Discover Relais de la Motte Aubert in Saint-Saturnin-du-Bois

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.

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 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.

Thanks to archaeological excavations, we find traces of occupation of the Rochénard site since the end of the 1st century and the beginning of the 2nd century AD. The 1978-79 excavations revealed a cemetery with burnt human and animal bones, fragments of ceramics and glass, as well as coins dating from the Roman period. You can find them at the Pierre-Henri Mitard cultural space in Usseau. Since 1287, the name of the commune has been in constant evolution but the toponymy is quite similar. The culture of the vine is the main activity of the commune in the XIXth century but the phylloxera puts an end to it. The inhabitants turned to livestock and cereal farming. In 1948, the commune was described as a "pilot" because it was a model for rural communes: electricity, running water, baths and showers, a rural home... -> Unmarked route

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

Espania, Hyspaniae, Espanes : The oldest names of Epannes, located on the ancient roads from Saintes to Angers and from Saintes to Poitiers, suggest that Spaniards are not strangers to its foundation. Perhaps Iberian legionnaires at the time of the Roman conquest of Gaul of which the village would have been an ancient military station? Have a good walk and don't forget that you are not alone on the paths you are going to 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. -> Unmarked itinerary

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.

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

All the cycle routes in the Deux-Sèvres Marais Poitevin have the same markings. On these markers (wooden beams with a turquoise plate), are indicated the numbers of the circuits in black. Here, follow the Number 3. The circuits are marked out in both directions, there is no specific starting point, you can start your walk wherever you like. Be careful, the small paths can be used by motorized vehicles. Safety instructions - Wearing a helmet is highly recommended. I ride on the right. I respect the rules of the road. I check the condition of my bike (brakes and lighting). I stay on the marked paths. I respect the marsh, a sensitive and classified site.

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.

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

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

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

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

If you love nature, hiking and cycling, this is the ideal place to come and recharge your batteries with family or friends. This spacious, detached house has a 400m² enclosed garden. The gîte is 800m from the Chizé Zoodyssée and 30 min from the Marais Poitevin.

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.

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

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.

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.

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...

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).

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

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.

The building that we see now dates from the XIVth and especially the XVIIIth century. The building has indeed evolved over the centuries. The original architectural plan presented four towers that flanked three wings of the castle. Two towers are still preserved and one of them still has the marks of the defense architecture. It was here that Eleonore Desmier d'Olbreuse, nicknamed the grandmother of Europe (thanks to the various marriages of her descendants) was born. It is a private property, but it is possible to make guided tours during the summer.

Usseau derives from "Ussena" meaning a hill planted with vines. The commune is composed of 5 hamlets nicknamed locally the "gaps". Located at the crossroads of an old Roman road leading from Saintes to Nantes, the village tells 2,000 years of local history at the Pierre-Henri Mitard cultural centre. Remains of several ancient sites have been revealed. Usseau is also the cradle of Eléonore Desmier, born in 1639 in Olbreuse and married to the Duke of Brunswick-Lunebourg-Zell, the elector of Hanover. Through the game of weddings, his descendants are present in 17 European dynasties, hence his nickname of "grandmother of Europe". Every two years, a summer show is organized in the courtyard of his castle to honour his memory. In 2019, Usseau joins forces with Priaires and Thorigny-s.-le-Mignon to form the new commune of Val-du-Mignon and becomes its capital.

Rebuilt in the 13th or 14th century, the castle consists of a quadrilateral flanked by four corner towers with four tiers of loopholes to guard against bands of prowlers during the wars. One of the walls was removed in 1760 to allow the construction of a wing perpendicular to the central dwelling, the enlargement of the windows and the raising of the first floor of the main building. At the end of the 19th century, the first floor of the wing was raised, its roof was replaced by a zinc-covered framework and the back tower was demolished. After a slow deterioration due to lack of funds, the castle was renovated in 1967 by Christiane Desmier d'Olbreuse and her husband Félix Maingueneau. It was listed in 1973. Private property. Free guided tour of the exterior from July to mid-August. For more information, contact Geneviève de Réals 05.49.04.98.65. and olbreusereals@free.fr

This water mill dates from the 19th century. Others are in the surrounding villages like Ussolière.

She was the wife of the Duke of Brunswick-Lunebourg-Zell, Elector of Hanover. In 1685, she welcomed into her duchy all the Protestant nobility of Poitiers who were under threat. Through intermarriage, the blood of the D'Olbreuse family is present in 17 European dynasties, hence its nickname of grandmother of Europe. There is a genealogical relationship with the Mitterrand family.

Street Food

Open all year round, Monday to Friday for lunch and Friday evening. Saturday noon, June to September. Evenings and Sundays upon reservation for groups.

