Green Venice

by coach, punt & on foot

At the heart of the French Atlantic coast lies the marshland known as Marais Poitevin: a unique and timeless nature reserve. This area is the former saltwater Gulf of Poitou and has been developed by man over the past ten centuries, reclaimed from the sea as the ocean receded. Here, the earth and the waters mix, forming landscapes that inspire poets and fascinate artists. This is a unique, protected area, rich in exceptional natural sites and original traditions.

The Marais Poitevin is the largest of the three areas of Marais (wetlands) in the Vendée. During the early medieval period, drainage of the Marais was started by Benedictine monks. The Dutch were brought in later to continue the drainage work and built the drogues or dykes to keep the sea at bay.

Departing from the port, an approximately one-hour drive will bring you to La Garette, where you will discover this picturesque area by taking a traditional flat-bottomed boat known as a barque. This former boatmen’s hamlet is characteristic of the area, with its rows of houses built without foundations, opening to a conche or river canal on one side and onto the road on the other. Your approximately 45-minutes boat ride will take you deep into the Poitevin Marshes, where you will encounter the local flora and fauna.

Crossed by canals and rivers, the still green waters attract wide-ranging bird life. Exploring on your barque, you’ll pass the whispering poplar trees and weeping willows. From insects to mammals and birds, there is great diversity here, with herons commonly seen.

Your boat ride will end at the pretty village of Coulon, considered capital of this area and also referred to as ‘Green Venice’. At Coulon, the River Sévre Niortaise flows peacefully between quays lined with boatmen’s houses and lovely shops as well as cafes and restaurants.

Prior to returning to La Pallice, you will have some free time in Coulon to explore independently, perhaps take some photos of the area or stop and purchase a souvenir.