River excursion in the Marais Poitevin

15 September 2023

Staying on a houseboat in the Marais Poitevin – why not? Indeed, spending the night on the water aboard a boat during a river expedition is an activity you can enjoy in the Marais.

Become the captain and explore the Marais Poitevin in a whole new way!

It’s easy to do – the agency Au Bout du Marais offers boats that don’t require a license. With a capacity of 6 berths, these “pénichettes” allow you to embark on a multi-day adventure with family or friends! The boats are electrically powered and specially designed for the Marais.

A 100-kilometer playground

In total, there are about a hundred kilometers of navigable waterways between the ports of Niort in Deux-Sèvres and Marans in Charente-Maritime, along the Sèvre Niortaise and its tributaries: the Canal du Mignon and the Canal de la Vieille-Autise. You will sail on a protected river, in a Grand Site of France, at the heart of the Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park.

24 pontoons: waiting pontoons at the locks to facilitate maneuvers and stopover pontoons for docking are installed along the route to provide you with all the amenities throughout your journey.

Map of the navigable Sèvre Niortaise and its tributaries.

“Fluvester tourism, what a strange name!”

Yes, in addition to your waterway adventure, thanks to the many pontoons, it’s highly recommended to step ashore and come explore the Marais Poitevin: boat rides, cycling, walking, visits to heritage and cultural sites, strolls through the villages, and tastings of local products… A stay aboard a houseboat combines both river and land activities, which is where the term “fluvestre” comes from!

Download the map for discovering river excursion in the Marais Poitevin.

A guide to the Sèvre Niortaise waterway can also be ordered from Éditions du Breil.