Le Marais Poitevin, Coulon, France is at the western end of this European country. Also known as Poitevin Marsh, this is a wide area of marshlands or marais, around 970 squareer (370 sq mi). Le Marais Poitevin is a natural treasure, and it is best to explore its intertwined canals from a boat. The area is divided into three zones; the Coastal zone; the Dry Darsh, used for agriculture; and the Wet Marsh or la Venise Verte (Green Venice). Get on board a traditional boat to start your journey through a maze with the brightest green shades you have ever seen.
Things to Do
The Green Venice
You can start your journey from two points: from the small town of Coulon, or the village of Arçais. Sailing through these canals is a unique experience, and you feel as if you are floating on a green cloud. The layer of duckweed settled on the surface covers the water completely and doesn’t allow a glimpse at it.
You will be sailing in a barque, a flat-bottomed, wooden boat, used for centuries to haul lumber, grain, and livestock. During your trip, your boatman guide may stop for a moment to show you the traditional “boiling water”. You will see him poking the surface of the water with a stick called pigouille; when he deems it perfect, he takes out a lighter and voilà! The water is now on fire, a phenomenon that seems almost impossible right in front of your eyes.
La Rochelle’s Natural History Museum
Visit La Rochelle’s Natural History Museum to see colorful displays and videos of the flora and fauna of the region’s remarkable ecosystem. The figures displayed in the museum are so realistic that it feels more like an indoor safari.
Donkey walks
Exploring the trails that snake through Marais Poitevin is one of the top activities in the area. And walking with the help of a donkey makes it even better! Spend an entire day or just half a day hiking around the region with your donkey friend. These friendly animals are really obedient, so there is nothing to worry about.
Hot-air balloon
You have the chance of admiring Marais Poitevin from a different point of view. Head to Le Mazeau in Vendée for a hot-air balloon trip that shows you the best sides of the region. You can see the big cows slowly become tiny spots of brown on the wide green soil. And far away, you can get a glimpse at La Rochelle.
How to get there
If you are coming by train, take the TGV Paris-La Rochelle. Two stops are possible: in Niort or Mauzé-sur-le-Mignon.
If you are flying, the two closest airports are La Rochelle’s (LRH) and Poitiers’ (PIS). The aerodrome Niort Marais Poitevin offers a 24-hour service, 7 days a week. Just call before your arrival or your departure.
When to go
From April through October, you can rent boats. Wildfowl migrations pass through the Marais in spring and fall. Besides, it is the perfect time to visit the Parc Ornithologique (Bird Park) in St.Hilaire-la-Palud, west of Niort. Furthermore, yellow irises bloom along the canals in late spring. Visit at fall if you want to see the “burning water” spectacle.
How long do I go for
One day is enough to visit this magical place and enjoy all the activities that it has to offer.
Opening and Closing Hours
July and August
Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 12:45 pm and from 2:15 pm to 6:30 pm.
Sunday from 9:30 am to 12:45 pm.
April, May, June, and September
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Monday from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Wednesday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Closed on Sundays.
October to March
Monday from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm.
Tuesday and Friday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm.
Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Closed on Sundays.
Planning
Visitors can explore the Marais on foot, by bicycle, or paddle a rented canoe. But to best observe this ecosystem and its flora and fauna, reserve a barque and guide in advance for a canal ride in the filtered light of early evening.
For easy access to the dense maze of canals that make up the most interesting section of the Marais, head for Arçais. The village’s streets lead down to a row of canalside jetties. Here, you can make boat reservations before enjoying a leisurely lunch. Maps for biking and boating are available at the tourism office facing the church.
Inside Information
Car rental is available in La Rochelle and Niort. Besides, allow a week if you want to tour the maritime and dry areas as well. Also, lists of accommodations are available at the tourist offices in Coulon, Arçais, and Niort. Since the region is popular among English-speaking tourists, there is almost no need to learn French before your visit. However, knowing a few phrases never hurts; and if you do, you will be welcomed with more kindness and warmth.
Entry Requirements
Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay, and there’s no need for any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this. EU, EEA, Swiss citizens, and non-EU citizens who are visa-exempt (e.g. New Zealanders and Australians), only need a passport which is valid for the entirety of their stay in France.
On the other hand, nationals who are required to have a visa must have a passport with at least 3 months’ validity beyond their period of stay in France.
Local Laws and Customs
Make sure you’re able to prove your identity, like providing documents (passport or photo driving license) when asked.
Hiding your face in public places is illegal in France, be it with balaclavas, full veils or any other garment or mask. Not complying with this ban is punishable with a fine of up to €150.
Money
France uses the euro (€), like many other European countries, and one euro is divided into 100 cents.
US$1 ≈ €0.89
UK£1 ≈ €1.18
Australian $1 ≈ €0.61
Canadian $1 ≈ €0.69
Rental outlets in both Coulon and Arçais offer identical services for the same prices. €12 for a single kayak per hour and €35 for half-day rental. A three-place canoe can go from €15 to €40, and a six-person wooden boat is between €10/45. Guided tours are also possible for €38. Bikes can also be hired from several operators.
Tipping
Tips are not usually expected in France because service charges are included in the bill. However, French people sometimes leave one to five euros after paying the bill if they were satisfied with the service.
Safety and Security
Crime
The region is extremely safe and welcoming to visitors, but there is always the chance of a pickpocket being around the most popular areas. Don’t keep your passport, credit cards and valuables in the same place. If you can, use the inside compartments in your bags, and carry it across your body, not on your shoulder.
Terrorism
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in France. Attacks could be indiscriminate, although in the countryside the threat is lower. However, be vigilant in public places, and always follow the advice of local French authorities.
Health
For any emergency, dial 112 (English speaking service). Check France’s specific health advice on TravelHealthPro at least 8 weeks before your trip.
Natural Disasters
During winter, Marais Poitevin is very likely to flood. Be careful and try not to plan your visit for this season. However, even if you are not visiting in winter, make sure to check the vigicrues website regularly to get information on any flood risks.
History
8,000 years ago, the sea reached Niort and formed the Gulf of the Pictons; and the Marais Poitevin didn’t exist. Over time, the ocean retracted leaving behind a vast swamp, and in the 11th century, the monks started digging to dry the ground and cultivate it. This is how the Dry Marsh was born.
Every winter, the eastern part of the marsh flooded, affecting its inhabitants until they grew tired of it and dug new canals. This green maze took years to complete, and it is now the beautiful Wet Marsh.
The Marais Poitevin was declared a Regional Natural Park back in 1979. However, it lost that status in 1997, since the agricultural development around the Marsh endangered its unique character. From that moment, it was only an Interregional Park (Parc Interrégional du Marais Poitevin); later on, in March 2014, its status of Regional Natural Park was returned.
Websites
Other Nearby Attractions
Aquarium La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime
In the city center, facing the old harbor, visit the heart of the oceans and meet more than 12 000 marine animals. From the fragile jellyfish to the fascinating sharks, it’s a unique journey to dream and understand the sea.
Futuroscope, Chasseneuil-du-Poitou
You have no idea what is behind the doors! A festive and family-friendly amusement park, with lots of discoveries, physical sensations and, emotions, art and technology.
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