The Marais Poitevin by bike
Explore Niort and the Green Venice in a star shaped tour
Highlights
The Natural Regional Parc of the Marais Poitevin
The "Green Venice" in Coulon and Arçais
A rich architectural heritage
Boat trips in the middle of the canals
The towpaths with the secure route
St-Hilaire-La-Palud, the capital of the "Wild Marsh"
Good living along the Sèvre Niortaise
From Niort, getaway in the enchanting setting of the Marais Poitevin.
Along the canals and the Sèvre Niortaise, you will discover the beauty of the Marais Poitevin and Green Venice by bike while enjoying the calm and the good living characteristic of these bucolic and authentic places.
A rich historical heritage is waiting to be discovered. In Niort, you can particularly visit the emblematic dungeon of the city. Further in Maillezais,the Abbey of Saint-Pierre opens its doors.
Through the villages of D’Arçais, Coulon, Maillé, Saint-Hilaire-La-Palud or Maillezais, you can enjoy the peacefulness and charm of these cities of character. For the more curious, admire the omnipresent nature and wildlife and explore the numerous dungeons and abbeys.
Hop on your bike and let yourself be guided along the water in the heart of the Marais Poitevin!
Easy or 
Leisure NIORT, BOUCLE DÉCOUVERTE DE NIORT ET DE SA CAMPAGNE 52km 395m 
Start your day by exploring the twin dungeons of Eleanor of Aquitaine in Niort and enjoy the view over the old town. Then set off on a bike tour of Niort’s surrounding countryside, taking in the châteaux of Coudray-Salbard and Cherveux.
From NIORT to COULON 18km 55m
Follow the Vélo Francette to Coulon, the capital of the Green Venice and the highlight of the Poitevin Marsh. Stroll around the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise and the harbour. Make a pause at the House of the Marsh (Maison du Marais) to discover the history of the Marais Poitevin. Try to find the numerous landing stages of the village and go on a boat ride to enjoy a peaceful moment of the water.
COULON, BOUCLE DU MARAIS SAUVAGE 58km 117m
Ride towards St-Hilaire-La-Palud: the capital of the wild Marsh of the department of Deux Sèvres. Take the opportunity of being in this village to visit the ornithological park Les Oiseaux du Marais Poitevin. Then, head towards Courçon, located at the southern edge of the Marais Poitevin and visit its unusual Church: the fortified church of Notre-Dame.
COULON, BOUCLE DE LA VENISE VERTE ET DE L'ABBAYE DE MAILLEZAIS 49km 93m
Leave Coulon towards Damvix and follow the 19th century floodgates of Bourdettes. Ride your bike towards Maillé and visit this emblematic village of the Green Venice. The place is the symbol of the former lifestyle in the Marais Poitevin. Here, witness the famous transport of cows on the boats and admire the rich hydraulic heritage and wildlife. Then head to Maillezais and its famous benedictin Abbey of Saint-Pierre. The loop eventually lead you to the wild Marsh between St-Sigismond and Le Mazeau to end back in Coulon.
From COULON to NIORT 18km 68m
Follow the Vélo Francette to Niort. This short stage allows you to stroll along the Sèvre Niortaise.
NIORT
End of your bike trip after the breakfast.
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Starting from 685€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 800€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Quote on request | Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 6 nights in a Double room
- 6 breakfasts
- Phone assistance 24/7
- Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
- Application fee
- Taxes
- The itinerary trackable on the following supports:
- Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
- Cycling practical guide including topo maps, restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Drinks, visits & other personal expenses
Close assistance
- One of our guides greets you by phone on your first day. He present you all the needed documents for the trip (hotel vouchers, maps of the area,GPS, practical guide)
- Phone assistance, you can reach the Abicyclette team 7 days a week
- A Luggage transfer service from 09:00 and with a delivery before 18:00 (one luggage and one bagback per person maximum)
Follow your itinerary anyway you like – modern, practical, traditional
- We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
- A practical cycling guide with all the useful information (addresses, highlights for the day, topo maps, and touristic information)
You can also
- Rent a high end quality bike for real comfort, cycling pleasure and reliability a long trip requires.
- Suscribe to a Cancelation or Multi Risk insurance policy which cover you in case something unexpected comes up.
On our guided tours (for groups on demand), we accompany you every step of the way
- One of our state qualified instructor and professional cycling guide accompanies you every step of the way
- Full board (all meals covered unless asked otherwise)
- A picnic buffet set up for lunch with a wide choice of fresh and local produce
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Touring Bike (woman)ARCADE ESCAPE 28″ wheels The lightweight, practical and comfortable travel bike. Supplied equipment per bike
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Touring Bike (man)ARCADE ESCAPE 28″ wheels The lightweight, practical and comfortable travel bike. Supplied equipment per bike
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EbikeSeveral models of ebikes available with : 28″ wheels A great alternative to travel more kilometers a day and support your efforts. Supplied equipment per bike
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Children Bike6 gears Recommended for children from 6-7 years old for a maximum height of 145 cm.
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Follow meIntermediate solution Recommended for children between 5 and 7 years old.
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Children trailerTwo places
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Getting here
Departure city : NIORT
Coming by car
- at 4h15 from PARIS
- at 2h from BORDEAUX
- at 6h from LYON
Coming by train
- Niort train station - 2h30 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Poitiers airport
- La Rochelle airport
- Bordeaux airport
Arrival city : NIORT
Coming by car
- at 4h15 from PARIS
- at 2h from BORDEAUX
- at 6h from LYON
Coming by train
- Niort train station - 2h30 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Poitiers airport
- La Rochelle airport
- Bordeaux airport
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
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| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Duration 7 days and 6 nights
Level Easy ou Leisure
Departure date From March 31st to October 30th
Destination Atlantic Coast
Marais Poitevin
See detailed prices
Personalized service 
Fit
NIORT
Free arrival in Niort.
Meeting with our local guide
Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.