A guided boat trip marked Values regional natural Park

28 October 2019

If a visit to the Ornithological Park of the Marais poitevin is a must-see for visitors, it is not the only activity available in the place. With or without a guide, you can also ride a boat and discover the secret and quiet marsh of Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud.

A guided boat trip marked Values regional Park

Logo Values regional Park

Under the “Valeurs Parc Naturel Régional” brand, the jetty offers a true immersion in a wild and authentic marsh. For a first trip in the region, the guided tour is perfect and allows you to discover every aspect of the marsh. During the trip, you learn the history of the place with precision and anecdotes. The Marais poitevin is a remarkable natural and historical heritage that offers visitors a unique experience on the small channels, guided with a simple long wooden stick called “pigouille”. The history of developments, the description of the different hydraulic works, the issues of water and the promotion of the preservation of the system – this “green tourism” enchants with its simplicity and its abundance.

The brand Values Regional Natural Park, a highlight for the Ornithological Park

Nathalie Hervouet, manager of the Ornithological Park with her husband Francis, reminds us of her attachment to the Marais poitevin:

“Being labelled Valeurs Parc Naturel Régional was obvious, it was a result for me. We are the first visitation site and boat renter with guided tour to obtain the label, which is of course for us a token of respect of the job done and the strong relationship with the Natural Regional Park. Before that, we were labelled “Engagement qualité” – a local approach from the Park – , so it was normal that we decided to choose the label from the Federation of the regional natural parks of France.

Visit the ornithological park birds of the Marais Poitevin.

With the label Valeurs Parc Naturel Régional, we can get support from the technicians of the Park and a technical follow-up. We are also part of a network that allows us to cooperate with different providers who share those values of attachment to the Marsh and the preservation of its wonderful heritage. We are not alone. We share our knowledge; everybody is complementary to another; that gives a true unity to our activities. Being part of a strong label gives us the possibility to welcome tourists in a network. Each provider is independent but works in a cohesive way to promote the label Valeurs Parc Naturel Régional and propose a global and complete offer.

We see the tourist as an ambassador of our territory, which is why we care a lot about the quality of our services. Every guide who goes on a boat trip has followed the training offered by the Marais poitevin Régional Natural Park. They bring a real knowledge of the natural and historical heritage of the territory and play a key role in educating the visitors on the preservation of the territory, its fragile balance and the issues it faces.”

Promenade en barque guidée à l’Embarcadère du parc ornithologique les Oiseaux du Marais poitevin

To navigate on a private and wild marsh, with or without a guide, the jetty of the Ornithological Park of the Marais poitevin is the perfect place. By boat, by foot or by bike, from Niort to the shores of Vendée, numerous possibilities to discover the Marais poitevin on every aspect are available.

There are other touristic products labelled Valeurs Parc Naturel Régional – accommodation, visitation site, local product etc. – to get your trip fully labelled!!