It's been 5 years since the project was launched, but the result is there: the disused area that once housed the Boinot chamois and glove factories is now known as the Port Boinot, a cultural and tourist site in Niort.
Yesterday, the former Boinot chamois and glove factories
The business of tannery/chamoiserie played an important role in the development of industry in Niort. Chamois is a artisanal technique for making leather used mainly for glove-making. Niort specialises in chamois from the Middle Ages. Sound development important was allowed thanks to the proximity of the Sèvre Niortaise and the quality of its water. In the 20th century, the Boinot family further developed its chamois and glove factories "Les usines Boinot becoming a true Niort institution.
Today, the meeting place for all the people of Niort
The Boinot factories will close in 2005. They were the last representatives of the chamois and glove industries in Niort. They will be left as they are for 10 years, thus becoming a brownfield site.
2015 saw the birth of "Port Boinot. The idea of to give this place back its port ambition, to renew the link between the downstream and upstream Sèvre, while taking into account the industrial memory of this site with a rich history, all set in a unique air of modernity.
5 years later the launch of this project on 25 September 2020, The industrial wasteland of the former Boinot chamois and glove factories has become Port Boinot. With a developed area of 25,000 m2The area now includes 6 thematic gardens and revealed 3 emblematic buildings of which the main one is called the Dryer. This transformation has enabled expansion of the city centre and the creation of a link between Niort, an urban park, and the market garden villages with as a link, the Sèvre niortaise.
Discover the Séchoir, a cultural and tourist venue on 3 floors
The Dryer is the old building dedicated to the drying of chamois skins.
It now houses on 3 floors:
01
Tourist Office reception
Find us at ground floor of the building le Séchoir. Also called Le Itineraries and hikes counter, we welcome you to answer all your questions!
02
Epona Space - Secrets of our heritage
Discover this space that highlights the history and rich heritage of the communes in the Niort conurbation.
03
Theophile Boinot Hall
The Théophile Boinot room is located at 2nd floor of the building and hosts numerous exhibitions over the course of the year.
A garden in the city
Composed of a large landscaped area, Port Boinot is the gateway to the Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park. It's a :
- 6700 m2 of grassed areas;
- 6 themed gardens including a Mediterranean greenhouse;
- More than 150 plant species planted;
- 128 trees, of 15 different species;
- 180 m2 of botanical ponds.
Starting point for many activities
01
Habitable barges
Sail a few days on the Sèvre Niortaise between Niort in Deux-Sèvres and Marans in Charente-Maritime on a barge with all the necessary comfort. Make some stops in the many villages for discover the nuggets of the Destination Niort - Marais Poitevin.
02
Niort Beach
Just like every year, Niort Beach moves to the city Port Boinot and to Pre-Leroy. This summer scheme offers numerous activities like the canoeing, paddling, pedal boats, pony rides, dipping pool, yoga...
03
Electric bike hire
What if you went to the discovery of the territory by electrically assisted bicycle from Port Boinot ? Pedal effortless over long distances and enjoy the landscape more!
Rubans du patrimoine 2023
FFB - French Building Federation
Launched in 1994 under the name "Winning Towns and Villages, on Heritage Ribbons competition distinguishes and award of municipalities and inter-municipal bodies that have carried out renovation or enhancement of their built heritage. In this context, Port Boinot received a special "territorial dynamism" award in 2023 to redevelop this brownfield site.
