Where is the Marais poitevin?

17 June 2018

Are you planning to go on holiday in the Marais poitevin? Do you have any questions on the geographical specificities of this exceptional site? Let’s discover the curiosities that make the Marais poitevin a popular destination for adventurers like you!

The Marais poitevin, a geographically exceptional territory

When we talk about the Marais poitevin, this question is often raised: Where is the Marais poitevin? To answer this question and promote this exceptional territory, we have created a perfect answer for you.

The Marais poitevin straddles several departments. It stretches from the South part of  Vendée to the North part of Charente-Maritime and from the West part of the Deux-Sèvres to the Atlantic coast. Besides, this Regional Natural Park is one of the largest in France!

If the Marais poitevin is mainly known for its green wilderness, its borders are close to well-known big cities. Thus, you can stroll in the alleys of Niort or on La Rochelle Harbour. And for those who prefer to stay in the heart of the Marais poitevin, go visit the villages of Coulon, Arçais or La Garette, true havens in the heart of the Marais poitevin!

Discover the largest wet area on the Atlantic coast

If Man was so passionate for the Marais poitevin since the Middle-Ages, it’s essentially because of its exceptional ecological richness. This territory is known for its diverse fauna and flora. Besides, ornithologists love tis territory because it’s an important migratory place for birds in Europe.

This ecological richness is partly due to the large wet area of the Marais poitevin which includes not less than one third of the tidal marshes on the Atlantic coast.

DISCOVER AN EXCEPTIONAL NATURE IN THE MARAIS POITEVIN!

A marsh composed of a dry marsh and a wet marsh.

Man has always known how to take advantage of this ecological richness and has landscaped the Marais poitevin in two distinct parts. On one side, you have the dry marsh, exploited by Man for agriculture because the soil of the Marais poitevin is very fertile, thanks to the proximity of the ocean. On the other side, you have the wet marsh, subject to floods, also known as the Green Venice. A true have, you can discover it floating on the numerous canals bordering the villages of the Marais poitevin.

DISCOVER THE HISTORY OF THE MARAIS POITEVIN ALONG THE WATERFRONT