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Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud walks
In the wet marshland of Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud
Association / Club / Walk leader
7.04 mi
+13 ft
-13 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud (Deux-Sèvres)
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.
Loop around the wild marshes of Monfaucon
Visorando Member
5.34 mi
+20 ft
-20 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud (Deux-Sèvres)
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.
Circuit of the Canal du Mignon starting from La Névoire
2.83 mi
+10 ft
-10 ft
1h 20
Easy
Departure from Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud (Deux-Sèvres)
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.
The Arcais chain boat
3.03 mi
+16 ft
-16 ft
1h 25
Easy
Departure from Arçais (Deux-Sèvres)
Motorhome owners, from the Arcais area, discover the village centre, its port and its famous chain boat for crossing the Sèvre Niortaise.
The Marais Poitevin in Arçais
5.79 mi
+33 ft
-33 ft
2h 40
Easy
Departure from Arçais (Deux-Sèvres)
Hike in the heart of the Marais Poitevin (wet marshes) starting from Arçais.
Marshlands and wash houses of Saint-Georges-de-Rex
7.26 mi
+26 ft
-26 ft
3h 20
Easy
Departure from Saint-Georges-de-Rex (Deux-Sèvres)
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.
The Green Venice: Damvix - Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud - Arçais
8.89 mi
+20 ft
-20 ft
4h 05
Easy
Departure from Damvix (Vendée)
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.
The Sentier des Rainettes in Damvix
5.60 mi
+7 ft
-10 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Damvix (Vendée)
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.
The Marais de la Baronnerie from Damvix
2.76 mi
+10 ft
-10 ft
1h 15
Easy
Departure from Damvix (Vendée)
A short walk through the Marais de la Baronnerie in a peaceful and relaxing setting.
The Marais Sauvage between Damvix and the River
8.04 mi
+13 ft
-13 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Damvix (Vendée)
A very beautiful route in the Marais Sauvage, where peace and serenity await you.
The Sèvre Niortaise in Damvix
6.71 mi
+10 ft
-10 ft
3h 05
Easy
Departure from Damvix (Vendée)
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.
In the developed Marais Poitevin
6.90 mi
+46 ft
-46 ft
3h 15
Easy
Departure from Le Vanneau-Irleau (Deux-Sèvres)
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.
Route des Grandes Mottines
3.65 mi
+43 ft
-43 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Le Vanneau-Irleau (Deux-Sèvres)
A short walk along dirt tracks through the marshes and their nutria.
Discover the Marais and the Sèvre Niortaise in Irleau
3.72 mi
+23 ft
-23 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Le Vanneau-Irleau (Deux-Sèvres)
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.
Around the Marais Boutin in Bazoin
3.26 mi
+7 ft
-7 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from La Ronde (Charente-Maritime)
A peaceful walk in the Marais Poitevin along the banks of the canals and the Sèvre Niortaise, where you will pass beautiful houses with blue shutters typical of the region.
The wild marshes of Le Mazeau
5.36 mi
+7 ft
-7 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Le Mazeau (Vendée)
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!
Courçon via the forest
4.42 mi
+102 ft
-98 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Courçon (Charente-Maritime)
Courçon is situated in the Marais Poitevin Regional Park; its Romanesque-style church was built at the end of the 11th century.
The battlements are merely decorative; they were added at the beginning of the 20th century.
The Marais du Mazeau and the banks of the Sèvre
5.56 mi
+23 ft
-23 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Le Mazeau (Vendée)
Circular route along footpaths and small tarmac roads through the Marais du Mazeau and along the Sèvre Niortaise.
The Croix des Marys and the Bazoin locks
4.73 mi
+10 ft
-10 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from La Ronde (Charente-Maritime)
This is a short loop in the Marais Poitevin, starting at the Croix des Marys and following the Mignon canal before returning along the Sèvre Niortaise.Please note: read the comments in the Practical Information section
Benon North Forest
5.64 mi
+98 ft
-98 ft
2h 40
Easy
Departure from Benon (Charente-Maritime)
A walk best enjoyed in autumn for the colours, or in hot weather, in the shade of the oak trees.Moderator’s note added on 23/08/2021: Private property at the start of this route. See the comments at the bottom of this page for an alternative starting point
⚠️ 15 June 2026: description updated to indicate a start from the carpool area (1).
The marsh between La Garette and Le Vanneau
6.46 mi
+23 ft
-20 ft
3h 00
Moderate
Departure from Sansais (Deux-Sèvres)
Starting from the Garette Leisure Park, you will walk through the heart of the Marais Poitevin, mostly on dirt tracks, to Le Vanneau. After the port of this village, you will cross magnificent vegetable gardens and return to your starting point along creeks, canals and ditches crossed by beautiful, sturdy footbridges. There's no reason why you can't do this route by bike.
La Garenne - Courdault in the wild marshlands
5.24 mi
+13 ft
-10 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Benet (Vendée)
A short route through the wild marshes of Courdault.
From Sainte-Christine to Coulon along the banks of the Sèvre
18.03 mi
+16 ft
-16 ft
4 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Benet (Vendée)
During your stay at La Ferme du Marais Poitevin, discover the traditional villages nestled between the plains and the marshes.
Follow the Sèvre Niortaise river to the village of Coulon, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France.