Farm Camping in Ballon, Charente-Maritime

From Camping La Brande to Chateau d' Oleron, you can walk along the coast to the east and reach the ramparts of Chateau d' Oleron up to La Citadelle and return to the campsite via the moats, walking around the town fortified by Vauban and the beach.

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.

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.

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

Come and discover the incredible heritage of Usseau, Antigny and Olbreuse !

In 2019, Usseau joins with Priaires and Thorigny-sur-le-Mignon to form the new commune of Val-du-Mignon and becomes its chief town.

Lined up along a straight main street and crossed by two reaches and the Courance, the village and its hamlets continue this peasant tradition by living today from dairy farming, egg production and cereal crops. Have a good walk and remember that you are not alone on the paths you will take. We therefore 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 -> Marking: not marked except for signs on the path of the maraîchine.

Detached old house on the banks of the canal. Ground floor: living room/kitchen area (fireplace), WC, bedroom with shower room (1 x 140cm bed). 1st floor: 3 bedrooms (2 x 901cm beds) (1 x 140cm bed) (1 x 140cm bed and 1 x 90cm bed), shower room, WC. Wifi internet access. Enclosed landscaped grounds of 500 m² with terrace (garden furniture, barbecue), bowling green. Fishing area. Options : End-of-stay cleaning: €80/stay; Sheet hire for 1 or 2 people: €10/stay; Towel hire: €8/stay. Extra: Electric heating on individual meter reading on heating (to be paid to the owner); Wood: 1st flambé free, additional basket: €7.

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.

Gîte in a former lock keeper's house, adjoining another gîte, situated on the banks of the Canal des 5 Abbés. Ground floor: living room/kitchen area (fireplace, freezer), shower room and WC accessible to disabled persons, 2 bedrooms (1 double bed) (2 single beds). No Wifi. Shared tumble dryer in outside room. Communal landscaped grounds with private area of 240 m², private enclosed terrace of 8 m² (garden furniture, barbecue, 1 deckchair), carport. Fishing on site (equipped technical room), pontoon available for disabled access. Options: End-of-stay cleaning: €80/stay; Sheet hire for 1 or 2 people: €10/stay; Sheet hire for 1 or 2 people: €10/stay. 10€/stay; Bathroom linen hire: 8€/pers/stay. Additional charges: Electric heating: 8€/day (payable to the owner).

Gîte in a former lock keeper's house, adjoining another gîte, situated on the banks of the Canal des 5 Abbés. Ground floor: living room/kitchen area (fireplace, freezer), 1/2 step to shower room, wc, 1 bedroom (1 double bed). No Wifi. Shared tumble dryer in outside room. Shared landscaped grounds with private area of 225m², private enclosed terrace of 8 m² (garden furniture, barbecue, deckchair). Carport. Options: End-of-stay cleaning: €50/stay; Sheet hire for 2 pers. 10€/stay; Bathroom linen hire: 8€/pers/stay. Extra charge: Electric heating: 8€/day (payable to the owner).

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).

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

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.

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...

Priaire(s), which is written with or without the final "s", is quoted for the first time in 1044 in the cartular of the abbey of St-Jean-d'Angély and belonged to the Aunis under the generality and election of La Rochelle, then Deux-Sèvres in 1790. Its terroir was once in one of the Cognac appellation areas. The vines, cultivated over a large area, produced excellent spirits until the phylloxera crisis of 1873, gradually giving way to cooperative dairies and cereal crops. In 2019, the village merges with Usseau and Thorigny-s.-le-Mignon to form the new commune of Val-du-Mignon. It is by taking the time to stroll that we discover the richness of the rural built heritage strongly inspired by the architecture of the nearby Charente department. To see: Notre-Dame church (baptismal font of 1629).

In a charter of July 1039, William I, Lord of Parthenay (990-1054), invited by Pope John XIX to take under his protection the abbey of Saint-Jean-d'Angély, grants it the court (curtis) of Priaire(s). This donation is the origin of the foundation of the priory (now disappeared). Formerly part of the diocese of Saintes and the archpriesthood of Surgères, the church was united with the parish of Usseau in 1813. It replaced the old sanctuary, whose poverty was highlighted by the 1688 and 1718 visits. To be seen: baptismal font from 1629 and a curious bell tower-wall with a bracketed arch and a cross.

Come and relax and eat at the picnic area (4 tables) in the commune of Priaires.

In 2019, the village will merge with Usseau and Thorigny-sur-le-Mignon to form the new commune of Val-du-Mignon and become a delegated commune with Usseau as its chief town. It is a rural village, and today it is home to the only certified sustainable agriculture farm in the department and a tobacco producer. It is by taking the time to stroll along the Subite and the Coudre that one discovers the richness of the built heritage strongly inspired by the architecture of the neighbouring Charente department. Its warm limestone hillock is also favourable to the blossoming of some thirty varieties of orchids growing in the woods and along the berms (narrow paths between a canal and an earthen embankment): Goat orchid, Spider orchid, Woodcock orchid, Hanging man orchid, Bird's nest orchid...

One of the southernmost communes of the Communauté d'Agglomération de Niort, on the border of the Deux-Sèvres and the Charente-Maritime, the smallest and least populated of the canton of Mauzé-sur-le-Mignon, Priaire(s), which is written with or without a final s, is mentioned for the first time in 1044 in the cartulary of the abbey of Saint-Jean-d'Angély and belonged to the Aunis region, under the jurisdiction of the generality and election of La Rochelle, then of the Deux-Sèvres in 1790. Its terroir was once in one of the Cognac appellation areas. The vineyards, cultivated over a large area, produced an excellent eau-de-vie until the phylloxera crisis of 1873, which gradually gave way to cooperative dairies and cereal crops.

Come and relax and eat at the picnic area of the commune of Le Bourdet, located on Le Maraicher.

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).

Street Food

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.

Restaurant-bar serving pizza, burgers and traditional home-cooked food. Takeaway or on-site buffet service (starters, desserts) and dish of the day. Themed cuisine for "weekend specials": frogs' legs, eels, mussels and chips, couscous, etc.

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.

Open to all, the restô offers grilled meats all summer long, as well as platters of cold meats and cheeses... Chips, mogettes and ratatouille accompany grilled andouillettes, beef steaks or chicken supremes. Open for lunch in July and August. Guinguette atmosphere on Friday and Sunday evenings!

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

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.

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).

WC / rubbish bins available Emptying facilities, water, electricity

La Minoterie

At the gateway to the Marais Poitevin, between land and sea and close to the coast, Laurence and Benoît offer you 4 rooms in the heart of a large garden planted with trees and flowers, for an authentic and relaxing family getaway. With simplicity and conviviality, you can enjoy the accommodation as well as a range of sports and leisure activities..

We welcome you in our house of 1850 located in a small village at the gates of the Marais Poitevin. It is composed of 3 rooms with private bathroom and 2 rooms in shared bathroom. These can be rented as an apartment, as there is a kitchen and a dining room on the same floor. You will be able to take advantage of our library and patio to relax. In our village, we are close to all shops. A calm and soothing getaway at the gates of the Marais Poitevin.