guide
Discover the Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park: gateway towns (Marans, Luçon, Fontenay-le-Comte, Niort), villages to explore (Arçais, Coulon, Nieul-sur-l’Autise) and signature activities such as hot air balloon rides, punt boat trips along the canals and net fishing. A practical guide for choosing a campsite in this haven of biodiversity.
The Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park is a discovery off the beaten track. It’s an impressive stretch of greenery that stands out for its great biodiversity. For accommodation right in the heart of nature, you’ll find cheap campsites. Here are a few suggestions for discovering this remarkable natural area.
Whether from Marans, Luçon or Fontenay-le-Comte, several gateways provide access to the Marais. If you’re in Niort, take the time to admire the town’s historical monuments, such as the famous keep.
Also make the most of your stay to discover the surrounding villages and explore the local gastronomy. You can travel from village to village on foot, by bike, or even on horseback. You could plan a route taking in Arçais, Coulon and Nieul-sur-l’Autise. Your first stop will be the Maison du Marais Poitevin. After that, you can venture into the Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park.
You can also explore the Maison du Maître de Digues ecomuseum in Chaillé-les-Marais or visit the Aniserie-savonnerie theme park. If you’re travelling as a family, it’s well worth visiting one of the many educational farms in the Marais.
During your trip, take the time to have lunch on a terrace to enjoy the local flavours. You won’t be able to resist specialities prepared with local produce. Coypu pâté, stuffed Poitou farci, or ham with mouettes… a culinary whirlwind awaits!
Among the finest experiences on offer in the Marais Poitevin, a hot air balloon flight is undoubtedly unforgettable. This adventure begins at first light. You’ll have the chance to watch the balloon being inflated. Afterwards, you climb aboard the basket. This breathtaking ascent will fly over Damvix, Coulon and also the port of Courdeau. For an hour, give yourself over to the enchantment of this fairy-tale landscape. After landing, you’ll receive a certificate to mark your participation. This ceremony is capped off by the traditional aeronaut’s toast. The price for this activity is around 150 euros.
You should also consider a barge trip to sail peacefully along the canals of the Marais. This boat was designed specifically to offer you a unique experience. It will also be a gastronomic journey since, aboard the Collibert, the menu on offer includes pikeperch fillet, pan-fried eels or mojettes beans. This 30-metre boat begins its crossing at Damvix.
To discover the Marais Poitevin Nature Park differently, you can opt for a fishing stay. You’ll be accompanied by a qualified fishing guide who can teach you fishing techniques. In particular, you can try balance-net fishing, used for removing invasive crayfish. For this activity, you can choose between a weekend package or a half-day. Prices vary accordingly.
If you’re looking for an efficient accommodation solution, look for the campsites at the best prices in the Marais Poitevin.
Expect to pay around 150 euros for this hour-long experience, starting at first light and flying over Damvix, Coulon and the port of Courdeau.
It's a gastronomic cruise aboard a 30-metre boat departing from Damvix, serving a menu of pikeperch fillet and sautéed eel while cruising the canals of the Marais.
On foot, by bike or on horseback between villages such as Arçais, Coulon and Nieul-sur-l’Autise, for example starting with a visit to the Maison du Marais Poitevin.
A technique guided by a qualified instructor, notably used to catch invasive crayfish, offered as a weekend or half-day package.
