she honours every year. What to see: the port of Mignon, the two towers of the castle of XIIIè s. (private), the church of St-Pierre (tabernacle of the XVIIè s. classified), the park of the former Moulin à Drap (private), the Old Mill, the fairground and its bandstand...

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.

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.

Street Food

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 of the setting. 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).

Independent renovated single storey house in a hamlet in the Marais Poitevin, 3 km from the town, close to the owner. Arbor, garden furniture, barbecue, swing, sandpit. Free boat. Panda educational pack. Electric heating, chips. Television. Kitchen diner, lounge, bathroom, bedrooms with 2 beds 112, 1 bed 140, 1 cot toilet.

Villa Coco" is a beautifully renovated 200m² stone house dating from 1800. On the first floor, it features a large living room, a fully-equipped kitchen, a master suite with a 140cm double bed and en-suite bathroom/WC, and a laundry room with WC. Upstairs, you'll find 2 further master suites with double beds (140cm) and en-suite shower rooms/WCs, 2 bedrooms each with a single bed (120cm) and 2 single bunk beds, a bathroom/WC and a games room with TV, pool table, table soccer, board games... Outside, enjoy a 90m² covered terrace with barbecue and ping-pong table, a 9mx4m heated swimming pool open from April to mid-October, a pétanque court and a large shady garden. Kayaks for 2-3 people are available free of charge for trips on the river at the end of the cul-de-sac.

House located in a beautiful set of restored stone buildings at 3km from the village. Shaded garden (550m²), courtyard, proximity of a waterway (canals of the Marais Poitevin). Garden furniture, barbecue, portico, ping-pong, table soccer. The owners cultivate the famous angelica which makes the reputation of the city of Niort. GROUND FLOOR: kitchen (24m²), living room (36m²-fireplace), bedroom 1 (17m²-1 bed 140), bedroom 2 (15m²-2 beds 90, baby bed), bathroom, wc. FLOOR: mezzanine (1 bed 140). Central heating included in the price. Adsl box dedicated to the gite. Cell phone available (please buy a card). Ideally located to visit La Rochelle at 1/2h and the Marais Poitevin (boat rides, marked circuits, bike rental). Pier of the Port de Montfaucon in St Hilaire la Palud 6km, Mauzé sur le Mignon 3.5km (market, shops, train station), Niort 26km (market, museum..)

Restored market garden house located in a hamlet 1km from the village, on a large property, in the extension of the owners' house but without opposite. Private terrace 25m² (claustra), garden furniture, 2 sunbeds, barbecue, enclosed garden (210m²) by hedges and gutters (dry in summer). Ground floor: kitchen-living room (48m²), laundry room, bedroom 1 (10m²-1 bed 140), shower room, wc. Floor: bedroom 2 (11m²-2 beds 90), bedroom 3 (10m²-1 bed 90, 1 bed 140). Floor heating (electric, extra charge), baby equipment. Telephone: mobile (plan to buy card). Internet connection box dedicated to the gite. Niort 15km (market, museums, train station), Marais Poitevin on site, boat rental 7km, La Rochelle 1/2h, Futuroscope 1h, Puy du Fou 1h15.

WC / rubbish bins available Emptying facilities, water, electricity

Located on the banks of the River Le Mignon, the Gué municipal campsite invites you to relax. Its shady and spacious pitches ensure you tranquility and comfort. Fishing and health trip on site. Less than one kilometer: swimming pool, skate park and tennis courts, horse riding (2 km). Markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays, many shops and restaurants (fast and traditional) open all year round. Mauzé, rich in its history and its natural environment, to discover by taking the hiking trails that will lead you to the Marais Poitevin. Mauzé is located between Niort (25 km), Rochefort (40 km) and La Rochelle (40 km).