Sail for a few days on the Sèvre Niortaise between Niort in Deux-Sèvres et Marans in Charente-Maritime to discover the river, the typical villages, make a stop and take your bike or an small boat a few hours to sink into the conches and canals of the Marais Poitevin, it's possible ! On board a habitable barge, become captain of your boat. You will navigate on a preserved river, in a Grand Site of France, the heart of Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park. At your own pace, along the water, you will appreciate the variety of natural landscapes and the beauty of the market garden villages which punctuate this circuit.
The birth of the project
Le Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park and the partner communities wanted to revive a forgotten form of tourism on the Sèvre: river tourism thanks to cruises in habitable barges.
This project is the prospect of a discovery or an rediscovery of fauna and flora, of the shores and cultural heritage. of a territory which crosses 3 departments, an excellent way to discover the waterways and to pass relaxing vacation on the water. These boats are designed to be used as accommodation, equipped with all the comfort necessary to spend several days or even several weeks on board.
The Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park, which owns the boats, has granted management of the latter to the Pamplemousse/Kapalouest Agency under the name At the end of the marsh following a call for tenders process.
This family agency specialized in nautical activities has been established in the region for many years and wishes to maintain the local dimension who has guided the project since its beginnings. The agency is responsible for the marketing and operation of boats on the Sèvre Niortaise and its tributaries. It will be installed in season in the premises of the captaincy of Port Boinot, in Niort, departure town. The structure is responsible for gradually developing its offer of services and stays in the region over time.
Presentation of habitable barges
We present to you Helios et Kifanlo, 2 habitable barges 4 to 6 beds.
All of these events offer an exceptional opportunity for young international arbitration practitioners to debate with eminent specialists in a friendly and open format and setting. electric boats 13 meters long can be piloted without a boat license. A quick training will be given to you before your departure in order to familiarize yourself with the boat and know the navigation rules as the operation of the locks for example.
These 2 barges have an aluminum hull, solar panels and a bow thruster to facilitate maneuvering. They are silent and non-polluting et meet the ecological requirements of the Marais Poitevin.
Inside the barges, you will find: 2 bedrooms, a bathroom with hot water, a toilet, a fully equipped kitchen, a living room and of course a magnificent outdoor terrace.
For greater comfort, the boats are also equipped with heating, 220v sockets in the cabins and living room, USB sockets, a barbecue and fishing rods. In addition, you will find documentation such as maps of the Sèvre or even the tourist documentation…
What to see while browsing?
On board your barge, set off for a 100 kilometer water adventure (or less, it's up to you!), crossing incredible landscapes in peace. Explore the canals and make stops at one or more of the stops provided for this purpose and offered to you on the 3 departments where the Marais Poitevin extends:
TWO SEVRES
– Niort: discover the medieval history of the charming town of Niort, enjoy its picturesque cobbled streets, its rich architectural and historical heritage, particularly with the famous and majestic Donjon. Don't hesitate to stock up on supplies at the covered market located in Les Halles, in the city center. On the menu: local products, from the short circuit and of high quality!
– La Roussille: in Niort is an ideal relaxing and intimate place to take a break. You can observe its lock located near the restaurant which bears the same name.
– Magné: typical village of the Marais Poitevin. Several things to see are offered to you: the metal bridge, the Four Pontet cultural space, the Marais Pin site and its lock keeper's house or the 2,5 km hike entitled "From Port to Port", ideal for discovering his little heritage.
– Coulon, capital of Green Venice and Small Cities of Character®: it is the market garden village par excellence. Immerse yourself in the peaceful and authentic atmosphere of Coulon, where the canals lined with greenery lend themselves perfectly to the famous boat trip for a unique experience in unspoiled nature.
– Arçais, Small Cities of Character®: village with bucolic and picturesque charm where small bridges span the canals and traditional houses make it an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway and to stretch your legs along the towpath.
VENDEE
– Damvix: you will meet a colleague on the water since this is where the gastronomic cruise is located on the restaurant boat “le Collibert II”. Ideal for discovering local gastronomy such as eel fricassee or some frog legs!
– Bouille-Courdault: you are on the Vieille Autise canal. Stroll around and discover the many fountains in the town. Not far from there, 10 minutes away, stand the grandiose Abbeys of Maillezais and Nieul-sur-l'Autise.
– Mesh: last stop before changing departments. Discover the Notre-Dame de l’Assomption church or its Aqueduct.
CHARENTE MARITIME
– La Ronde – Bazoin: welcome to Charente-Maritime! Get off at the Bazoin piers and enjoy the many activities such as boating, kayaking or even paddle boarding. Rent bikes to explore the trails or let nature guides guide you in the footsteps of the marsh fauna.
– La Grève-sur-Mignon: the small bucolic port of Grève-sur-Mignon is perfect for making a few casts! Take out the rods and try to fish for big fish (but don't forget to bring a fishing license in advance).
– Taugon – The Combrands: peaceful town ideal for a beautiful walk along the water at a place called Les Combrands. If you pass by the second weekend of September, stop to take part in the Festival of Threshing, a tribute to ancient agriculture.
– Marans: you have arrived at the end of this adventure. A thousand-year-old town between land and sea, Marans is full of treasures with its marina, its astonishing church tower, its 19th century marketrd century and its flowery gardens.
Embark aboard the 100% electric pleasure boat and enjoy 100% discovery of the marsh. Gliding on the water in silence, you will get as close as possible to the abundant nature of the marsh.
