Can this visit be combined with another activity?

Of course you can. Our sales department can create a tailor-made half or full day for you: another guided tour, a heritage site, an outdoor activity, a gourmet break, a meeting with an artisan… Just tell us what you’d like to do: we’ll put together the best experiences in the area and take care of all the organisation.

Is this tour suitable for children?

This tour is aimed primarily at adults or mixed groups (adults and children). Children are welcome in adult groups, but the tour is not specially designed for them. To find out more about Fontenay-le-Comte for groups of children, see Groups for young visitors.

Is there free parking close to the start of the tour?

Yes, you can park for free at the Abbaye de Maillezais car park, 150 metres from the port. On foot from this car park, follow the signs for “Le Grand Port” and take the pedestrian street down to the harbour where the pier is located.

Can I get to the start of the tour by bus? Is there authorised parking for buses?

Yes, the bus can be parked in one of the car parks at Maillezais Abbey. On foot from the car parks, follow the signs for “Le Grand Port” and take the pedestrian street down to the harbour where the pier is located.

Are there toilets close to the starting point?

Toilets are available in the reception building of Maillezais Abbey / Tourist Office, in the car park near the landing stage.

What distinguishes the Embarcadère de l'Abbaye from the other landing stages in the Marais Poitevin?

It’s the only voluntary landing stage in the Marais Poitevin. The boat trips are a direct way of supporting local employment and helping to preserve the marsh. The canals of Maillezais are particularly authentic and carefully maintained by the association.

Are the boatmen trained?

Yes, the boatmen are trained by the Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park and have the necessary authorisations to transport passengers, meeting the criteria required by the authorities for passenger transport by boat (permit issued by the DDTM, commission de surveillance de la navigation).

Is safety equipment provided?

Yes, lifejackets are available for children under 13, people with disabilities and anyone who wishes to wear one, in accordance with regulations.

Boat trip in the Marais Poitevin in Maillezais | Pays de Fontenay-Vendée Tourist Office

Embark on a peaceful and relaxing voyage

Meet up at the Embarcadère de l’Abbaye, in the old port of Maillezais. In small groups, climb aboard a traditional boat and let yourself be guided by your enthusiastic boatman, volunteer or young seasonal worker! Discover an unspoilt part of the Marais Poitevin as you cruise along the conches and gullies, in a calm, green and lively landscape, at the foot of a thousand-year-old Abbey. Fauna, flora, the history of the marsh, a commitment to its preservation and a demonstration of fire on water: this outing combines nature, local know-how and a real feeling of disconnection.

About your visit

Choice of: 1h, 1h30 or 2h

Minimum 10 people, maximum 52 people

The number of boats and boat guides allows up to 52 people to embark simultaneously.
For larger groups, you will need to plan a second departure during the day.

Monday to Sunday, from early April to late October

Departures at 10am, 11am, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm or 5pm (except in October, last departure at 3pm).
By reservation only and subject to availability.

Departure from the Embarcadère de l'Abbaye

Rue du Grand Port 85420 Maillezais
From the Abbey car park, take the pedestrian access towards Grand Port.

0 km to walk

You float on the water for a distance of 2 to 4 km, depending on the length of your trip.

Wheelchair access

Every effort is made to help a person with reduced mobility to board, provided they can sit comfortably (on a wooden bench with a backrest or a moulded plastic seat). A wheelchair cannot be taken on board. A lifejacket is compulsory and provided by the embarcadero.

In French or English

Magic moments

Glide silently under a green sky of willows, poplars and pollarded ashes

Listen to an enthusiastic boatman recount the history and traditions of the marsh (where he is certainly a native)

Be surprised by the magic of fire on water and other marsh secrets

Participate in a tourist activity committed to preserving the Marais Poitevin

Scroll through the gallery

On the programme

A gentle stroll through the marshes

From the Abbey pier in the port of Maillezais, the group is invited to take their place in a traditional boat for a guided tour lasting between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the option chosen. The scenery changes very quickly: the canals narrow, the vegetation envelops the boat and silence sets in. Your boat guide, paddle or oar in hand, winds his way through the conches and gullies and dense vegetation, revealing a landscape shaped by man and nature. It’s an accessible way to discover the river, ideal for groups looking for a relaxing nature outing.

Passionate, qualified boatmen

Throughout the trip, your boatman will share with you the keys to understanding the landscape, the wealth of flora and fauna, and the traditions associated with boating in the Marais Poitevin. The professionalism of the boatmen, trained by the Regional Nature Park, is one of the real highlights of the experience. Whether you’re a volunteer or a seasonal worker, whether you’ve been on the job for years or are a new recruit, we’re sure you’ll be as impressed by the experience as you are by the history of the area.

Memorable moments

The walk has some of the most beautiful postcard scenery in store for you. Right from the start, you won’t want to miss the view ofMaillezais Abbey and its majestic surroundings. At the end of the walk, discover the secrets of the marsh by admiring the demonstration of fire on water.

A committed pier for associations

The Embarcadère de l’Abbaye is the only voluntary pier in the Marais Poitevin. Visitors contribute directly to supporting local employment and preserving this fragile environment, in particular by helping to replant the pollarded trees of the Marais Poitevin, which have fallen victim to a disease. Here, tourism has a real meaning: discovering the marsh while helping to protect it.

The price includes

Rental of the number of boats required for the whole group
One guide per boat
The loan of lifejackets for children under 13, PRMs and anyone else who so wishes

The price does not include

Transport
Personal expenses

We'll take care of everything!

Our sales department will advise you and book all the visits and activities of your choice for your group.
Contact us for more information.

Léa Blanchard

Marketing Manager

[email protected]02.51.69.44.81 06.70.72.86.16

Always on the lookout for the perfect holiday, I combine creativity and precision to tailor-make your getaway to suit you. With me, your holiday can't be improvised... it has to be dreamt, prepared and experienced.

Ludovic Géron

Marketing manager

[email protected]02.51.69.44.81 06.70.72.86.16

Proud of Vouvant, the village of my birth, I talk about it with the passion of a storyteller and the smile of a neighbour you meet at the market. With me, heritage never sleeps... it's told, it comes alive.

Ask us for a personalised quote

Prepare your visit

Calculate my route

Can this visit be combined with another activity?
Of course you can. Our sales department can create a tailor-made half or full day for you: another guided tour, a heritage site, an outdoor activity, a gourmet break, a meeting with an artisan…
Just tell us what you’d like to do: we’ll put together the best experiences in the area and take care of all the organisation.
Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is aimed primarily at adults or mixed groups (adults and children).
Children are welcome in adult groups, but the tour is not specially designed for them.
To find out more about Fontenay-le-Comte for groups of children, see Groups for young visitors.
Is there free parking close to the start of the tour?
Yes, you can park for free at the Abbaye de Maillezais car park, 150 metres from the port.
On foot from this car park, follow the signs for “Le Grand Port” and take the pedestrian street down to the harbour where the pier is located.
Can I get to the start of the tour by bus? Is there authorised parking for buses?
Yes, the bus can be parked in one of the car parks at Maillezais Abbey.
On foot from the car parks, follow the signs for “Le Grand Port” and take the pedestrian street down to the harbour where the pier is located.
Are there toilets close to the starting point?
Toilets are available in the reception building of Maillezais Abbey / Tourist Office, in the car park near the landing stage.
What distinguishes the Embarcadère de l'Abbaye from the other landing stages in the Marais Poitevin?
It’s the only voluntary landing stage in the Marais Poitevin. The boat trips are a direct way of supporting local employment and helping to preserve the marsh. The canals of Maillezais are particularly authentic and carefully maintained by the association.
Are the boatmen trained?
Yes, the boatmen are trained by the Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park and have the necessary authorisations to transport passengers, meeting the criteria required by the authorities for passenger transport by boat
(permit issued by the DDTM, commission de surveillance de la navigation).
Is safety equipment provided?
Yes, lifejackets are available for children under 13, people with disabilities and anyone who wishes to wear one, in accordance with regulations.