The Marais Poitevin by bike along the Vélo Francette®

From Niort to La Rochelle

Bicycling
Nature & Discovery

Planning your trip

distance 90 km
level Moderate

Type of accomodation

Guest rooms,
Hotel

Activities

Bicycling,
Visit La Rochelle

Your trip's highlights

Crossing the Marais Poitevin, the Green Venice
A marked trail for cyclists
A journey without difficulties, accessible to all
A stay in the heart of lush nature
La Rochelle, a city of art and history

A vast man-made construction, the marais poitevin was born from an impenetrable swamp that monks resolved to exploit by digging an inventive network of canals. Today, it is a magnificent labyrinth of waterways, navigable by boat, which thoroughly deserves its “Green Venice” nickname. Come and enjoy pedalling this little lush haven! Via marked trails from Niort to La Rochelle, passing Damvix and Marans, and soaking up the beneficial tranquility of the Marais Poitevin.

Ref : 453

Customize your trip

Niort La Rochelle

View more photos

Day 1 - Niort - Damvix

It is in Niort, along the Sèvre, that your journey begins. Between small roads and towpaths, your circuit follows the meanders of the river in multiple loops. It passes through La Roussille and the village of La Garette where you can take a well-deserved bucolic stop. Return to your bikes to enter the heart of the marshlands and stop at Coulon, labelled one of the ‘Plus Beaux Villages de France’. After Irleau, you will find your way out of the marsh by following the Sèvre Niortaise which you left when entering. After the Bazoin locks, you will arrive in Damvix for the evening.

Distance : 27 km
Duration : 0h34
Altitude + :75 m
Altitude - :3 m

View more photos

Day 2 - Damvix - Marans

Damvix offers one of the main docking facilities in the Marais Poitevin. Why not rest your legs and put your arms to use with a boat trip, either guided or on your own, weaving between the pretty canal banks. Resume your descent of the Sèvre Niortaise and the wet marshlands via cycle paths that rub shoulders with places such as Nouveau Béjou and Pomère canals. The small port of Marans has retained all the charm of its former position as guardian of the estuary, contrasting with the futuristic modernity of its church steeple. In the evening, you can relax on one of the port’s terraces after your long ride.

Distance : 26 km
Duration : 0h32
Altitude + :13 m
Altitude - :1 m

View more photos

Day 3 - Marans - La Rochelle

Admire this beautiful shady stretch that opens the way to the cycle paths. As you depart from Marans, tall trees liberally line the banks of the canal that goes straight out to the sea. On this physically undemanding route, you will be captivated by the charm of this preserved nature before your arrival in La Rochelle . Make sure you leave enough time to visit the rebel city and its architectural treasures before heading home.

Distance : 27 km
Duration : 0h36
Altitude + :31 m
Altitude - :1 m