Crossed by two internationally renowned cycle routes: the Vélodyssée and the Vélo Francette, the Aunis Marais Poitevin is a must-see for cyclists. A close-up of the Comptoir Local on these two cycle routes.
The Vélodyssée, along the Atlantic
The Vélodyssée, the largest of France's cycle routes, allows you to travel along the entire Atlantic coast, from Roscoff to Hendaye! On the Les Sables – La Rochelle section, we invite you to explore two idyllic stages. After crossing the Vendée region, head towards the Aunis Marais Poitevin and La Rochelle, passing through Marans.
Marans and the Marais
The landscapes of the Vendée parade before our eyes… Once past the pine forests by the sea, here we are in the so-called “dried” marsh of the Marais Poitevin. Here, the large expanses of meadows and crops are bordered by canals and locks. Pedaling on his bike, we surprise the flight of a heron and perhaps even that of a Montagu's harrier.
We then arrive in Marans for a well-deserved stopover. A tour of its quays allows you to appreciate its tranquility and the sweetness of life. Tasting of a good meal at the water's edge, cozy night in a charming bed and breakfast, and we set off again in the direction of La Rochelle.
Stroll along the Marans-la Rochelle canal
The Marans-la Rochelle canal, initially dug in the XNUMXth century to allow the passage of goods by waterway, is now nothing more than a natural site with preserved landscapes. The only souls encountered are fishermen and walkers on foot or on horseback, who take advantage of the green banks of the canal.
The Saint Léonard tunnel, a tunnel over 800 meters long completed in 1850, is one of the curiosities of this stage. The arrival in La Rochelle along the Rompsay canal offers you a splendid view of the famous towers of La Rochelle. So, ready to get on your bikes?
La Vélo Francette, from Normandy to the Atlantic
This route starts from Ouistreham in Normandy, and ends in the heart of the city of La Rochelle. Three stages in Aunis Marais Poitevin, allow you to follow the Sèvre Niortaise and discover all the facets of the marsh.
Discovering the Marais Poitevin in three turns of the wheel
We set off from Marans by bike after a lovely visit to the area: the unusual bell tower of the Notre-Dame des Marais church, its old market halls, and the lively quays hold no more secrets for us. We follow the Sèvre Niortaise, the backbone of the Marais Poitevin, for these beautiful stages of the Vélo Francette cycle route, heading towards Niort! Fishermen, settled by the water's edge or on their pontoons, enjoy the tranquility of the place. The marshland houses and bridges leading to the Vendée region pass by.
As we continue along the trails and small country roads, we delve deeper and deeper into the so-called "wet" part of the Marais Poitevin. Green reigns supreme, and we enjoy a real moment of disconnection... The Coulon-Niort stage immediately plunges us into the atmosphere of the Green Venice with its labyrinth of canals and trails. A stop in the village of Magné allows us to immerse ourselves in the magical atmosphere of the marsh gardening villages.
A route accessible to all, not to be missed to appreciate the different landscapes of the marsh!
The opinion of the Local Counter
We take advantage of a stop at the locks of Bazoin to discover the marsh from the water. For the more athletic, let yourself be tempted by kayaking, and for the less adventurous, a walk in a maraîchine boat will make you live unforgettable moments!
