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. List of pilgrim hostels

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

Way of Saint James
of Compostela Following in the footsteps of the pilgrims between bocage, forest and marshland

The Pilgrim ‘s Way to Santiago de Compostela crosses the Vendée for almost 155 km. Here, you’re not just walking. You’re following in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims, through forests, hedgerows and marshes. Each stage transforms you. Each landscape slows you down. Every kilometre brings you closer to what’s essential.

Your itinerary 3 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.

Stage 1 From 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 2 From 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 3 From 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!