Poitevin Marsh by bike: from Niort to La Rochelle

from 580 € / pers.
/ 3 testimonials
Reference : VF2
5 days / 3 days riding
Difficulty : Easy
Linear trip
From April to October
Departure: daily
Electric bike rental possible > Book this trip

Some questions about this trip ?
Contact us +33(0)2 54 78 62 52 or by email

> Download tour program

Your cycling tour on the Vélo Françette

It is hard to resist to the charming power of the “Green Venice”!

Starting from Niort, ride your bike along the little shady canals of the Poitevin Marsh (Regional Nature Reserve), and go with the flow, listening to the babbling water, and the chirping birds.
Discover Coulon, the Green Venice capital village, and follow the interlacing of bicycle paths in the midst of the “Marais Mouillés”, to the ancient abbey of Maillezais and the charming village of Arçais.
The large sea canals safely lead you to the grand finale, the Towers of the Vieux-Port in 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 Niortaiseriver 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.

Select your category

standard category
Reference: VF2 STD
Low season
  • from April 15th to 30th
    from September 1st to October 13th
  • Departure: daily
 
2 persons basis :(price per person)
* Single supplement
610 € / pers.
280 € / pers.*
4 persons basis :(price per person)
* Single supplement
580 € / pers.
280 € / pers.*
High season
  • from May 1st to August 31st
  • Departure: daily
 
2 persons basis :(price per person)
* Single supplement
660 € / pers.
280 € / pers.*
4 persons basis :(price per person)
* Single supplement
630 € / pers.
280 € / pers.*

Category's details

Including :

• 4 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
• Luggage transport during the bike stages (1 luggage 20kg per person)
• Equipped cycle rental for 3 days
• 1 travel folder (per room) including colour maps
• Digital routes (GPX tracks)
• City taxes
• Hotline 7 days a week

Not including :

• Dinners / Lunches / Drinks
• Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
• Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
• Single room supplement (4 nights included)
• Transfer from La Rochelle to Niort and personal bike repatriation

Children discount :from 0 to 2 years old : - 90%
from 3 to 11 years old : - 20%
from 12 to 15 years old : - 10%

(Only if the triple or quadruple rooms are occupied by 2 adults minimum )

According to the category(price per person)

standard category
Reference: VF2 STD
Extra night in Niort
(accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
* Single supplement
Any season
+ 75 € / pers.
+ 45 € / pers.*
Extra night in La Rochelle
(accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
* Single supplement
Low season
+ 70 € / pers.
+ 45 € / pers.*
High season
+ 75 € / pers.
+ 55 € / pers.*
Children discount :
from 0 to 2 years old : - 90% / from 3 to 11 years old : - 20% / from 12 to 15 years old : - 10%
(Only if the triple or quadruple rooms are occupied by 2 adults minimum )

Extras

• E-bike supplement
+ 80 € / pers.
• Excursion to Ile de Ré (with classic VTC bike rental)

including: boat transfer La Rochelle > Ile de Ré / extra day’s classic VTC bike rental / digital route (GPX track)

+ 40 € / pers.

• Excursion to Ile de Ré (with e-bike rental)

including: boat transfer La Rochelle > Ile de Ré / extra day’s e-bike rental / digital route (GPX track)

+ 55 € / pers.

• 'Solo' supplement
(in the case of a single person per booking)
+ 150 € / pers.

Your accommodation


standard category


These hotels offer all the comfort and well-earned rest after a cycling day (private bathroom). A perfect place to enjoy all the centres of interest around.
Pictures for indicative purposes. Depending on the availability.

Your cycle hire

VTC ARCADE bike - 21 speed gears

OPEN or CLOSED frame

  • 1 rear pannier
  • 1 front pannier
  • 1 repair kit
  • 1 lock (for 2 bikes)

Helmet not provided.

Possibility to rent an electric assistance bike :
ARCADE or EXS ebike
E-bike

UNIVERSAL frame

  • 1 rear pannier
  • 1 front pannier
  • 1 repair kit
  • 1 lock (for 2 bikes)

Helmet not provided.

