Poitevin Marsh by bike: from Niort to La Rochelle

Day 1 Arrival in Niort

Less than two hours away from Paris in TGV, Niort is the perfect starting point. The overwhelming middle-aged Donjon watches over the old city. At the bottom of the old keeper, the “Sèvre Niortaise” river is already suggesting you to start the journey.

Day 2 Niort – Damvix | 37 km (option +4 km)

The landscaped banks of the « Sèvre Niortaise » offer a cooling pathway along the river, the “Coulée Verte”, peppered with footbridges, locks and fishermen. Pretty fast, Coulon, capital of the “Marais Poitevin” shapes in the distance; the nickname “Green Venice” then suddenly takes on its full meaning. Time seems to stand still in this village bordered with canals. Then, continue until Arçais then Damvix, beautiful and typical villages of the marsh housing.

Day 3 Excursion to Maillezais abbey | 46 km

Meander within the maze made by the canals and the shady lanes of the “Marais Mouillés”, and take a break in the bird sanctuary of St-Hilaire-La Palud to observe more than 75 bird species. Then, just a short spin on the bike, and you will be in the middle of an oasis of greenery, where tower the ruins of the majestic abbey of Saint-Pierre de Maillezais. It is a must-see visit! Back to Arçais, through the canals, along the bicycling paths and quaint villages.

Day 4 Arçais Damvix – La Rochelle | 53 km

The Sèvre Niortaise leads you out of the marshes. Beyond Damvix jetties, towpaths follow the large sea canals to reach peacefully Marans. Enjoy the pleasant marina, right in the center of the city, then allow yourself to be led serenely by the Vélodyssée bike trails, along Rompsay canal, to the “Vieux Port” de La Rochelle.

Day 5 Departure during the day

Take some time to walk under the typical arch streets of the city, or to visit the Towers of the “Vieux Port”, loyal guards of the city since the 13th century!

Possibility to plan an extra bike excursion on Ile de Ré (55 km).

From the centre of La Rochelle, take a shuttle boat to the Ile de Ré! Once you’ve arrived in Saint Martin de Ré, a seaside village of incomparable charm, set off along excellent and safe cycle paths to discover the magic of the Ile de Ré, a true cycling paradise. Cycling through salt marshes and maritime landscapes, you’ll reach Ars-en-Ré, listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France“. On the way back, take a look at the ruins of the Abbaye des Châteliers. Rivedoux-Plage, with its white sandy beach, is more inviting. Return to La Rochelle by bike.