The village of Coulon is situated in the Deux-Sevres department, west of Niort and at the centre of the Marais-Poitevin region. The waterside town lies on the banks of the Sèvre and has appointed itself 'capital of Green Venice' with some justification.
Coulon is well placed to explore the marshy region around the village and is now listed as one of the most beautiful villages of France.
Explore Coulon
The region around Coulon has been inhabited a very long time and neolithic remains, bronze age items, and roman relics have all been found close by. However the village as we see it today 'only' dates back some 1200 years.
For a long time Coulon played an important role because of its position as a transport link on the river, with salt being a particularly important commodity. This role diminished after the railways came to dominate transportation in the region.
Coulon today is a pleasant small town alongside the river, so take time for a wander around the town before heading off into the marshes.
In the Place de la Coutume you can see the Maison du Marais Poitevin, established in the old customs house (businesses operating on the river used to have to pay custom taxes which were then used to maintain the waterways) and now the tourist information centre for the region as well as an Ecomuseum.
This is quite an extensive and useful centre that explains the region, its history and environment so a good place to start exploring around Coulon.
After taking a stroll along the quais you can visit the Church of Saint-Trinity,. The church was originally established here in 830 but was rebuilt several times, the most recent being in the the 17th century after the earlier church was destroyed in a fire.
One unusual feature of the church is the raised sheltered porch on the south side: the reason for this addition is unknown.
Coulon has paid a lot of attention to detail, for example in the colourful shutters used by several of the houses, which also adds to the appeal of a visit.
Attractions nearby
Most visits will incorporate Coulon as part of a tour of the Marais Poitevin and the village is a popular starting point for those hiring boats to venture into the peaceful marshes: boats can be hired from Quai Louis Tardy.
For more details about activities and attractions in the region see details at Marais-Poitevin.
You can find more travel ideas in the Poitou-Charentes guide.
Photos of Coulon
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Map of Coulon and places nearby
Visit near Coulon with France This Way reviews
Marais Poitevin
The Marais-Poitevin is a region of canals and marshes, an unusual environment best explored by boat
Marais Poitevin guide
Niort
A typical local town rather than a tourist town, Niort does have a ruined castle and churches of interst
Niort guide
Maillezais abbey
The ruins of the Maillezais abbey are on the edge of the marshes of the Marais Poitevin
Maillezais abbey guide
Nieul-sur-l'Autise
Highlights in Nieul-sur-l'Autise include the Abbey of Saint-Vincent and a traditional watermill
Nieul-sur-l'Autise guide
Chateau de Cherveux
The Chateau de Cherveux, one of the best preserved 15th century castles in the region, is close to Niort
Chateau de Cherveux guide
Fontenay-le-Comte
With some interesting 18th century townhouses to see, Fontenay-le-Comte is also home to the Chateau de Terre-Neuve
Fontenay-le-Comte guideTourist classifications for Coulon
Coulon is classified as a one of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages)
Address: Coulon, Niort-Ouest, Niort, Poitou-Charentes, 79510, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 46.3242, longitude -0.583889
Plan your visit to Coulon, Deux-Sevres
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Eglise de Saint-Eulalie (Benet): religious monument (5 km)
- Marais Poitevin: grand site of france (6 km)
- Abbaye Saint Pierre et Eglise de Saint Nicolas (Maillezais): religious monument (13 km)
- Abbaye Royale (Nieul-sur-l'Autise): religious monument (13 km)
- Eglise de Notre-Dame de l'Assomption (Maille): religious monument (16 km)
- Baie de l'Aiguillon: site of natural beauty (19 km)
- Forêt de Benon: site of natural beauty (20 km)
- Fontenay-le-Comte: recommended detour (23 km)
- Natur'Zoo de Mervent: zoo or wildlife park (24 km)
- Zoodyssée: zoo or wildlife park (25 km)
- Eglise de Notre-Dame (Vouvant): religious monument (31 km)
- Vouvant: most beautiful village (31 km)
The French version of this page is at Coulon (Francais)