{"id":494390,"date":"2018-04-04T09:24:45","date_gmt":"2018-04-04T07:24:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.parc-marais-poitevin.fr?p=494390"},"modified":"2026-02-06T13:17:49","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T12:17:49","slug":"poitevin-marsh-by-boat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.parc-marais-poitevin.fr\/en\/water-based-recreation\/poitevin-marsh-by-boat","title":{"rendered":"The Marais poitevin by boat"},"content":{"rendered":"

To discover the wonders of the Marais poitevin by boat<\/strong>, go to one of the jetties<\/strong> along the thousands of canals crossing this area filled with ecologically rich natural environments! Along the waterways spreading across the Marais poitevin Regional Natural Park<\/strong><\/a>, you may be surprised about the presence of wildlife here.<\/p>\n

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Waterway lined with tadpole ash trees in the Marais Poitevin<\/p><\/div>\n

And it\u2019s naturally inside a traditional flat bottom boat that we are carried on the waterways of this green cathedral to discover again.<\/p>\n

For sportsmen, the Marais poitevin is navigable by canoe<\/a>, but also on certain portions of the S\u00e8vre niortaise<\/strong> river preferably by electric powerboat.<\/p>\n

\"H\u00e9ron<\/p>\n

Regardless the type of boat, the Marais poitevin is not only a spectacular scenery, but it also offers you the possibility to observe some of the 70 bird species<\/strong> that are present in this wonderful wild area. And what a joy to see a grey heron<\/strong> or a kingfisher<\/strong> taking off! This spectacle of nature surprises every time, so don\u2019t forget your binoculars and your camera to capture this wonderful scenery.<\/p>\n

GO SPEND A DAY IN A BOAT TRIP!<\/a><\/p>\n

Navigate freely in the Marais poitevin<\/h2>\n

You can travel the Marais poitevin by going to a jetty and renting a flat boat, or even by using your own boat if you are lucky.<\/p>\n

Whether you are alone, with your family or your friends, you choose how to navigate on the canals of the Marais poitevin.<\/p>\n

The boatmen will be more than happy to recommend you the routes and advise those who want to discover the Marais poitevin at their own pace, with just the company of the neighbouring fauna<\/a> and flora<\/a>. Don\u2019t be afraid to get lost, signs will help you find your way in the Marsh.<\/p>\n

Let the flow of water guide you<\/h2>\n

In order to get all the subtleties of this incredible natural heritage with all its secrets, don\u2019t miss the chance of having a boatman<\/strong> who, while rowing and operating the boat, will share his knowledge of the region with you. The best part of this guided boat tour in the Marais poitevin<\/strong> is fire on water<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Boat trip in the Marais Poitevin<\/p><\/div>\n

It\u2019s a natural phenomenon of flames coming out of water. Our guides will be more than happy to show you this act safely. We are not going to spoil the surprise with explanations, but this is a must-see event!<\/p>\n

There are more than 20 jetties that can offer you boat trips with or without guide.<\/p>\n

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Some of them have received the \u201cValeurs Parc naturel r\u00e9gional\u201d<\/strong> label<\/a>, which is based on three main principles: the environment, human values, and local engagement. They commit to:
\n\u2022 Welcoming and raising awareness among all visitors about the \u201cRegional Natural Park\u201d<\/strong> values,
\n\u2022 Preserving the quality of the natural and cultural heritage of the Marais Poitevin,
\n\u2022 Sharing eco-friendly practices and human-centered values at the heart of local activities.<\/p>\n

Here is the list of boarding points that have been awarded the<\/a> Valeurs Parc naturel label<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Whether you choose to have a guide or not for your boat trip \u2013 there is no bad option, both alternatives are great and have their own special charm \u2013 it would be better to start from a jetty in the morning; that way, you can have a picnic halt on the banks. Or you can start your trip in the end of the afternoon, because the lights are more beautiful at that period of time and reveal at best the gorgeous colours of the Marais poitevin. Make sure, however, that the banks where you will moor are not private!<\/p>\n

So, don\u2019t hesitate to stop by a jetty of the Marais poitevin to go into an exceptional trip in the heart of a beautiful territory<\/a>. Please notice that you can rent boats or guided tours at jetties online to anticipate at best this unique moment.<\/p>\n

DISCOVER OTHER STORIES AND EXPERIENCES TO ENJOY IN THE MARAIS POITEVIN<\/a><\/p>\n

Find a jetty in the Marais poitevin<\/h2>\n

To help you find a jetty in the Marais poitevin, here are below a few useful links:<\/p>\n