Towns and villages

Visit Coulon in the Marais poitevin

Visit Coulon in the Marais poitevin

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30 May 2018

In the heart of the wet marshes of the Marais poitevin Regional Natural Park, the charming village of Coulon can claim to be part of the “Little Town of Character” group thanks to its exceptional heritage. A visit is a must…

Visit Coulon in the Marais poitevin, a village with an incredible heritage

With the first days of sun of the year, many visitors walk down the beautiful alleys of Coulon to discover the charms of the village while enjoying the return of good weather.
Pretty soon the heart of the village shows its first treasures: The Holy Trinity Church, a protected monument whose origins goes back to 830. Because of its eventful history, the church had to be rebuilt several times, especially under the reign of Louis XIV of France. It’s a precious monument that saw the development and embellishment of Coulon throughout the years.

As you walk down the low slope street to the Sèvre niortaise river, you arrive to the nice Louis Tardy dock. It’s a beautiful invitation to relax on the shore, as time seems to be suspended.

Louis Tardy dock in Coulon where you can rent a boat in the Marais poitevin régional nature park

Louis Tardy dock in Coulon where you can rent a boat

If you continue to walk along the dock, you arrive at the “Place de la Coutume” with on the right the House of the Marais poitevin. It’s a key venue if you want to appreciate the Marais poitevin to its fair value: it’s a full-scale museum that helps you understand the Marais poitevin and its subtleties. During this one-hour visit to experience the traditions and secrets of the marsh, you will learn that Coulon is the capital city of the Green Venice, the other touristic name of the Eastern wet marsh, also classified as “Grand Site de France”.

Coulon, capital city of the Green Venice in the Marais poitevin

Coulon’s privileged position in the heart of the Marais poitevin and unique heritage are the reasons why this village is called the capital city of the Green Venice. It’s not a coincidence if the tourist office and the headquarters of the Marais poitevin Regional Natural Park are in Coulon!

Visit Coulon, the ideal starting point to visit the Marais poitevin

Street in Coulon

With its charming alleys and its status as the capital city of the Green Venice, Coulon is more than just an essential step in your visit of the Marais poitevin: It’s the ideal starting point to go spend a day in a boat in the marsh. It is customary to end the visit of the rooms in the House of the Marais poitevin by discovering nature: The Green Venice itself. You will find several jetties along the Louis Tardy dock where you can rent a boat (with or without guide), whether it is a boat for a calm family trip or a canoe for adventurers!

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