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

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.

Let yourself succumb to the pleasure of the table at MaraiSnack, the restaurant at "Du Coq à l'Âne". Enjoy a shady terrace with a cozy atmosphere, reflecting the human warmth of Chef Olivier’s dishes! Our restaurant is 100% accessible to both visitors and non-visitors of the Park. A heart kitchen that Olivier the Chef offers you with pleasure under his shaded terrace of 100 m2. Let yourself be tempted by the ice cream with donkey’s milk or by the eel-fries house, um a treat! Local, fresh and seasonal products, our restaurant team offers you quality dishes and desserts to discover during your stay!

With 10 years' experience in the restaurant business, our chef has drawn inspiration from all over the world, harmoniously synthesizing the familiar and the unknown to create bold, refined flavors. When we arrived in Saint-Georges-de-Rex, we decided to name the restaurant Le Rexois after the inhabitants of this beautiful village, because we were welcomed with open arms and felt immediately at home. The restaurant is 100% home-made with local produce. From appetizer boards to salads, from local dishes to burgers accompanied by homemade cocktails!

Associative and cultural bar with various activities scheduled every weekend

House Bungalow 80 m2 2km from shops. Municipal pool of Colliberts, riding, hiking and biking hikes from the birthplace of René Caillé. At 15 minutes from the capital of the Marais Poitevin, 30 minutes from La Rochelle and Rochefort, 40 minutes from Ile de Re, 1 hour from the Island of Oléron, Futuroscope and Royan 1:30 Puy du Fou. Spoken language: Ukrainian.

Come and relax in the renovated Marie-Do, in the heart of the Niortaise countryside, 15 km from the Marais Poitevin and close to La Rochelle. Breakfast and meals with local products. Change of scenery and calm guaranteed! Capacity: 2 bedrooms for 4 people and 1 cot.

Between the Deux-Sèvres and the Charente-Maritime, longère in limestone of the country restored in guest house whose central basin of the courtyard welcomes you to the sound of the streaming water. Table d'hôte dinner on reservation (small homemade verrines, fresh local products, sweets). To do: stroll along the Mignon, between Antigny and Usseau; visit the Marais Poitevin on foot, by boat, bicycle or horse and discover its Romanesque abbeys; to go further on the beaches of the Ocean, to the Aquarium of La Rochelle, the zoo of La Palmyre, the Futuroscope, the islands of Oléron and Ré; witness the magic of Puy du Fou; golf or ULM at Antigny airport.

The Salvia gîte is part of a complex of 3 gîtes, including parking and buildings, on a 2700 m² plot on the outskirts of Usseau (Val-du-Mignon), 100 m from the village square and shops. The front of the gîtes faces our house. Ground floor: large stone room with open-plan kitchen, sofa bed and living room with fireplace. The toilet is under the wooden staircase. 1st floor: 2 bedrooms (one with a double bed and a Japanese room with 2 futons), bathroom with shower and washbasin. Outside: small courtyard with garden furniture and barbecue. A 200m² enclosed relaxation area is available for the 3 gîtes. The above-ground swimming pool is 1m20 high and measures a maximum of 7m by 4m. Water filling is subject to prefectoral restrictions.

The Solanum gîte is part of a complex of 3 gîtes, including parking and buildings, on a 2700 m² plot on the outskirts of Usseau (Val-du-Mignon), 100 m from the village square and shops. The front of the gîtes faces our house. Ground floor: large stone room with open-plan kitchen, sofa bed and living room with fireplace. The toilet is under the wooden staircase. 1st floor: 2 bedrooms (one with double bed and one with 2 single beds), bathroom with shower and washbasin. Outside: small courtyard with garden furniture and barbecue. A 200m² enclosed relaxation area is available for the 3 gîtes. The above-ground swimming pool is 1m20 high and measures a maximum of 7m by 4m. Water filling is subject to prefectoral restrictions.

The Passiflora gîte is part of a complex of 3 gîtes, including parking and buildings, on a 2700 m² plot on the outskirts of Usseau (Val-du-Mignon), 100 m from the village square and shops. The front of the gîtes faces our house. Ground floor: large stone room with open-plan kitchen, sofa bed and living room with fireplace. The toilet is under the wooden staircase. 1st floor: 2 bedrooms (one with double bed and one with 2 single beds), bathroom with shower and washbasin. Outside: small courtyard with garden furniture and barbecue. A 200m² enclosed relaxation area is available for the 3 gîtes. The above-ground swimming pool is 1m20 high and measures a maximum of 7m by 4m. Water filling is subject to prefectoral restrictions.