Rent a boat in the Marais poitevin

23 May 2025

The boat, an integral part of the Marais poitevin’s heritage

Historically, the wet marsh had been accessible only by boat. Up to the 1960s, it was the only means of transport that inhabitants of the marshes had in order to move.

Nowadays, renting a traditional boat has become the preferred means of navigating the 320 kilometres of marked waterways in the Marais poitevin. At the junction of quietness, nature and authenticity, renting a boat in the Marais poitevin is a must. It’s the best way to discover the Marais poitevin for the first time and understand the soul of this wet area.

It’s not even a coincidence that its nickname is the Green Venice: this incredible green cathedral can be quietly observed by boat while you follow the rhythm of water ad nature.

Boat trip with a guide

GO SPEND A DAY IN A BOAT TRIP!

Rent a boat in the Marais poitevin

To start your river stroll on the Marais poitevin’s 8200 kilometres of waterways, go to one of the area’s jetties. You can then rent a boat and freely discover the Marais poitevin Regional Natural Park.

Boat trip in the Marais Poitevin

There are more than 20 jetties that can offer you boat trips with or without guide. 

Some of them have received the “Valeurs Parc naturel régional” label, which is based on three main principles: the environment, human values, and local engagement. They commit to:

• Welcoming and raising awareness among all visitors about the “Regional Natural Park” values,

• Preserving the quality of the natural and cultural heritage of the Marais Poitevin,

• Sharing eco-friendly practices and human-centered values at the heart of local activities.

Here is the list of boarding points that have been awarded the Valeurs Parc naturel label.

Discover the Marais poitevin in your own way

But to break with some misconceptions about the Marais poitevin and fit your wishes, some of the jetties offer unusual boat rents: commentated, itinerant or night boat trips, a full range of choices for you to discover the Marais poitevin by boat!

Rent a canoe in the Marais poitevin

Please note that the canals of the Marsh are not just for traditional boats; it is also possible to rent a canoe to travel the Marais poitevin’s waters in a sporting yet pleasant way.

Renting canoe to visit the Marais poitevin is more convenient if you want to discover the canals at your pace, without a guide. The canoes are more manoeuvrable than the boats but also faster and will make your trip easier.
But whether you wish to rent a boat or a canoe, whether you’re alone or with your friends, you are advised to bring with you an IGN nautical chart “Promenade au fil de l’eau”, available for 7.75€ in the tourist offices, to be sure to find your way during your boat trip in the Marais poitevin.

DISCOVER OTHER STORIES AND EXPERIENCES TO ENJOY IN THE MARAIS POITEVIN

Where to use a boat in the Marais poitevin?

To help you find a jetty in the Marais poitevin, here are below a few useful:

• Jetties Vendée Marais Poitevin et Vendée du Sud – This website lists the jetties from the Marais poitevin to the beaches of Vendée.
• Jetties Aunis Marais poitevin – A website to find the jetties from La Rochelle to the Marais poitevin.
• Jetties Niort Marais poitevin – This website will be helpful to find a jetty in Niort and its surroundings in the Marais poitevin.