100% Nature Experience: Day 1

DAY 1 : A bucolic escapade in the heart of the Green Venice.

For this first 100% nature escapade, we take you to the Regional Natural Park of the Marais Poitevin. It is one of the largest classified sites in France. It is an invitation to romance. There is something timeless in observing this universe shaped for centuries by men. The painters are not mistaken and they are numerous to draw their inspiration in this living picture where the man and the nature are only one.

To organize your day, here are some tips…

• Plan to wake up at dawn (at least not too late to fully enjoy the day we will concoct for you).
• A picnic (you will find many bucolic places in the Marais to enjoy this moment).
• Water and sunscreen (especially if you plan to go on a boat or bike ride).

Direction Maillezais.

It takes an hour to get there but you won’t regret it.
It is the gateway to the Marais Poitevin.
And above all, you will discover the abbey of Maillezais, an architectural jewel which will not fail to dazzle you. You will discover the art of living of the monks in the Middle Ages in a playful way.
Indeed, every summer, shows and musical animations give rhythm to the days.
You will also be able to attend a spectacular projection on the walls of the abbey, which lasts about twenty minutes, and which tells the tormented history of this building.

Coulon, the capital of the Marais Poitevin…

We invite you to continue your visit to Coulon, the nerve center of the Marais. It is a nice stop to make. This flowery village is built around the Sèvre Niortaise which flows peacefully in its center. There are several piers where you can rent a boat and explore the Marais. Numerous stalls will allow you to bring back souvenirs and to taste local specialities (eels, frog legs, pate de ragondin, farci poitevin…).

The right address: To do some shopping, go to Saveurs Régionales. Mr. Godard by his bonhomie and his love of the Marais will make you discover his local products.

The unmissable boat trip to the place called “La Garette”:

A beautiful escape on the canals of the Green Venice, what do you say!
Guided tour or solo, you will choose the type of walk that best suits your desires.
You won’t have any trouble finding a pier and renting a boat, but admittedly, they are not all equally interesting.

We have tested a multitude of them for you… And one “spot” stands out clearly.
This is the Ash Tree Pier in Sansais. The walk is sublime. We find there all that makes the charm of the Marais. From the first strokes of the oar, as you walk along the flowered houses that border the Conche des Cabanes de Sansais, you will be struck by the beauty of this little corner of paradise.

NB: To get there from Coulon, take the Route de la Garette and park just after the bridge on the Place du Port. You will walk up the Rue des Gravées on your right.

At the end of this journey and if you still have some energy left, do not hesitate to take the secondary roads. The villages of Arçais, classified as a small town of character, and Damvix are not lacking in attraction. Finally, it will be time to think about the return and take a well-deserved rest.