Le Poitevin marsh full of peaceful little corners, in the heart of nature to sleep in a van or converted van. It is the ideal destination to go green and recharge your batteries for a few days in complete peace and quiet.
In order to spend a sweet night in this Regional natural park, we recommend three quiet spots, often shaded and close to beautiful walks, bike rides or on the water.
01. La Roussille, on the banks of the Sèvre
GPS coordinates: 46.3321, -0.5070
The first spot to discover is at Niort and more specifically to Roussille, at the gates of the Poitevin marsh. This shaded car park allows you to take your first steps in the Marais through lovely walks along the Sèvre. The spot is also a superb place for fishing or relaxing in a rural and green setting. For those with a sweet tooth, just cross the bridge to discover a great gastronomic address: the restaurant “La Roussille”. If you are equipped with a paddle or canoe, go to the boat launch at the stadium Saint-Liguaire. You will be able to peacefully go up the Sèvre to Niort and enjoy the beauty of the landscapes. For the others, the Noron nautical base located nearby offers many water activities during the summer.
02. Le Vanneau-Irleau, typical market garden village
GPS coordinates: 46.2920130, -0.6218554
We now reveal our favorite: the market garden village of Lapwing Irleau. Here, you have the right to an intimate spot with picnic tables, near a conche and a stone's throw from the village. The word peaceful has its full meaning in this green setting, off the beaten track. In the heart of the village, we recommend the small grocery store to stock up on supplies, then a bucolic break at the Grand Port du Vanneau. A water market is organized there on the last Saturday in July. This spot is the ideal starting point for a bike ride, a walk or to discover the marsh along the water with your own equipment (pier at the Grand Port).
03. Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud, capital of the Marais sauvage
GPS coordinates: 46.2758, -0.7198
Another perfect place to sleep in the heart of the Marais sauvage: Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud. The spot is located shortly after the village, very spacious, it also offers campervans the possibility of parking. After a peaceful night, we recommend that you go to the ornithological park located right next door to discover the approximately 300 specimens that live on the site. From the park, you can also rent a boat (with or without a boatman) to sail on authentic and preserved waterways. Picnic tables are available at the spot and as always the place is also the start of beautiful walks or bike rides.
The Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park work for the safeguard, F&B and valorization of this preserved place. It is up to us to respect the environment that welcomes us with some rules inherent to this mode of travel.