The Marais Poitevin by bike, around Coulon

Coulon, the Vélo Francette and the Marais Poitevin by bike

Discover the Marais Poitevin by bike, an exceptional environment. Cycling is the best way to discover this magical place with its many cycle paths that line the canals and the Sèvre Niortaise. This green kingdom has an atmosphere that can't be found anywhere else and its peacefulness offers revitalizing walks to its visitors.

Highlights of the stay:

• The wet, wild and unique marsh
• The Maillezais Abbey
• The guided boat trip with breakfast at dawn
• The picturesque villages of Arçais, Saint Georges de Rex or Le Vanneau

Day 1: Arrival in Coulon and Niort loop (31 km)
Drop off your belongings at your hotel and get on your bike towards Niort. It is mainly along the winding Sèvre that you cycle to the capital of the Green Venice. With its dungeon, its covered market dating from 1871 (which hosts the "most beautiful market in France 2024"), its dragons, or its pretty alleys, its city center has not finished surprising you! Return to Coulon by following the Vélo Francette. Take advantage of your free time in the evening to stroll in the village or along the quays.

Night in Coulon.

Day 2: Excursion to Maillezais (39 km)
Today, head to Maillezais and its 11th century Abbey (entrance included). Visit the ruins of this thousand-year-old Abbey and discover its fascinating history. As you approach Maillezais, you leave the wet, green and dense marsh to enter the drained marsh, whose canals are mainly used to irrigate fields and crops. The contrast is striking and reminds us that the Marais Poitevin was shaped by the hand of Man to gain land on what was the Gulf of Pictons.

Night in Coulon.

Day 3: Arçais Loop (25 km)
Get up early to start this day with a guided boat ride and enjoy the calm of the marsh for 2 hours, a unique experience. Breakfast is served on board (included). Back on land, get on your bike for a ride through the picturesque villages: Arçais, Le Mazeau, Sainte Sabine, Le Vanneau, Saint Georges de Rex. The "wild marsh" will no longer hold any secrets for you!

End of the circuit after the loop. Possibility of additional night(s) in Coulon.

General information:

• 3 days and 2 nights
• Accommodation: 3* hotel
• Children's rates: contact us

Dates 2025:

Departures every day from march to october​

Included:

• Star-shaped tour in freedom
• Half-board stay, dinners included
• 2 hours of guided boat on day 3 with breakfast
• Visit to the Maillezais Abbey
• Assistance in the event of a breakdown (for rented bikes - except puncture)

Not included:

• Transport to the departure point
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program
• Tourist tax to be paid on site

Options:

• Rental of VTC or Electrically Assisted Bicycle
• Rental of children's equipment (on request)
• Additional night(s) at the start or end of the tour
• Transfers from Niort to Coulon and from Coulon to Niort (extra charge if Sunday or public holiday)
• Theft insurance for the rented bike
• Cancellation insurance

Level:
1 2 3 4 5 6

Terrain:
80% cycle paths and very smooth paths. The circuits pass away from cars, in the heart of the marsh.

Climate:
Very shaded, mild sun, a little wind, pleasant temperatures.

Technicality:

• from 25 to 39 km per day, or 2 to 4 hours of cycling.
• Partially marked route

Bibliography:

Map of cycle paths in the Marais Poitevin

Meals:

• Breakfasts: copious (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, butter, bread, jams, orange juice)
• Lunch: not included
• Dinner: optionnal. In a restaurant near the accommodation.

The bike:

• Rental bike: 21-speed VTC or Electrically Assisted Bike (500 W battery). Rental bikes are equipped (lock, repair kit, front and rear bag), delivered and collected directly from the accommodation.
• Personal bike: we do not recommend bikes with small tires. VTC and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to service your bike before leaving. At the end of the tour, you will have to take care of your bike.

Transport:

• By train: Niort train station (about 2.5 hours from Paris).
• By road: Coulon is located about 415 km from Paris
• By plane: La Rochelle airport

Cancellation insurance :
In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To learn more about insurance, click here.