How many stopovers are there between Niort and Marans?

Between Niort and Marans, there are a total of 11 river stops . The stops are located at : Port Boinot (Niort), La Roussille (Niort), Magné, Coulon, Arçais, Damvix, Bouillé-Courdault, Bazoin, La Grève-sur-le-Mignon, Maillé, Taugon-les-Combrands and Marans. There are 3 stops in the Vendée Marais Poitevin area: Damvix, Maillé and Bouillé-Courdault.

How do you get through the locks and structures?

The good news is that all the locks can be used independently. Before you set off, take a look at the Boater’s Guide published by the Institution Interdépartementale du Bassin de la Sèvre Niortaise (IIBSN) . On site, QR codes installed near the locks will take you to the official IIBSN application, which explains step-by-step how each lock works. Simple, practical and reassuring. Pass through the lock like a real captain.

Where can I fill up with water and electricity?

To use the kiosks (water and electricity), you need to create a subscription via the QIPEO solution . Hubs are available at the following stops: La Roussille, Magné, Coulon, Arçais, Damvix, Bazoin, La Grève-sur-le-Mignon, Bouillé-Courdault, Maillé, Marans. The same terminals are also available for water supply and electrical recharging. A word of advice: make sure you register with QIPEO before you set off, so you can sail with a clear head.

How long does a cruise last?

From 1 night to 7 nights, according to your wishes. A full Niort-Marans round trip takes around 5 days.

Can you sail your own boat?

Yes, as long as it respects the authorised gauge on the waterway.

Cruise in the Marais Poitevin

Set a course for your river adventure

What if your next adventure was on the water?
In the Marais Poitevin, you don’t follow a road… you trace your wake.

Explore the Sèvre Niortaise between Niort and Marans aboard an electric barge or your own boat. Here, time slows down, nature reclaims its rights and every lock you pass becomes a victory. Welcome to an adventure playground that’s unique in France.

Nearly 100 kms river shipping

The Domaine Public Fluvial means 100 km of navigable waterways, 13 locks, 37 dams and a succession of landscapes that change with every bend.

Between Niort and Marans, allow around 60 km one way (5 days for a full round trip).
But you don’t have to do it all: electric barge hire can be adapted to your pace, from 2 to 7 days.

You’re no longer just a visitor. You become an explorer!

Waterways map7MB

It's up to you to choose your course!

Your mission is not limited to the Sèvre Niortaise, the main axis of the Marais Poitevin.

Towards Maillé and the Jeune Autise canal

From the Sèvre Niortaise, head for Maillé.
Depending on the size of your boat, continue for 5 km to Maillezais via the Jeune Autise canal.

The Vieille Autise canal

Accessible from Bazoin to the port of Courdault, this route offers around 20 km round trip in a more intimate and wild atmosphere.

Each arm of the water reveals a different facet of the marsh: more open, more secret, more mysterious.

Your adventurer HQs

In the Vendée Marais Poitevin, three public river stops welcome you for your stopovers (48 hours maximum):

Damvix – on the Sèvre Niortaise
Bouillé-Courdault – on the Vieille Autise canal
Maillé – on the Sèvre Niortaise

These stops are ideal for :

Fill up with water and recharge the boat’s battery
Discover a village
Treat yourself to a quayside restaurant
Enjoy a peaceful night in the heart of the marshes

Halte fluviale au port de Damvix

Halte fluviale au port de Courdault

Halte fluviale au port de Maillé

Hire an electric boat No licence, no stress

Fancy taking the helm? The good news is that you don’t need a boating licence to sail in the Marais Poitevin.

Au bout du marais” is one of the rental companies specialising in electric barges, departing from Niort.
Comfortable, easy to manoeuvre and silent, these boats are perfect for a first river experience with family or friends.

Bateau-croisière "Au bout du marais"

Vendée Marais Poitevin The must-haves during your cruise

Abbaye Saint Pierre de Maillezais

Maillezais Abbey, the largest historic site in the Marais Poitevin

Maillezais

Prepare your mission!

How many stopovers are there between Niort and Marans?
How do you get through the locks and structures?
The good news is that all the locks can be used independently.
Before you set off, take a look at the Boater’s Guide published by the Institution Interdépartementale du Bassin de la Sèvre Niortaise (IIBSN).
On site, QR codes installed near the locks will take you to the official IIBSN application, which explains step-by-step how each lock works.
Simple, practical and reassuring.
Pass through the lock like a real captain.
Where can I fill up with water and electricity?
To use the kiosks (water and electricity), you need to create a subscription via the QIPEO solution.
Hubs are available at the following stops: La Roussille, Magné, Coulon, Arçais, Damvix, Bazoin, La Grève-sur-le-Mignon, Bouillé-Courdault, Maillé, Marans.
The same terminals are also available for water supply and electrical recharging.
A word of advice: make sure you register with QIPEO before you set off, so you can sail with a clear head.
How long does a cruise last?
Can you sail your own boat?