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Marais-Poitevin travel guide

The Marais-Poitevin is a region of land reclaimed from the receding ocean to the west of Niort and north of La Rochelle in the Pays de la Loire and Poitou-Charente regions.

The region was a designated 'Regional Natural Parc' until 1996 but the title was withdrawn, due to the intensive agriculture that had been introduced in the region. Efforts are underway to get the area redesignated.

It is the northern marshy region of the Marais-Poitevin that is of most interest to visitors (the southern part is largely flat agricultural land). The main towns for exploring the region are Coulon, Arçais and Luçon.

The Marais-Poitevin offers a natural environment that is unique in France. The wooded region is extensively crossed by canals and rivers, and in many parts is best explored by boat - usually 'barques', the flat-bottomed boats, are used.

These provide access to the still, green waters, in the shadows of the polars and weeping willows and provide a unique insight into this beautiful region. Information about hiring boats, guided tours and routes is available in many places in the region.

Other popular activities in the region include fishing and cycling, and exploring the 'low impact' architecture of the villages in the region.

Marais-Poitevin: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites

photo by Michel Craipeau is copyright

Visit Marais-Poitevin, France   Vendee gites hotels car hire Explore Loire Loire (west) property for sale

Travel, hotels and holiday gites, Marais-Poitevin

See the Visit Marais-Poitevin section above for gites and hotels local to the area. For more general French travel options, see the Gites in France listings, or French holidays for other holidays, and Travel to France for ferries, Marais-Poitevin car-hire, eurotunnel, cheap flights etc.

 

Places to visit - Marais-Poitevin

• Maillezais abbey Ruined benedictine abbey
• Marais Poitevin Attractive marshes
• Nieul-sur-l Autise Abbey and village
• Vouvant, Pays de la Loire Most beautiful village
• Fontenay-le-Comte Vendee town

Any places listed above are within about 20-25 km (as the crow flies)

 

Information and photos of Marais-Poitevin, France

This Marais-Poitevin tourism guide, has information and holidays and photos when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.

 

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