You've heard of it, you dream of it… sliding on the water aboard a flat, traditional boat from the Marais Poitevin. The marsh awaits you, let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the place. Gliding on a carpet of lentils, travel through this labyrinth of canals and conches, where green is king and nature lush. Visit the Marais Poitevin from your boat!

Where to take a boat trip in the Marais Poitevin? The marsh piers offer several formulas: boat rental with or without a guide, from one hour to half a day. It remains to know which pier to leave from. We want here to help you find the best pier in the Marais Poitevin, the one that suits YOU.

The opinion of the local counter

Choose the guided tour with a boatman who will give you all the keys to understanding the Marais Poitevin! Go for a walk of 1h30 minimum to have the chance to discover the many facets of the marsh.

Boat in the Marais Poitevin
©Kryzalid Films

What boat trip closest to home?

Find the pier that will be closest to your vacation spot!

From La Rochelle and the islands : the nearest pier in Charente-Maritime is that of Bazoin locks at La Ronde, about thirty minutes from La Rochelle; You will also find nearby the Frênaie pier, at La Grève-sur-Mignon (walk only by reservation/appointment).

From Rochefort or the island of Oléron : the Frênaie pier, at La Grève-sur-Mignon remains the closest (promenade only by reservation/appointment), but most of the piers are only a few minutes further. Allow 45 minutes from Rochefort, and about 1h30 from St Pierre d'Oléron.

From Surgeres : 25 minutes from Surgères, the Frênaie pier (walk only by reservation/appointment) welcomes you. For an additional 2-3 minutes drive, you can rent a boat at Cardinaud pier, in Magne, or Ash pier, in Sansais.


From Marans François Bard's pictorial epiphany pier of the locks of Bazoin at La Ronde orFrênaie pier at La Grève-sur-Mignon (walk only by reservation/appointment) are located 20 minutes from Marans.

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Boat trip: want a nature break?

Nature and bird lovers? Why not head to St Hilaire la Palud to hire your boat. You can then take advantage of your visit to visit the ornithological park of the Marais Poitevin birds ! More than 70 species of birds that will delight young and old!

Another suggestion, that of the Frênaie pier which offers themed visits around the fauna and flora of the Marais Poitevin. The pier at the Bazoin locks, meanwhile, offers walks with naturalist guides.

To enjoy tranquility away from crowded places, do not hesitate to contact the Green Venice pier.

Want heritage and charming villages?

Then prefer to head towards Maillezais, where you will be welcomed the Abbey pier. The start is at the very foot of the imposing ruins of Maillezais Abbey, which you can visit after your walk on the water. You can also go to Arçais, recognized as a small town of character which will reveal all its charm to you! Discover one of our favorite villages in the Marais Poitevin. Beautiful paths also allow you bucolic walks from the foot of the castle.

Unusual boat

How about visiting the Marais Poitevin differently?

Do not miss the boat trips with tasting of local products offered by certain piers such as that of the Ashes ou Cardinaud pier. Morning boat, or walk in the footsteps of marsh animals…: also discover all the activities offered by the Bazoin Locks pier! And for the playful animations ? The pier of Les Frênes offers a treasure hunt rally!

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List of our piers: