Le Marais Poitevin
The Marais Poitevin occupies an ancient bay (le Golfe des Pictons) and its former islands. With the build up of silt over the centuries, the ocean has been pushed back, and man has since reclaimed this vast marshland. Visit this area and learn its history from local inhabitants, testimony to a previous era.
Maillezais
Maillezais Abbey
This Benedictine abbey built in 1003 on an island in the 'Golfe des Pictons' boasts unique architecture in Poitou Saintonge. Burial places for the Dukes of Aquitaine, Bishop's Palace for three and a half centuries, it welcomed Rabelais, then Agrippa d'Aubigné during the religious wars. On the Abbey's esplanade, visitors wonder at the imposing remains of the cathedral and the seven halls of its associated monastic buildings, such as the kitchen, refectories, cellar and the salt store.
A full programme of activities takes place throughout the year.
Further information : Abbayes du Sud-Vendée
Jetties
At the dawn of the Middle Age, monks shaped the 'Golfe des Pictons' into the present Marais Poitevin.
As a result, this land amidst waterways echoes to the sound of barges taking its passengers through its enchanting scenery.
A few dozen ports in the heart of traditional villages invite you to take a guided or non guided tour within the 37,000 hectares of marshes.
Discover the magic of this landscape of trees and water.
Embarcadère de l'Autize
Embarcadère de la Venise Verte
Embarcadère de l'Abbaye
Embarcadère le Petit Port Sauvage
Les Embarcadères de Damvix
Nieul sur l'Autize
Royal Abbey of Nieul sur l'Autize
Founded in 1068, the Abbey of Nieul saw itself granted the status of Royal Abbey by Eleanor of Aquitaine, then queen of France.
The abbey remains one of the few monastic complexes in the Poitou region that still has its three elements of church, cloisters and monastic buildings virtually intact.
The scenography uses sound and light effects with amazing audiovisual technologies: illuminated writing lights up and musical instruments start to play as you approach , 3D characters like Eleanor of Aquitaine come out of optical theatre books to explain the history of the abbey.
It is also a cultural destination for young and old with numerous activities throughout the year.
Maison de la Meunerie
This water mill is first and foremost a production site: the mill produces wheat and buckwheat flour for bakeries and restaurants in the area.
A visit helps you to understand how the mill works and to learn about the miller's life in the 1920s thanks to two living quarters adjacent to the mill.
Further activities such as clog making also take place.
