Do I need to reserve my boat?

Yes, booking is strongly recommended, especially during busy periods and for guided tours. Contact your chosen pier directly.

How long does a boat trip in the Marais Poitevin last?

With or without a guide, each pier in the Venise Verte offers a number of different routes, with lengths to suit all tastes. Depending on the route you choose, you can expect to spend 1h, 1h30, 2h or 3h on the water (there are also shorter routes, lasting around 45 minutes ). To get the most out of your boat trip in the Marais Poitevin, we recommend a tour of 1? to 2 hours : the ideal time to immerse yourself in the canals, observe the wildlife and savour the unique atmosphere of the Green Venice.

Can you capsize in a traditional boat? Is it risky?

No, this is extremely rare. Traditional flat-bottomed boats are designed to offer excellent stability. In the past, they were even used to transport cows from one meadow to another.

Is there a minimum age for boat trips?

No. Even small children can board. Babies travel on their parents’ laps and all children are fitted with a life jacket, which is compulsory up to the age of 12.

Is it accessible to people with reduced mobility?

Yes, if the person can maintain themselves independently without their wheelchair. The boats are equipped with backrests and human assistance is available to make boarding and disembarking easier. A life jacket is provided. Unfortunately, however, the activity is not accessible to people who cannot leave their wheelchair.

Are dogs allowed on board?

Yes, dogs are welcome and can also enjoy the boat trip.

What happens in the event of bad weather?

The boat trips will continue even if it rains. All you need is suitable clothing and an umbrella. However, in the event of really extreme conditions (violent winds, thunderstorms, etc.), it is advisable to contact the pier directly for information.

Do you need to worry about mosquitoes on your walk?

No, you won’t be devoured. Bites are rare in boats on the water . Mosquitoes are generally more prevalent on certain hiking trails, depending on the season. For complete peace of mind, a little mosquito repellent cream before you set off will do the trick.

Docks Boat trips in the heart of Green Venice

Climb aboard a boat and glide along the water in the “Venise Verte”, the jewel in the crown of the Marais Poitevin. Between peaceful canals, pollarded ash trees and emerald reflections, discover a unique landscape, shaped by man and nature. With or without a guide, treat yourself to a timeless interlude in the heart of a preserved environment.

A magical experience in the heart of the Marais Poitevin

In Venise Verte, the water becomes your path.
In a traditional flat-bottomed boat, glide gently along the conches lined with pollarded ash trees. Here, everything invites you to slow down: the discreet lapping of the water, the flight of a heron, the light filtering through the foliage.

Each diversions reveals a new setting. A wet meadow, a discreet footbridge, a bank carpeted with duckweed… A boat trip in the Marais Poitevin is a total immersion in a living landscape, shaped since the Middle Ages.

With or without a guide? The choice is yours!

Boat trip with guide

Accompanied by a boatman, discover the secrets of the marsh.
The history of the canals, the role of pollarded ash trees, the emblematic fauna, local traditions… The guided touradds another dimension to your exploration.

Guided walks even have a few surprises in store, such as the famous “fire on the water”, a phenomenon that is as surprising as it is unexpected.

Self-guided boat trips

Looking for freedom? Hire your own boat and explore the canals at your own pace.

Map in hand, follow the signposted routes and take your time to observe, photograph and simply enjoy.

Several landing stages also offer canoe, paddle and pedalo hire .

Where to start? The ideal landing stage!

Ready to cast off?
Discover the landing stages of the Venise Verte on the Vendée side and choose your departure point for a boat trip in the Marais Poitevin: Maillezais, Damvix, Le Mazeau or Saint-Sigismond.

It’s up to you to choose your next adventure along the water.

Funny slices Exceptional guided walks!

What if you were to discover the Marais Poitevin in a different way from just being a spectator?

Some piers offer guided outings in exceptional conditions! Here, you don’t just sail. You can observe, learn and get involved.

Guided tour at dawn – Le Mazeau, Venise Verte landing stage
Guided tour at sunset – Saint-Sigismond, Embarcadère de l’Autize
Immersive escapade in the Venise Verte: introduction to pigouille or rowing and watering young ash trees to help preserve the marsh – Maillezais, Embarcadère de l’Abbaye

At the end of the activity, you get the famous “funny slice”! A slice of pollarded ash shaped by craftsman Benjamin Melin, giving a second life to this emblematic wood.

Prepare your mission!

Do I need to reserve my boat?
How long does a boat trip in the Marais Poitevin last?
With or without a guide, each pier in the Venise Verte offers a number of different routes, with lengths to suit all tastes. Depending on the route you choose, you can expect to spend 1h, 1h30, 2h or 3h on the water (there are also shorter routes, lasting around 45 minutes).
To get the most out of your boat trip in the Marais Poitevin, we recommend a tour of 1? to 2 hours: the ideal time to immerse yourself in the canals, observe the wildlife and savour the unique atmosphere of the Green Venice.
Can you capsize in a traditional boat? Is it risky?
Is there a minimum age for boat trips?
Is it accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Are dogs allowed on board?
What happens in the event of bad weather?
Do you need to worry about mosquitoes on your walk?