Your itinerary3 beautiful stages in the Vendée Marais Poitevin
On the Vendée Marais Poitevin route, your itinerary takes you from Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salle to the heart of the Marais Poitevin, passing through the Mervent-Vouvant forest.
Randonnées pédestres dans le Marais Poitevin en Vendée - chemin de halage
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Way of Saint James
of CompostelaFollowing in the footsteps of the pilgrims between bocage, forest and marshland
Mervent Saint-Luc Chemin de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle
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Stage 1From Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salle to
Saint-Michel-le-Cloucq
23.16 km | D+ 233 m | approx. 6h20 walk
You start your adventure in the Vendée bocage. The sunken lanes, hedgerows and rolling hills quickly put you in the right mood.
Then comes the highlight: the crossing of the Mervent-Vouvant forest.
A dense, undulating forest where the paths wind between rivers and viewpoints. This is where you test your endurance… but also your ability to let yourself be surprised.
The arrival at Saint-Michel-le-Cloucq marks the end of a demanding but immersive stage. You’ve reached your first milestone.
Step 2From Saint-Michel-le-Cloucq to Maillezais
20.76 km | D+ 81 m | approx. 5h25 walk
You gradually leave the mountainous terrain behind and enter more open territory.
The landscape changes. The paths become smoother and the horizons wider. You enter the Marais Poitevin.
On your way, there are two not-to-be-missed stops:
- The perfectly restoredAbbey of Nieul-sur-l’Autise
- Maillezais Abbey, with its spectacular monumental remains.
This stage is physically gentler, but rich in discoveries. You’ll be walking between nature and heritage.
Step 3From Maillezais to Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud
20.36 km | D+ 38 m | approx. 5hrs 10mins walk
You are now in the heart of the Marais Poitevin. Here, everything changes: flat terrain, water everywhere, silence and light.
You’ll follow the canals, pass through typical villages and discover the emblematic landscapes of the Venise Verte.
It’s a soothing, almost meditative stage. The body moves forward, but the mind wanders. The arrival at Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud marks a transition from pilgrim to explorer.
Preparing well
Preparing your route is the first step. Maps, topographical guides, accommodation… everything is there to make your adventure safe and to enable you to move forward with peace of mind.
All you have to do is take the first step!
La Voie de la VendéeAn alternative for your pilgrimage
Want to get off the beaten track?
The Voie de la Vendée links Saint-Michel-le-Cloucq to La Rochelle, via Fontenay-le-Comte.
Less well known, this secondary route is aimed at independent walkers looking for a freer itinerary. Another way to experience your adventure!
Frequently asked questions
- How many kilometres is the Camino de Santiago in the Vendée Marais Poitevin?
In the Vendée Marais Poitevin area, the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela covers around 65 km, divided into 3 main stages.
- How many days will it take to cover this route?
Allow between 3 and 4 days’ walking to complete the whole itinerary. Each stage represents around 20 to 23 km, or 5 to 6 hours’ walking per day with a heavy rucksack.
- Is the route difficult?
The level is generally accessible.
- The first stage is the most strenuous, with hills through hedged farmland and forest.
- The next two stages are easier, particularly in the Marais Poitevin where the terrain is flat.
- Where to stay on the Way of St James in the Vendée?
Pilgrim-friendly accommodation is available all along the route: gîtes, bed and breakfasts, campsites and approved accommodation.
- Can you do the Camino de Santiago without being a pilgrim?
Of course you can. The route is open to everyone: walkers, nature lovers and heritage enthusiasts. There’s something for everyone.
- Is a credential compulsory for walking the Camino de Santiago?
No, you don’t need a credential to walk the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela. You are free to walk the route, whether you are a pilgrim, a hiker or simply an explorer.
However, the credential (or pilgrim’s notebook) can be useful:
- it allows you to collect stamps at each stage
- it facilitates access to certain accommodation reserved for pilgrims
- It is necessary if you wish to obtain the Compostela on arrival in Santiago de Compostela.
- It adds another dimension to your adventure
