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 bike by exploring the donjon of Aliénor of Aquitaine in Niort and enjoy the view on the old town. Then go for a ride to discover the surroundings of Niort.
From NIORT to ARCAIS 39km 109m
You ride your bike towards the village of Vanneau-Irleau. You then go up the Vélo Francette route towards Coulon, the capital of Green Venice and the strong point of the Marais Poitevin. Stroll on the quays along the Sèvre Niortaise and on the port. Stop at the Maison du Marais to discover the history of the Marais and take advantage of the many piers in the village to offer yourself a peaceful boat trip.
ARCAIS, BOUCLE DU MARAIS SAUVAGE 39km 84m
When you leave Arçais, 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.
ARCAIS, BOUCLE DE LA VENISE VERTE ET DE L'ABBAYE DE MAILLEZAIS 37km 83m
Leave Arçais 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 Arçais.
From ARCAIS to NIORT 30km 105m
A short stopover in the direction of Coulon then La Rousille to enjoy the bucolic calm of the Marais.
You ride in the direction of the village of Vanneau-Irleau. You then follow the Vélo Francette route towards Coulon, the capital of the Venise Verte and the highlight of the Marais Poitevin. Stroll along the quays along the Sèvre Niortaise and in the port. Stop at the Maison du Marais to discover the history of the Marais and take advantage of the many piers in the village to enjoy a peaceful boat trip.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
- For a few more km 40km 147m
If you have already taken the vélofrancette route, this route allows you to take a different route. You first go to saint hilaire la palud then pass through small villages to reach Magné and take the vélofrancette for the last few kilometres before reaching Niort.
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 595€/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 740€/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
- Luggage transfer
- 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
- A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
- 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
- Jour 1 : Welcome meeting
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.
Hiking Bike (woman)ARCADE ESCAPE 28″ wheels The lightweight, practical and comfortable travel bike. Supplied equipment per bike
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Hiking 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
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Trekking or hybrid bike
- 21 to 30 speeds
- 26 or 28 inch (700) wheels
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (included with the rental)
- Clothing suitable for cycling
- Warm jacket (eg fleece)
- Rain proof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 small backpack or panniers
- 1 or 2 water flasks (included with the rental)
- 1 lock (included with the rental)
- Our reccomendation for optimal comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves
- 1 special pair of pants (shammy leather)
- 1 night see fluorescent vest
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Daily use kit: cloth, brake pads, oil
Other
- Suitcase for transporting personal effects in luggage transfers (limited to one per person)
- Change of clothes for the evening
- Warm jacket for the evenings
- Set of toiletries
- Mobile phone and charger
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
Expert , 
Aventure
NIORT
Free arrival in Niort.
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.