August 29. A caressing sun, a light breeze. Already, the school bell seems to have called holidaymakers back, and the Marais is resuming its appearance as a mysterious and unexplored site. We then head towards Taugon, for a rejuvenating walk.
It's the water route canal circuit that we follow today. A short hike of about 5km, ideal for an early afternoon! We park at the site of the Echappées Nature de Taugon, and we then begin our walk following the nature trail. A mound of earth dominates the marshes, where the panels of the interpretive trail explain the formation of the Marais Poitevin.
The circuit takes us along the Route d'eau canal to Les Combrands. The Taugon lagoon, which has great ecological potential, particularly for the nesting of certain water birds, is maintained by several dozen sheep. Eco-grazing has indeed been implemented since 2017 by the community of municipalities and the Regional Natural Park of the Marais Poitevin in this rich, fragile and difficult to access area. In addition to our woolly friends, we have the chance to see magnificent feathered animals!
The path leads to the charming place called Les Combrands. We stroll there, we observe the typical houses, built at the edge of the water… The inhabitants benefit from the rays of sun along the levees. The weeping willows give the village a perfect postcard image. We see a bee carrying pollen from flower to flower and thus perpetuating life, and we almost have tears in our eyes*. The ubiquitous water, reminds the life of the maraîchins, who for a long time traveled by boat in the heart of the marsh.
It is then time to continue our journey where small bridges and footbridges follow one another. The shady paths offer appetizing blackberries until you return to the Echappées Nature de Taugon site. We find the villagers seen during the departure, playing at the foot of the lagoons.
Could it be blackberries? Could it be the breeze? Like a whisper, a call is felt... like a little taste of coming back.
*Tribute to Jean-Paul Belmondo, the Magnificent, deceased the week of writing this article.
