You've heard about it, you've dreamed of it... gliding across the water aboard a flatboat, a traditional boat from the Marais Poitevin. The marshland is yours to explore; let yourself be captivated by the magic of the place. Gliding across a carpet of lentils, explore this labyrinth of canals and coves, where green reigns supreme and nature is lush. Visit the Marais Poitevin from your boat!
Where to take a boat trip in the Marais Poitevin? The marsh's piers offer several options: boat rental with or without a guide, from one hour to half a day. The only question is which pier to depart from. Here, we want to help you find the best pier in the Marais Poitevin, the one that's right for YOU.
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Choose a guided tour with a boatman who will give you all the keys to understanding the Marais Poitevin! Set off on a tour of at least 1 hours for the chance to discover the many facets of the marsh.
Where to go boating in the Marais Poitevin?
The Green Venice stretches from La Ronde to Niort, and numerous piers offer boat trips in the Marais Poitevin. Find the pier closest to your vacation spot!
From La Rochelle and the islands : the nearest embarkation point in Charente-Maritime is the Bazoin locks at La Ronde, about thirty minutes from La Rochelle; You will also find nearby the Frênaie embarkation point , at La Grève-sur-Mignon (trip only by reservation/appointment).
From Rochefort or the Île d'Oléron : the Frênaie pier in La Grève-sur-Mignon remains the closest (boat trips by reservation only), but most other piers, such as the Lidon pier (reservation required) or the Ornithological Park pier , are only a few minutes further. Allow 45 minutes from Rochefort and approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron.
From Surgères : 25 minutes from Surgères, the Frênaie boat landing (boat trips by reservation only) welcomes you. For an additional 2-3 minutes' drive, you can rent a boat at the Frênes boat landing in Sansais, or at the Ornithological Park in Saint Hilaire la Palud.
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.
A "nature" boat trip in the Marais Poitevin
Nature and bird lovers? Why not head to St Hilaire la Palud to rent a boat? While you're there, you can also visit the Marais Poitevin Bird Park ! Over 70 bird species will delight visitors of all ages!
Another suggestion is the Frênaie landing stage , which offers themed tours focusing on the fauna and flora of the Marais Poitevin.
To enjoy peace and quiet away from busy places, feel free to contact the Green Venice pier or the Lidon pier (by reservation only).
The Autize landing stage, for its part, also offers outdoor dining, with many fresh local and responsible products: enough to enjoy a full day in the heart of a preserved area!
Boat and heritage in the Marais Poitevin
Looking for historic sites and charming villages? Then head to Maillezais, where the Abbey boat landing awaits . The departure point is right at the foot of the imposing ruins of Maillezais Abbey , which you can visit after your boat trip. You can also visit Arçais, a designated "small town of character" that will reveal all its charm! Discover one of our favorite villages in the Marais Poitevin. Beautiful trails also offer idyllic walks starting from the foot of the castle.
Unusual boat
What if you visited the Marais Poitevin in a different way?
Don't miss the gourmet boat trips offered by some of our docks such as the Frênes dock or the Bazoin dock.
And how about getting involved yourself? The Abbey's landing stage is launching immersive experiences where participants will work to maintain the biodiversity of the marsh and learn the art of pole digging! This special moment will end with a tasting of local products, encouraging interaction in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Some piers also offer boat trips at dawn or dusk, such as the one at La Frênaie.
