Charente Vendee Attractions  This area of France has a rich variety of attractions for the holidaymaker.  Of course the miles of sandy beaches draw the crowds year after year, but there are some delightful towns and villages as well, plus vineyards aplenty with the added benefit of the home of Cognac and the local speciality Pineau. Also you will find splendid theme parks such as le Puy du Fou or Futuroscope, as well as idyllic islands, fascinating geographical features....

Le Marais Poitévin  Nice for a pleasant day out getting close to nature.

Location: To the north and east of La Rochelle, and to the west of Niort.

General Info: French only website:

Description: Also known as the Green Venice or Little Venice these Poitou marshlands are a protected natural environment. Covering both sides of the River Sèvre Niortaise the marshes cover an area of more than 200,000 acres.  The “dry marsh” near the sea is a wide open area with long canals where migratory birds can been seen. The “wet marsh” inland boasts beautifully picturesque villages.

Our recommendations: Head for Coulon (pictured), classified as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, just west of Niort on the D123.  You can get walking guides and maps from the tourist information centre.

For the children: Try hiring a punt (see picture), either in Coulon or from one of the many places alongside the river.

        - Aquarium at La Rochelle
        - Aqualand theme park
        - Atlantic Toboggan
        - Château des Enigmes
        - Futuroscope
        - Indian Forest
        - Ile de Ré
        - Le Chateau des Aventuriers
        - Le Dune du Pilat
        - Le Marais Poitévin
        - Le Puy du Fou
        - Tepacap
        - Zoo de la Palmyre

If you're staying in the north of this region, consider a trip to the Loire or  Brittany, if you're in the Gironde area then the Dordogne is within reach.

Additional information on Le Marais Poitévin

We used to think Colon was the only place from where you could enjoy the Marais Poitevin, but we've since realised that there are many options, even to those staying in the Vendée near to Longeville-sur-Mer.  Follow the road out of Longeville in the direction of Angles and look for signs to La Pépiere Laumaison du Marais on the right hand side.  Open April to September, 10AM - 5PM in main season.  It's more open than the traditional Marais areas, so make sure you take plenty of sun block!

It's also possible to visit the Marais from Marans (centre) and several places in the area between Maillezais, Courcon and Coulon.

Maybe the other really attractive place to visit the Marais from is the Abbaye St Pierre-le-vieux.  Offering canoe/barque rental (as well as bikes) for between 1 and 4 hours from the port at the Abbaye.  Follow the D23 through St Pierre-le-vieux to Maillezais, follow signs for the Abbaye and use the Abbaye parking on the LHS.  Turn left out of the car park exist to find the "embarcadere".  Open April, May, June, September 10AM - noon and 2PM - 6PM, then July/AUgust 9.30AM - 7.30PM.  October opening is 10AM - noon and 2-4PM.

External websites offering information on the Vendee and Charente Maritime:

- Holidays France Atlantic Website
- Le Charente

- Angela Bird's website on the Vendée

     - Top Attractions in Charente / Vendee
     - Top ten Holiday destinations in France