A getaway for two in the Marais poitevin

20 July 2021

 How do you fancy a quiet, romantic getaway to explore some secret little hideaways in the Marais poitevin? Go, wander, explore the marshland like you’ve never seen it before! From the coast to the Green Venice, via Lay Valley, here are some ideas for a getaway for two to enjoy during your next holiday.

Contemplate the natural environment

There are some wonderful landscapes and unspoilt nature in the Marais poitevin. Shaped by man, this is the biggest area of wetlands on the Atlantic coast and there are some breath-taking views here.

Get a breath of fresh air at the Pointe Saint-Clément

The Pointe Saint-Clément is very close to the village of Esnandes, north of La Rochelle, and offers a magnificent view of Aiguillon Bay. Go for a leisurely walk along the coastal path and admire the carrelets (fishing huts), while breathing in the fresh sea air. You’ll appreciate the peace-and-quiet of the area and the clear view of Ile de Ré and the coast of the Vendée.

The fortified church of Esnandes and carrelet at the Pointe Saint-Clément.

Carrelet at the Pointe Saint-Clément and the church of Esnandes

Take the time to explore the town centre and admire the fortified church of Esnandes with its surprising square shape and imposing presence, a mere stone’s throw from the Marais poitevin.  From the sentry walk, enjoy the panoramic view of Aiguillon Bay, the dry marshland and the village of Charron, well-known for its “bouchot” tidewater mussels.

Watch the wild birds at the Rade d’Amour

A little further north, in the town of La Faute-sur-Mer, head to the Rade d’Amour, on the far side of the Pointe d’Arçay. The French Coastal Protection Agency has restored this former oyster farming site and there is now a visitor’s trail and observation platform.

The Pointe d’Arçay in La Faute-sur-Mer.

Take a walk through the natural environment and you’ll feel like you’ve travelled to the ends of the earth at the tip of the peninsula. As you walk along the dyke to the Rade d’Amour, you’ll be walking alongside Lay estuary. From the wooden observation platform, admire the birds of the marshland going about their day, and the fishing boats on the estuary. With a pair of binoculars, you’re sure to catch a glimpse of avocets, oystercatchers and black kites.

Cycle around the communaux pastureland

The term communaux refers to the pastures that are characteristic of dry marshland areas. These areas covering a surface of up to 300 hectares are owned by the local councils and are made available to breeders. They can be used for cows and horses to come and graze. These places first came about when work was carried out on the marshland more than ten centuries ago! These pastures haven’t changed since then and there is a remarkable biodiversity here…

To explore this feature of the dry marshland, come and cycle along the Les Communaux cycle route. From Langon, this flat 17-km loop trail runs along small country tracks. The route will lead you into the heart of the pastureland where you can observe the cows and horses.

A getaway on the water

Come and explore the wooded wet marshland and the incredible maze of canals, lined with ash trees and poplars. A boat trip is a must to get the full experience of this lush landscape bathed in water and light.

Trip on a rowing boat for two in the Marais poitevin.

Go kayaking through the marshland waterways

Are you looking for an alternative to a traditional trip on a rowing boat? Have you thought about hiring a kayak to be able to access the surprising, winding waterways of the Marais poitevin?

At the Bazoin locks jetty, you can hire a two-seater kayak and follow a discovery trail, ranging from 1.5 hours to 3 hours, depending on what suits you. Near the jetty, stop off at the Les Etangs de Julie traditional guinguette for a gourmet treat. This atypical café-restaurant is opposite the Bazoin ponds, serves local and creative cuisine, and is well-known for the house speciality: fricassée d’anguilles (eel fricassee)!

Glide through the Venise Verte on a paddle board

Stand-up paddle board outing.

The stand-up paddle is the ultimate eco-friendly way of getting around, and a great way to admire the landscapes of the wet marshland from a height. As you stand perfectly balanced on a long board, you’ll gain a whole new perspective, perfectly adapted to the gentle pace of this paddle sport.

A stand-up paddle experience in the Marais poitevin from the Venise Verte jetty is the promise for a rural getaway around Le Mazeau in this classified wet marshland. The 2 or 4 km trails are marked out for complete peace-of-mind. You can even choose to hire a paddle board for two people if you don’t feel like paddling alone!

Exploring the nature and heritage of the marshland on foot

If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on dry land, opt for one of the hiking trails around the Grenne Venice. Close to Niort, in Saint-Georges-de-Rex, for 6-km route will lead you to the heart of the canals of the marshland, known as conches. This route alternates between gravel and grassy paths and the passages over the canals lead to channels, ancient harbours and wash houses.