{"id":3460342,"date":"2021-07-20T20:31:16","date_gmt":"2021-07-20T18:31:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.parc-marais-poitevin.fr\/uncategorized\/explorer-le-marais-poitevin-avec-les-enfants"},"modified":"2026-01-29T18:12:01","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T17:12:01","slug":"exploring-the-marais-poitevin-with-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.parc-marais-poitevin.fr\/en\/editions-and-practical-information\/exploring-the-marais-poitevin-with-children","title":{"rendered":"Exploring the Marais poitevin with children"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are countless fun activities available for families in the Marais poitevin<\/strong>. Here, children will be delighted to be able to observe the animals, take part in a treasure hunt through the great outdoors or visit a cultural venue, all in the name of fun. Go, explore and encounter the wildlife of the marshland!<\/p>\n

Get up close to the animals of the marshland<\/h2>\n

Visiting an educational farm is a great activity for some quality time as a family. The younger family members will be thrilled to see the friendly Baudet du Poitou donkeys and the adorable farm-reared lambs. You are guaranteed to make some joyful encounters at these small animal parks.<\/p>\n

Meet the farm animals<\/h3>\n
\"Marans

Marans chickens.<\/p><\/div>\n

Come and meet the animals at the Ferme du Marais Poitevin<\/a> in Benet, near Coulon<\/strong><\/a>, in a village between the plain and wet marshland. The purpose of the captive breeding programmes at the educational farm is to safeguard ancient breeds.<\/p>\n

There are several iconic animal species of the Marais Poitevin<\/a> here such as the Baudet du Poitou donkey<\/strong>, the Poitevin goat, the grey goose of the marshland, pigs and the famous Marans chicken<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In the summer, don\u2019t miss the \u201clittle farmer\u2019s workshop\u201d where children can feed the animals<\/strong>. Come on the \u201cmysterious marshland\u201d nature walk with sensory and fun activities along the way, every Wednesday and Sunday.<\/p>\n

Visit a donkey farm<\/h3>\n

At the heart of the Marais Poitevin, Olivier and Christelle will welcome you to \u201cDu Coq \u00e0 l\u2019Ane<\/a>\u201d, their donkey farm and soap factory.\u00a0 On the tour, you’ll be able to meet different breeds of donkeys such as the Baudet du Poitou and see some adorable foals, born the same year.<\/p>\n

\"Feeding

Feeding the Baudet du Poitou donkeys at the Donkey farm.<\/p><\/div>\n

They have recently created a mini farm<\/strong> with \u201cValais Blacknose\u201d sheep and alpacas. Children will be provided with an \u201cadventurer\u2019s booklet\u201d and along with their parents, can explore this peaceful farm where respecting the well-being of the animals is the main priority.<\/p>\n

On-site, you can also get a guided tour of the soap factory! Christelle will unveil the secrets of her homemade soap made with donkey milk. Would you prefer to explore the surrounding area? Opt for the \u201cbudding tribe\u201d option and accompanied by a donkey, you can follow a 4-km marked trail for 2 hours through the marshland in Saint-Georges-de-Rex.<\/p>\n

Admire the birds of the marshland<\/h3>\n
\"Follow

Follow Momo on a tour of the Park.<\/p><\/div>\n

At the heart of the Green Venice<\/strong><\/a>, there is also an ornithological park<\/strong><\/a> with more than 75 different species of birds who have chosen to take up residence in the Marais poitevin. You can easily approach the birds along the shaded footpath that winds around this 8-hectare park.<\/p>\n

The Marais poitevin ornithological park is home to all sorts of ducks, swans and geese, as well as herons, peacocks, common cranes, etc. Every Thursday morning, you can come and feed the birds and learn more about them with one of the park\u2019s staff members.<\/p>\n

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At the small harbour inside the ornithological park, you can rent a rowing boat<\/strong><\/a> and access the wilder areas of the Green Venice, with or without a guide. The opportunity to get up close and personal with the flora and fauna of the marshland!<\/p>\n

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Take part in a connected treasure hunt<\/h2>\n

If your children are aged between 8 and 12, they will be delighted at the idea of going on a connected treasure hunt, using a smartphone. There are several digital explorations in the Marais Poitevin, that are sure to get them interested in history and heritage sites, while having fun at the same time.<\/p>\n

Go on a connected walking tour with Baludik<\/h3>\n

If you like solving riddles and exploring surprising places, Baludik<\/a> has some great explorations for you in the Marais Poitevin. These walking tours are designed as trails with an audio guide and a treasure hunt on a particular theme, to explore the Marais Poitevin in a fun and original way.<\/p>\n

\"Baludik

Baludik tour in Vix: \u201cOZART from vine to marshland\u201d.<\/p><\/div>\n

With Baludik, there are a dozen of these trails throughout the Marais Poitevin, in Coulon, La Faute-sur-Mer, Triaize, Fontenay-le-Comte<\/a>, Nieul-sur-l\u2019Autise<\/a>, Vix and Maillezais…<\/p>\n

Go on a treasure hunt with T\u00e8rra Aventura<\/h3>\n
\"Set

Set off on a quest to find the Poi\u2019Z!<\/p><\/div>\n

T\u00e8rra Aventura is a geocaching game across the whole of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, to explore treasures of local heritage, on a quest for the famous little \u201cPoi\u2019Z\u201d characters. But to collect them, you’ll have to solve the riddles that lead you to the treasure!<\/p>\n

There are several T\u00e8rra Aventura routes in the Marais Poitevin<\/a>, and also in Niort and the surrounding area. Here are some easy, family-friendly trails to follow:<\/p>\n