Green Venice

Now a French regional park, this 900 square miles of shady meadows and waterways, built originally by eleventh century monks around the Sevres Niortaise, is known officially as the Marais Poitevin, but referred to locally as ‘La Venise Vert’ – Green Venice - because of its system of canals, dykes and slow flowing rivers amongst green pastures and poplar trees.

Traditionally, farmers would travel between fields in flat bottomed punts, sometimes carrying livestock.

Holidaymakers can explore this natural paradise by punt. Paddle yourself or take a guide to point out the amazing wildlife including purple and grey herons, kingfishers, watervoles, eels and lots of very noisy frogs. Punts are available throughout the area, such as Coulon and Maillezais Abbey, both of which have a selection of restaurants too.

Cycle via miles of well marked trails, stopping at pretty marsh villages such as Arcais or Le Vanneau, which hosts a traditional floating market in summer. Find information on the customs and traditions of marsh life at the visitor centre in Coulon.