Les Embarcadères du Marais Poitevin
Welcome aboard for a family boat trip through the Marais Poitevin
What can be said about this little corner of paradise, where time stands still for those who take the time to enjoy it. Forget the stresses and cares of everyday life and immerse yourself in the unspoilt natural surroundings of ‘Venise Verte’ ! The best way to enjoy the Marais Mouillé to the full is to take a trip in a traditional punt to discover the mysterious, unique maze of channels – a truly memorable experience.
Climb aboard with family or friends at one of the thirteen quays in Deux-Sèvres. Go along the ‘conches’ (narrow canals) of the Marais in the morning or evening to catch sight of the abundant local wildlife. Children and grownups will be enthralled to listen to the history of the Marais Mouillé recounted by a boatman as he propels the punt along with a pole.
Venise Verte – a land of enchantment !
Couples seeking a romantic getaway need look no further. The writer Ernest Pérochon described the Cathedral of Greenery: « In the Marais there are hundreds of similar little canals and we have every right to say that it is very beautiful, particularly as on several occasions great people who have travelled far and wide made no secret of their admiration of this delightful place ».
Discover the ecology of the Marais in the company of a knowledgeable boatman-guide who will tell you all about the people who work there, fishing techniques and how Man has changed the landscape. You will be experts on dragonflies, eels and coypu and can even experience the curious phenomenon of « fire on the water »… !
If you fancy having a go at punting, then hire one to explore the canals by yourself.
An early morning boat ride is the best way to observe wildlife. The beautiful scenery is definitely worth getting up early for. Admire the sunset while sitting in a punt at twilight – a wonderful way to discover the Marais!
Exploring the Marais Poitevin
Here are the addresses of some quays where you can hire boats or take a boat trip :
Embarcadère Bardet-Huttiers at Arçais :
https://marais-arcais.com/
Embarcadère Prada at Coulon :
http://www.le-maraispoitevin.com/
Embarcadère Cardinaud at La Repentie de Magné :
http://www.embarcadere-cardinaud.fr/
Embarcadère du Parc Ornithologique at St Hilaire La Palud
https://www.aunis-maraispoitevin.com/sites-visite/les-oiseaux-du-marais-poitevin-embarcadere-et-parc-ornothologique/
Embarcadère Port de Montfaucon at St Hilaire La Palud
http://embarcadere-port-montfaucon.fr/
Visit « Les Oiseaux du Marais » Bird Park at Saint Hilaire la Palud
«Les Oiseaux du Marais » at Saint Hilaire la Palud is a real feast for the eyes where more than 300 birds of 70 species live on 8 hectares of wild marshland. Observe the birds, learn about the abundant plant life and watch a film on a giant screen about the different landscapes and birds of the Marais.
After the indispensable boat ride, hop on a bike to discover the scenery from a different point of view. The cycle routes are in total harmony with the surrounding nature: board walks, bridges, traffic-free greenways and cycle paths are just waiting for you – so start pedalling !
On a fine summer’s day we climbed aboard a traditional rowing boat for a memorable trip along the water. We glided through the maze of canals in hot sunshine which was tempered by the coolness of the surroundings. After a very shaky start, we managed to master the oars and improved as the journey progressed ! The scenery was amazing and so peaceful, just perfect for holiday makers seeking tranquillity and a change of scene.
How to get to Niort :
By rail : to Niort on Paris-La Rochelle TGV line.
Niort is less than 2 hours from Paris !
By road :
Autoroute A83 : exits 9, 10 and 11
Autoroute A10 (from Paris) : exits 32 and 33
Niort- Paris : approx. 400km
Niort-Bordeaux : 180km
Niort-Nantes : 150km
Discover Deux-Sèvres with Gites de France Deux-Sèvres : Niort and its Regional Natural Park, Parthenay, Château d'Oiron, Royal Abbey of Celles-sur-Belle , Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park "
