Where can I buy the Marais Poitevin walking map?

Every good explorer needs a map before setting off on an adventure! The “Marais Poitevin walking map “ is on sale (€1.50) at all our Tourist Offices: Fontenay-le-Comte, Maillezais, Vouvant, Mouilleron-Saint-Germain, Mervent and Damvix . Consult the opening times of our Tourist Offices Not in the area? Don’t worry: you can also order your map online and have it delivered straight to your door. Order the Marais Poitevin walking map

When is the best time to go hiking in the Marais Poitevin?

The Marais Poitevin changes its face every season. In spring , everything is reborn; in summer , the canals shimmer; in autumn , the golden light sublimates the pollarded ash trees. Whatever the season, nature always has something to tell you. Just be careful! In winter, be careful: many sections of the paths may be inaccessible due to seasonal flooding. Nature then reclaims its rights… and invites you to contemplate rather than walk.

How do I report a problem on a circuit?

A damaged or missing signpost, a tree in the way, a blocked chain boat, …? Don’t panic, a real hero warns, reports and protects! Help us maintain these lands of adventure by reporting any incident: Access the SURICATE online reporting platform And if you prefer human contact, our teams are here to help you: – in our Tourist Offices – by phone – by email

Are dogs allowed on the trails?

Yes, your faithful companions can also go on adventures, as long as they are kept on a lead. This helps to respect private property along certain paths, farms and other walkers – sometimes accompanied by their own four-legged hero!

Are there any guided walks?

Yes, you can! Follow the marsh’s enthusiastic naturalist guides , true guardians of nature . Join them on a journey of discovery of birds, plants and local traditions, filled with anecdotes, observation and wonder. These outings are offered on certain dates, depending on the season and the theme. The best thing to do is contact the Vendée Marais Poitevin Tourist Office to find out the next dates and places of departure.

Hiking in the Marais Poitevin | Pays de Fontenay-Vendée Tourist Office

On the hiking trails in the heart of the Marais Poitevin

Explore 16 local loops or let yourself be guided by the Pilgrim ‘s Way to Santiago de Compostela, which crosses the Marais Poitevin.

From the heart of the Venise Verte and its wet marshes, to the luminous plains of the dry marshes, via the grazed commons, set off to discover a mosaic of landscapes.

Whether you’re walking for pleasure, challenge or contemplation, the epic begins here!

Our local loops every path has its own quest!

Routes between water and greenery, accessible to all walkers! The local loops of the Marais Poitevin invite you to wander through meadows, marshes, woods and picturesque villages, at your own pace and to your heart’s content.

Find all our detailed route descriptions: distance, duration, level of difficulty, digital route.

Cicruit pédestre de Baude (grand)Montreuil

9.1km

Walking2h 30minEasy
Buckle

Circuit pédestre Autour du CommunalLes Velluire-sur-Vendée

9.7km

Walking3h Easy
Buckle

Circuit pédestre Les LevéesMaillezais

11.1km

Walking2h 45minEasy
Buckle

Chemin de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle - Maillezais à Saint-Hilaire-la-PaludMaillezais