Practical details
  • Bikes will be delivered at the 1st hotel.
  • At the end of the tour, leave the rental bikes at your hotel, we will pick them up.
> Your journey
> How to arrive in Niort
> Return

Your journey

Tour description:

Exclusively cycling paths or signposted routes for cyclists.

Bike stages trip profiles:
(click below to see the trip profile of each stage)

GPX files:

Besides the maps, we also provide the GPX files of your bike stages, as well as a suggestion of free mobile application.

How to arrive in Niort

By train:
From Paris Montparnasse train station >> Niort train station (about 2h20 by TGV train).
For more information, do not hesitate to visit : www.sncf.com/en

By plane:

  • From Roissy CDG airport:
    – Roissy Charles de Gaulle T.2 train station >> Poitiers train station >> Niort train station (by TGV train).

– RER B to Denfert-Rochereau > Metro Line 4 direction ‘Porte de Clignancourt’ >> stop ‘Montparnasse-Bienvenue’ train station >> Niort train station (by TGV train).
www.parisaeroport.fr/en/passengers/access/paris-charles-de-gaulle/public-transport
www.transilien.com/en
www.ratp.fr/en/plans-lignes

  • From Orly airport:
    – Taxi transfer to Paris Montparnasse train station >> Niort train station (by TGV train).

– Bus shuttle (Le Bus Direct) : from Orly Sud or Ouest – Line 1 >> Paris Montparnasse train station >> Niort train station (by TGV train).
www.lebusdirect.com/en/lines-and-schedules/orly-airport-paris-etoile-champs-elysees-line.html

  • From Beauvais airport:
    – Taxi transfer to Paris Montparnasse train station >> Niort train station (by TGV train).

– Bus shuttle >> Paris – stop ‘Porte Maillot’ >> Metro line 1 + line 13 >> Niort train station (by TGV train).
www.aeroportparisbeauvais.com/en/acces-et-transports/navettes/

Return

If you have to come back to the start point:

  • This return can be carry out by RandoVelo/Biking France (please contact us).
  • A return transfer by train is possible and organised on your own. Please visit: www.sncf.com/en
    Plan to go to the train station with your luggage (and your potential own bike)
    (Personal bike return costs are on your responsibility).
    – La Rochelle Ville train station >> Niort train station (about 40 minutes by train or TGV train).
    – La Rochelle >> Niort (by taxi)

If you have to return to Paris (city centre) / Paris Airports:

  • This return can be carry out by RandoVelo/Biking France (please contact us).
  • A return transfer by train is possible and organised on your own. Please visit: www.sncf.com/en
    Plan to go to the train station with your luggage (and your potential own bike)
    (Personal bike return costs are on your responsibility).
    – La Rochelle Ville train station >>  Paris Montparnasse train station (by TGV train).
    – La Rochelle Ville train station >> St Pierre des Corps train station  or Poitiers train station (by TGV train) >> Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV Station (by TGV train).

Nearby Airports:
– La Rochelle Airport: www.larochelle.aeroport.fr/en
– Nantes Airport: www.nantes.aeroport.fr
– Poitiers Airport: www.poitiers.aeroport.fr/en
– Bordeaux Airport: www.bordeaux.aeroport.fr/en


Trip overall rating : / 3 testimonials

Hélène
France
travel date: 01 May 2023.
" Merci à l'équipe de randovelo "

L’organisation était parfaite ce qui nous a permis de profiter à 100%. Les documents papiers concernant les trajets ne nous ont pas été utiles.

Jean Marie
France
travel date: 14 August 2022.
" Superbe evasion "

Superbe evasion de 3 jours en dehors du brouhaha quotidien dans un cadre calme et reposant.

Didier
France
travel date: 31 July 2022.
" Je recommande sans hésiter "

Les parcours était super en pleine nature avec de magnifique endroit à découvrir. Aucune route nationale à traverser. Les hôtels étaient confortables et simple comme on aime. Nous avons loué des vélos électriques donc voyage sans difficultés.