Chambon, Charente-Maritime, Poitou-Charentes

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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 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

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.

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.

At the end of the dead end of the Gachère, the Cabane du Port has a typically maraîchine architecture and name. The "cabane" refers to a peasant dwelling erected on the edge of the "wet" marshes (flooded in winter) and the "port" to a pier where the boats with their cargo of hay, mogettes, ash wood, eels and pikes would glide along... The gully escapes towards the "Marais Sauvage", which is less impoverished than it was originally, since it was developed into vast plots of grassland in the second half of the 19th century. The outbuildings, linked to the house by the "ballet" (courtyard), house a "ponne", a monolithic tank for washing clothes. A line of ox bones used to hang fishing nets or trellises runs along the front of the building. This independent gîte, facing south over a garden, has two bedrooms: one with three 90 cm beds, two of which are bunk beds, the other with a 140 cm bed.

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.

It is a natural area of 8 ha, in the heart of the wild marsh, in which are presented more than 70 species of birds of the Poitevin Marsh and the domestic animals created in the Poitou. In order to recognize them, information panels and birdwatching modules are at your disposal along the discovery trail. Also learn to recognize the wet marsh’s wild trees and plants. At the end of the visit, a film will take you over the landscapes of the Poitevin Marsh and you will discover in their intimacy the birds of this region. A maze awaits you punctuated with ludo-educational panels on migration. Track games and playground for children. Boat ride with or without guide. Provision of picnic and rest areas. Catering based on fresh and local products and souvenir shop. 1 star in the Michelin Green Guide 2018.

In a privileged natural setting, in the heart of the wild marsh in the classified part of La Venise Verte, our family campsite in the middle of nature will allow you to discover this great Site of France on foot, by bike, by boat or by canoe. On site swimming pool, pier for walks with or without guide, bike rental and bar/restaurant... Everything you need for a great holiday!

In a privileged natural setting, in the heart of the wild marshes in the listed part of La Venise Verte, come and enjoy a cosy little nest on the water's edge for a calm and serene interlude for two (2 nights minimum). Within the campsite you will find a jetty for guided or unguided walks, bike hire, a swimming pool and a bar/restaurant.

Apéros Concerts at Camping O P'tit Marais de Vix : A Friday evening by the water, with good music... In short, everything you need to spend a very pleasant evening! JULY : 05/07: DJUSU (Afro-rock Psyche) + DJ Ranium (Mix-rock - Disco) 12/07: La Saugrenue (Balluche Sound System) + DJ Set 19/07: La Corde Raide (Festive and spicy songs) and ArnoFantomas (Mix World) 26/07: Les Frangins (Acoustic and Festive Trio) + DJ Aka DJ Set AUGUST 02/08: Basher'Z (Caribbean Swing & Reggae Soul) + Mirkadub (Reggae, Roots, Dub) 09/08: KillBilly (Rockabilly) + Billy Boy (Rock'n roll mix) 16/08: Passion Coco (Psychedelic Cumbia) + R-Uno La Camioneta (Cumbia World Mix) 23/08: The Molotovs (Rock UK) + Nestor Mabur le Sympatikeuf (Opération Maintien au Désordre Public) 30/08: Ema Yazurloi (Electro Cumbia) + DJ Zoreil (Mix World) To make it easier to manage the number of people attending, we've opted for an online ticketing system at www.optitmarais.fr. When you enter the site, you'll be asked for your tickets, so don't forget 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 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 7 July to 25 August), from 10am. Oysters and white wine. Shows from 4pm. Tuesdays: Y'a pas restô, mais y'a Jeux - Apérô, from 7pm.

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.

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...

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).

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.

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.

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.

Open July-August: Wednesday to Sunday (all lunchtimes) Discovery cruise (approx. 30 km), relaxation, gastronomy and historical commentary, in a unique setting on the Sèvre Niortaise, to delight the eye and the mind. For group rates, there is one free ticket for every 20 paying visitors. The Huttier (€49), Collibert (€64) and children's menus (€29 to €39) are available in April, May, June, July, August and September, with the exception of the Boat Choat menu (€54). Boarding at 11.45am. Return from the cruise at around 15:30-16:00.

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!

Associative and cultural bar with various activities scheduled every weekend

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.

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!

In the heart of the small village of Arçais, in a hamlet bathed in calm and greenery, with its authentic houses, our establishment welcomes you in a cosy setting where hospitality and know-how go hand in hand. Just 100 metres from the boat departures to discover the Venise Verte, near the footpaths and cycle routes, you will enjoy traditional market garden cuisine, based on local produce; refined, original cuisine and a menu that changes with the seasons. A daily menu is offered every day of the week. Our chef's homemade cuisine is a delight to share! Our restaurant is open on weekends in low season (February, March, October and November) and the following days are closed: from April to September (Sunday evening, Monday and Thursday evening).

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

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.

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.