20.4km

Walking5h 10minHard
Linear

Circuit pédestre Les Bois BlancsSaint-Pierre-le-Vieux

5.6km

Walking1h 30minEasy
Buckle

Circuit pédestre Sur les Pas d'Aliénor d'AquitaineRives-d'Autise

2.5km

Walking1h Easy
Buckle

Circuit pédestre La CordeMouzeuil-Saint-Martin

14.0km

Walking3h 30minEasy
Buckle

CIRCUIT PÉDESTRE BILLAUDEDoix lès Fontaines

2.4km

Walking45minEasy
Buckle

Circuit pédestre Le Bois JoliLes Velluire-sur-Vendée

5.2km

Walking1h 30minEasy
Buckle

Circuit pédestre Les RainettesDamvix

9.0km

Walking2h 30minEasy
Buckle

Circuit pédestre Le MaraisLe Langon

11.3km

Walking2h 50minEasy
Buckle

Circuit pédestre Le LancierLe Mazeau

8.0km

Walking2h Easy
Buckle

Circuit pédestre La Route d'EauDoix lès Fontaines

8.0km

Walking2h Easy
Buckle

CIRCUIT PÉDESTRE LES CHAINTRESLes Velluire-sur-Vendée

2.7km

Walking27minEasy
Buckle

Circuit pédestre de Baude (petit)Montreuil

5.1km

Walking1h 30minEasy
Buckle

Circuit pédestre Les CabanesBenet

9.0km

Walking2h 15minEasy
Buckle

Circuit pédestre La LutinièreAuchay-sur-Vendée

3.6km

Walking1h 15minEasy
Buckle

Circuit pédestre Les NattesBenet

9.0km

Walking2h 20minEasy
Buckle

Circuit pédestre Entre Plaine et MaraisSaint-Sigismond

9.0km

Walking2h 15minEasy
Buckle

Circuit pédestre Le Grand MaraisBouillé-Courdault

7.0km

Walking1h 40minEasy
Buckle

Route map your adventure companion

Before you put on your walking boots, don’t forget to slip the “Marais Poitevin walking map” into your bag !

This essential map details the 16 walking routes in the area, with their distances, times, levels of difficulty and starting points. You’ll also find practical information to help you find your way around, understand the landscapes you’ll be passing through and extend your escapade by visiting the sites to be discovered.

On sale at all our reception points:

1.50 for a map of walks in the Marais Poitevin

Order your card online

Santiago de Compostela the path of legendary travellers

Following in the footsteps of the pilgrims of yesterday and the adventurers of today, cross the Marais Poitevin along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Pilgrim ‘s Way to Santiago de Compostela.

Between Nieul-sur-l’Autise, Saint-Pierre-le-Vieux, Maillezais, Maillé and Damvix, let spirituality guide your steps.

And to extend the adventure, a secondary route links the town of Fontenay-le-Comte to Velluire, running peacefully alongside the River Vendée: an intimate stopover at the crossroads of nature and history.

Spotlights that really pop!

In the Marais Poitevin, beauty is revealed at every step.

Here, Maillezais Abbey offers a unique panorama of the marsh and its canals. There, a chain ferry invites you to cross the river by the strength of your arms, with a smile on your face. Further on, a levee bears witness to the genius of the men who have tamed the water over the centuries, while a picturesque little port reveals all its charm…

Poitevin Marsh The must-haves on your way

Abbaye Saint Pierre de Maillezais

Maillezais Abbey, the largest historic site in the Marais Poitevin

Maillezais

Your picnic break Stop off in a corner of paradise!

See all the picnic areas in the Marais Poitevin

Frequently asked questions

Where can I buy the Marais Poitevin walking map?
Every good explorer needs a map before setting off on an adventure!
The “Marais Poitevin walking map “ is on sale (€1.50) at all our Tourist Offices: Fontenay-le-Comte, Maillezais, Vouvant, Mouilleron-Saint-Germain, Mervent and Damvix.
Consult the opening times of our Tourist Offices
Not in the area? Don’t worry: you can also order your map online and have it delivered straight to your door.
Order the Marais Poitevin walking map
When is the best time to go hiking in the Marais Poitevin?
The Marais Poitevin changes its face every season.
In spring, everything is reborn; in summer, the canals shimmer; inautumn, the golden light sublimates the pollarded ash trees.
Whatever the season, nature always has something to tell you.
Just be careful!
In winter, be careful: many sections of the paths may be inaccessible due to seasonal flooding. Nature then reclaims its rights… and invites you to contemplate rather than walk.
How do I report a problem on a circuit?
Are dogs allowed on the trails?
Are there any guided walks?
Yes, you can! Follow the marsh’s enthusiastic naturalist guides, true guardians of nature. Join them on a journey of discovery of birds, plants and local traditions, filled with anecdotes, observation and wonder.
These outings are offered on certain dates, depending on the season and the theme. The best thing to do is contact theVendée Marais Poitevin Tourist Office to find out the next dates and places of departure.