Marais Poitevin

The canal-crossed marshlands in southern Vendee - part of the Marais Poitevin or ‘Green Venice’ which extends into neighbouring Poitou Charentes are a ‘must’ for ramblers and visiting nature lovers.

This labyrinth of waterways is now a French regional natural park, hidden beneath a green canopy of ash and poplar.

The Marais Poitevin’s 900 square miles of shady meadows and canals was built originally by eleventh century monks from an ancient gulf in the Atlantic Ocean scattered with islands.

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

Holidaymakers can explore this natural paradise using these small boats known as ‘batai’. Hire one to take a trip from the little town of Damvix on the Sevre Niortaise. Go with a guide to point out wildlife from eels to egrets and orioles. The area is rich in fauna and flora due partly to the mix of fresh and saltwater waterways.

Ask at the tourist offices in Maillezais (00 33) 2 51 87 23 01 and Chaille-les-Marais (00 33) 2 51 56 71 17 about hiking trails - including a 70km circuit of the marsh.

Hire bicycles at Maillezais, Damvix, Benet and Chaille-les-Marais to explore the enchanting pathways along rivers and canals, enquire about horse riding in Damvix and Benet. The nature reserves of Ile Charuoin and Mouzeuil-Saint-Martin are a paradise for bird-watchers.

Enjoy the architecture of ancient churches such as the majestic ruins of the Abbey of St Pierre, St-Eulalie at Benet and Notre-Dame at Oulmes. 

Marais de Monts

The Marais de Monts in Northern Vendee are sometimes known as the Breton Marshes. This area reclaimed from the sea is home to wading birds, pied avocets, redshanks and marsh owls.

The marsh can be explored by small boats known as ‘yoles’. La Route du Sel in Challans offers canoe excursions across 3000 hectares of this natural paradise. Tel: (00 33) 2 51 68 27 84 for bookings and information - English spoken.

 The huge open air eco-museum Le Daviaud near La Barre-de-Monts, in the heart of the marsh, shows you the life of the marsh people with traditional buildings (thatched bourrines) and environmental exhibits.

See a working salt marsh (June to September), farm with animals, vegetable garden and bird observatory. Open all day Mon to Sat and Sun afternoons May – mid-Sept and reduced times in the afternoons Feb - Apr and the latter half of Sept. Salt extraction June to September plus a working marshland farm. Tel: (00 33) 251 93 84 84.

Mervent Forest

The legendary mountain forest of Mervent-Vouvant, haunted by the shadow of the fairy Melusine, is the largest in the Vendee covering 5000 hectares.

Ramblers, horse riders and mountain bikers can chose from 200km of marked trails leading through woodlands of oak, chestnut, beech and pine to forest clearings. Follow the curves of the Rivers Mere and Vendee past dams and across bridges.

The rocky outcrops such as the escarpment ‘Pierre Blanche’ are great for climbers. Most lakes have leisure areas for bathing and water sports like canoeing, kayaking and fishing.

Ask at Mervent Tourist Office about guided walks (00 33) 2 51 00 20 97. There is also a forest eco-museum, animal park (Parc Zoologique Paysager de Mervent) and tree-top trail.