Camping de la Geres: Explore Nature in Surgeres

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

On the programme: - Friday 11/07: LES VERS LUISANTS / TETE DE OUF / OUTRAGE - Saturday 12/07: ATOMIC BRASS BAND / LES YEUX DLA TETE / BABYLON CIRCUS Doors open at 6pm. Prices : - Friday evening: €10.00 - Saturday night: €20.00 - 2-night pass: €25.00 - Children under 12: free Online booking on HelloAsso. Festival organised by the Comité d'Animation de Damvix.

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).

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, ecologically committed, we offer you a campsite on a human scale, simple and friendly. Our campsite has 55 spacious grassy bare pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, plus 2 "Tiny House toiles" 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 of 57 pitches: 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; A 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.

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!

Near downtown, huge park, toilets

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.

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...

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...

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

La Minoterie

WC / rubbish bins available Emptying facilities, water, electricity

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.

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).