The Poitevin Marshes
Explore the Marais Poitevin by bike, in the heart of the Atlantic coast
The Marais Poitevin, a natural region of France located between the departments of Vendée, Deux-Sèvres, and Charente-Maritime, stretches over 100,000 hectares from Niort in the east to the Baie de l'Aiguillon in the west. Designated a Regional Natural Park and a Grand Site de France, it is the second largest wetland in France after the Camargue!
It is a veritable labyrinth of canals where ancient trees and European otters share an ecosystem with no fewer than 250 bird species, 38 fish species, 60 dragonfly species, 80 butterfly species, and 126 heritage plant species benefiting from European protection.
Developed by man, the marsh is composed of three completely different areas:
- The wet marsh, known as the "Green Venice," is the best-known part. Here, the Marsh is crisscrossed by a multitude of tree-lined canals: 8,000 kilometers of waterways, 350 of which are marked. Numerous piers offer boat trips.
- The Dry Marsh is also lush, with water everywhere, but unlike the Wet Marsh, it is not prone to flooding. This area is characterized by vast expanses of crops and meadows. The Dry Marsh is particularly renowned for producing high-quality wheat.
- Aiguillon Bay, or the Maritime Marsh, alternates between sandy beaches, dunes, and forests. It is a marine world subject to the winds and tides, a migratory crossroads for birds from all over the world.
The Marais Poitevin is a place where you can enjoy boat trips and even bike rides!
