From Sainte-Christine to Coulon along the banks of the Sèvre

(S/E) From the farm, head towards the village of Sainte-Christine via the path to the right of the reception area.
At the church, turn left onto the main street to reach the village harbour.

(1) After the bridge, take the towpath on the left and follow the Rigole d’Aziré to the end.

(2) When you reach the road at the end of the path, turn right and then immediately left onto the path that runs alongside the Canal de la Vieille Autise. Continue to the village of Saint Sigismond.

(3) When you reach the bridge, leave the canal and head into the village of Saint-Sigismond.

(4) Turn left opposite the church and leave Rue Principale. Carry on straight ahead; the road turns into a farm track. At the very end, you’ll rejoin a road (with a cross opposite). Turn left to reach the village of Le Mazeau.
When you reach Le Mazeau, turn right onto the D104. At the stop sign, turn right onto Rue Principale.

(5) Turn left to reach the harbour.

(6) After the bridge, turn right along the Rigole de la Rive Droite. Carry on straight ahead.

(7) Leave the canal and follow the small road to the left through the heart of the marsh. At the T-junction, turn right, then right again at the next junction, then turn left immediately and continue until you reach the Sèvre Niortaise.

(8) Please note: do not cross the footbridge. Turn left and follow the Sèvre Niortaise to the village of Coulon.

(9) Explore the village of Coulon and its eco-museum. Then walk past the church and on past the Brasserie du Marais.

(10) Continue along the road to the end, passing straight past Maison Madame. You’ll reach a side road at Le Grand Coin.

(11) Turn right onto Rue du Grand Coin and follow it to the water tower.

(12) Head towards Chevillon and carry on along the road, taking in the sight of the small hamlets and their market-garden houses nestled between the plain and the marshes.

(13) At the three-way junction, turn left towards Courolles, passing the pumping station on your right as you go.

(14) Follow the road to the village of Nessier.

(15) Walk through the village. Just before you leave the village, you’ll come to a right-angle bend.

(16) Take the farm track branching off to the left. Continue along this track and cross the road.

(17) Carry on along the track again. After the water point, turn right.

(18) When you reach a minor road, turn right; take care as you walk along it.

(19) After 250 m, head left towards the village of Celette. Continue along the road to Sainte-Christine.

(20) Opposite the cemetery, turn left onto the departmental road, then right onto the farm track (S/E).

(S) La Ferme du Marais Poitevin.
(3) Jetty – bar – snack bar.
Between (5) and (6), Au bord de l’eau restaurant.
(9) Visit to the La Maison du Marais Poitevin eco-museum.
(10) Tasting of “Tête de Mule” beers at the Brasserie du Marais.