Visit Niort, a sentry of the Marais poitevin

25 June 2018

Located on the gates of the Marais poitevin, in the department of the Deux-Sèvres, the city of Niort is an essential step for your trip in the Marais poitevin. Even though it is known to be the capital city of French mutual and insurances, Niort is still a city with a rich long-standing heritage that we will explain today!

Visit Niort, a city linked to the Marais poitevin

Just a few kilometres away from the Atlantic coast, Niort ahs always been a privileged city for trade activities. The mediaeval city has experienced a long and busy period of trading, facilitated by the nearby Sèvre niortaise river and the Marais poitevin, perfect for the transport of goods.

Over the centuries, trading evolves, but Niort remains magnificent! The Sèvre niortaise river doesn’t transport as many goods as before, but the city didn’t forget what it owes to the river and the Marais poitevin.

The city proposes trips on walking trails and bike paths along the Sèvre niortaise river. The inhabitants of Niort claim their belonging to the Marais poitevin Regional Natural Park and make their city an essential step of a trip in the Marais poitevin.

GO VISIT THE VILLAGES OF THE MARAIS POITEVIN

The Niort dungeon

Iconic sites to visit in Niort and its surroundings

Indeed, Niort is an essential step of your trip in the Marais poitevin. This city, classified “Ville et Métiers d’Art”, has always claimed its millennial heritage and its exceptional craft.

You can thus visit essential sites such as the Bernard d’Agesci Museum which traces the history of the Niort area and its artistic creativity. Speaking of History with a capital H, why not visit the Dungeon of Niort! This exceptional monument, a military architectural marvel, can be discovered by tourists and amateurs of medieval style. We advise you to climb up to the terrace! You will get one of the most beautiful panoramas of the city!

A visit of Niort is also an opportunity to discover the surroundings and especially the villages of the Marais poitevin  such as Arçais, le Vanneau, Irleau, La Garette, Coulon, Saint-Hilaire-La-Palud and others… You can thus visit the House of the Marais poitevin in Coulon, an unmissable place for those who want to know more about the history of the Marsh and its development by Man over the centuries. 

Finally, for those who like to be in communion with nature, we invite you to discover the Marais poitevin by boat or canoe during a trip on the waterways. With or without guide, it’s the perfect activity to discover the beauty of the Marais poitevin!

DISCOVER ALL THE VILLAGES AND CITIES NEARBY THE MARAIS POITEVIN