Sail a few days on the Sèvre Niortaise between Niort in Deux-Sèvres and Marans in Charente-Maritime to discover the river, the typical villages, make a stop and take its bike or a boat a few hours to get into the conches and canals of the Poitevin Marshes, it's possible! On board a houseboat, become the captain of your own boat. You will sail on a preserved river, in a Grand Site de France, in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Marais Poitevin. At your own pace, along the water, you will appreciate the variety of natural landscapes and the beauty of the market gardening villages that punctuate this tour.
The birth of the project
The Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park and the partner communities wanted to revive a forgotten form of tourism on the Sèvre: river tourism through cruises in houseboats.
This project is the prospect of a discovery or a rediscovery of the fauna and flora, shores and the heritage of a territory that crosses 3 departments, an excellent way to discover the waterways and to spend some time in the relaxing holiday on the water. These boats are designed to be used as accommodation, equipped with all the necessary comfort to spend several days or even weeks on board.
The Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park, which is the owner of the boats, has conceded the management of the boats to the Pamplemousse/Kapalouest Agency under the name At the end of the Marsh following a tendering process.
This family agency specialising in water sports activities has been established in the region for many years and wishes to maintain the local dimension which has been guiding the project since its inception. The agency is responsible for the marketing and operation of the boats on the Sèvre Niortaise and its tributaries. It will be installed in season in the premises of the harbour master's office in Port Boinot, in Niort, the starting town. The structure is responsible for gradually developing its range of services and stays in the region over time.
Presentation of the houseboats
We present to you Helios and Kifanlo, 2 habitable barges of Sleeps 4 to 6.
These electric boats 13 metres long, can be piloted without a boat licence. A quick training session will be given before your departure to familiarise you with the boat and the navigation rules as the operation of the locks for example.
These 2 barges are equipped with an aluminium hull, with solar panels and a bow thruster for easy manoeuvring. They are quiet and non-polluting and 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 beautiful outdoor terrace.
For more comfort, the boats are also equipped with There are also heating, 220v sockets in the cabins and lounge, USB sockets, a barbecue and fishing rods. In addition, you will find documentation such as the maps of the Sèvre or the travel literature...
What to see while sailing?
On board your barge, set off for a 100-kilometre adventure on the water (or less, it's up to you!), crossing incredible landscapes in complete peace of mind. Explore the canals and make stops at one or more of the designated rest stops offered on the 3 departments where the Marais Poitevin extends:
DEUX-SEVRES
- Niort: discover the medieval history of the charming town of Niort, enjoy its picturesque cobbled streets, its rich architectural and historical heritage, notably with the famous and majestic Donjon. Don't hesitate to stock up on food at the covered market located at Les Halles in the town centre. On the menu: local products, from the short circuit and of great quality!
- La Roussille : in Niort is an ideal and intimate place to take a break. You can see the lock located near the restaurant of the same name.
- Magne : a typical Marais Poitevin village. There's so much to see here: the metal bridge, the Four Pontet cultural centre, the Marais Pin site and its lock-keeper's house, and the 2.5km "De Port en Port" walk, ideal for discovering the area's small heritage.
- Coulon, capital of the Green Venice and Petites Cités de Caractère® : 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 a preserved nature.
- Arçais, Petites Cités de Caractère® : A village with a pastoral and picturesque charm where small bridges spanning canals and traditional houses make it an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway and for stretching your legs along the towpath.
VENDÉE
- Damvix : you will meet a colleague on the water, as this is where the gastronomic cruise on the restaurant boat "le Collibert II" is located. Ideal to discover the local gastronomy like a fricassee of eels or some frogs legs!
- Bouillé-Courdault : you are on the Vieille Autise canal. Take a stroll and discover the many fountains in the commune. Not far from there, 10 minutes away, are the grandiose Abbeys of Maillezais and Nieul-sur-l'Autise.
- Maillé : last stop before changing departments. Discover the church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption and its Aqueduct.
CHARENTE-MARITIME
- La Ronde - Bazoin : welcome to Charente-Maritime! Go down to the piers at Bazoin and enjoy the many activities such as boating, kayaking and paddle boarding. Hire bicycles to ride the trails or let the nature guides guide you on the tracks of the marsh fauna.
- La Grève-sur-Mignon : The small bucolic port of La Grève-sur-Mignon is perfect for a few casts! Get out the rods and try your hand at big game fishing (but don't forget to bring a fishing card with you).
- Taugon - Les Combrands : The village of Les Combrands is a peaceful place to take a walk along the river. If you are passing through on the second weekend in September, stop off to take part in the Threshing Festival, a tribute to old-fashioned agriculture.
- Marans : you have reached 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 market and its many other attractions.ème century and its flower gardens.
Embark on board the 100% electric pleasure boat and enjoy the discovery of the marsh. Gliding along the water in silence, you will get closer to the abundant nature of the marsh.
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Au bout du Marais - Houseboat rental
Port Boinot slipway
79000 NIORT
