Arçais walks

Motorhome owners, from the Arcais area, discover the village centre, its port and its famous chain boat for crossing the Sèvre Niortaise.

Hike in the heart of the Marais Poitevin (wet marshes) starting from Arçais.

This route will allow you to discover the rich flora and fauna of the marshes along the white paths, as well as the small protected and restored rural heritage in the heart of the village of Saint-Georges-de-Rex.

Relaxation and a change of scenery guaranteed! Come and enjoy the peace and quiet, the authentic landscape and the rich flora and fauna. The Marais Poitevin, also known as the "Green Venice" for its tourist attractions, is a vast area of water and greenery where nature lovers will find peace and tranquillity along 400 km of canals.

An easy, safe and peaceful round trip walk through the marshes and along the banks of the Sèvre. Whatever the season, you will enjoy the peace and quiet, the flora and fauna, and discover the market gardens and the beautiful local cows. Along the banks of the Sèvre, you can admire the traditional "maraîchines" farmhouses.

Located in the commune of Saint-Hilaire-La-Pallud, the start is at a place called Monfaucon in the small car park near the pier. The route begins with a small paved road to the place called La Roche. This start is not the most interesting, but you will quickly forget it as you discover the wild marshland, first along the Vieux Mignon and then the canals, which you follow on a small white gravel path.

Between fields and small woods, between shellfish beds, canals and the Sèvre Niortaise, this loop starting from the port of Damvix is accessible to all.Along the route, there are some lovely spots for picnics and even small restaurants by the water in Bazoin and Damvix where you can stop for a bite to eat. This walk can be continued by boat on the Sèvre Niortaise (boats can be hired at the port of Damvix). You will come across fishermen, swans, cows and ducks and hear tree frogs croaking.

A very beautiful route in the Marais Sauvage, where peace and serenity await you.

A short walk through the Marais de la Baronnerie in a peaceful and relaxing setting.

A walk in the wild marshes of Le Mazeau, criss-crossed by a multitude of canals and ditches. Here, summer and winter alike, the light is always beautiful through the poplar plantations!

Most of the route is on wide paths, except for a section on a small wilderness trail, then a return along the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise.

The villages of Vanneau and Irleau are situated in the heart of the Marais Poitevin Interregional Park, within a site designated a “Grand Site de France”. The Marais Poitevin, developed by humans since the 12th century, is one of the richest wetlands on the Atlantic coast.

A short walk along dirt tracks through the marshes and their nutria.

As you follow this route through the wet marsh, you will discover its unique features, such as the trous de bris (former clay extraction sites used for tile manufacturing until the 1980s), poplar groves and a wide variety of plants and animals.

This is an easy walk between the Canal du Mignon and the marshes. Wear good walking or hiking shoes as, depending on the season and how well the banks are maintained, you may encounter tall grass in places or muddy paths.