- Where do you start to discover the Vendée Marais Poitevin?
Start by choosing your world of adventure: the Marais Poitevin and its canals, the Mervent-Vouvant forest, towns and villages with character, major cycling routes or heritage sites.
For your first discovery, we recommend mixing nature, heritage and outdoor activities.
- What type of holiday is right for me?
With the whole family: fun activities, leisure parks, boat trips and animal watching.
Sports enthusiasts: cycling, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, trail running or outdoor activities.
In slow tourism mode: gentle sailing, hiking, charming villages, gastronomy and nature.
History buffs: abbeys, medieval towns, keeps, museums, local legends.
- What's not to be missed?
The Marais Poitevin, La Terre d’étoiles, Vouvant, Fontenay-le-Comte, the Mervent-Vouvant forest, Maillezais, Nieul-sur-l’Autise, etc. are just some of the must-see destinations.
- Where is Vendée Marais Poitevin located?
The destination is in the south of the Vendée, between the Marais Poitevin, the Vendée bocage and the Mervent-Vouvant forest, close to La Rochelle, Niort and the Puy du Fou.
- When is the best time to come?
Spring and summer are ideal for outdoor activities and entertainment.
Autumn offers magnificent colours in the forests and marshes.
Winter offers a quieter, more authentic way to explore the region. - What to do in the event of rain
Even in the rain, the adventure continues:
- Nieul-sur-l’Autise Abbey
- Faymoreau Mining Centre
- Clemenceau – De Lattre Museum in Mouilleron-Saint-Germain
- Les Circuits de Vendée indoor go-karting in Fontenay-le-Comte
- Château de Terre-Neuve in Fontenay-le-Comte
- Océanide aquatic centre, Fontenay-le-Comte
- Planetarium in La Chapelle-aux-Lys (Terval)
- …
- Where can you take a traditional boat trip in the Marais Poitevin?
Several landing stages offer guided or self-guided tours of the Marais Poitevin, including Maillezais, Le Mazeau, Saint-Sigismond and Damvix.
- Where to go hiking in the Vendée Marais Poitevin?
You’ll find more than 80 walking routes between marshes, forests, rivers and hedged farmland, as well as long-distance footpaths such as the GR®364 or the GRP® de Mélusine.
- Are there any unusual activities?
Yes, sound walks, astronomy, hot-air ballooning, virtual reality, orienteering courses, all-terrain electric scooters, bungee jumping, nature escape games, boat trips at sunrise or sunset, etc.
- Where can I find events in the Vendée Marais Poitevin?
All the events, entertainment, shows, festivals, markets and guided tours are available in the Tourist Office’sonline diary.
- Are there any events throughout the year?
Yes, the region offers a wide range of activities all year round, including guided tours, cultural events, markets, nature activities and festive events.
- How can I reference my event in the diary?
If your event takes place in a commune in the Vendée Marais Poitevin destination, you can submit your request using the dedicated form. Once it has been approved by our team, it can be published in the diary free of charge.
- Do you have any special offers for groups?
Yes, the Tourist Office offers day trips and breaks tailored to groups, associations, schools, businesses and coach operators.
- Can we organise a turnkey day?
Yes, our team can help you organise your entire trip or stay.
- Do you welcome schoolchildren?
Yes, a number of activities and visits are adapted for school groups.








