Poitevin marsh

National Park of France

Thousands of hectares of land created by men during the Middle Age.

The Poitevin Marsh has two different sides, one dry with meadows, another wet with a lot of canals. But what can we do in that swamp? Take a boat through the canal, ride a bike to discover the land, go on a walk, visit the various museums. A lot of options are available to explore this natural area, you just need to choose one!

Download the map of the Poitevin marsh26MB

©Alexandre Lamoureux pour Vendée Expansion

Poitevin marsh

Boat ride

The Green Venice is how we call the wet part of the Poitevin marsh.

It is near Fontenay-le-Comte and it’s the most popular part of the swamp. There, you can enjoy a boat ride with a guide who will explain the history of this exceptional land. Down below you will find the list of all the piers.

Boat ride in the Green Venice

Poitevin marsh

Hiking and biking trails

If a boat ride isn’t your cup of tea, you can discover the marsh another way, either by foot, by bike, on horseback or even with a donkey ride

Family outings, by bike and by foot

ORIGINAL VÉLO TOUR

Historical sites to visit in the marshes

If you wish to know more about the history of the swamp, how it was made, how it works, its custom and its wildlife, you might want to check the Dike supervisor’s house in Chaillé-les-Marais or the house of the Poitevin marsh in Coulon…