Marais Poitevin: A day of discovery in the footsteps of the builder monks

Explore the Marais Poitevin with a Full-Day Guided Tour in Pays de la Loire

The Marais Poitevin offers a peaceful escape into nature, history, and local culture. This 7-hour tour from Maillezais combines engaging activities like traditional boat rides, guided bike tours, and visits to local breweries, making it a well-rounded day for those curious about the region. Starting at the Abbey of Maillezais, the tour provides a balanced mix of scenic views, cultural insights, and regional flavors.

What makes this tour stand out is the carefully curated itinerary, including a cruise on the canals, a guided visit of the historic Abbey, and a lunch featuring regional products. While it involves some physical activity, it is suitable for most participants, though wheelchair users are not accommodated. Visitors should prepare for a day of diverse experiences, from historical exploration to tasting local brews and savoring fresh regional cuisine.

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Key Points

• Duration: 7 hours with a mix of guided activities and leisure time
• Location: Starts at Abbaye de Maillezais in Pays de la Loire
• Activities: Traditional boat ride, guided tour of Maillezais Abbey, bike ride, craft beer tasting, regional picnic
• Highlights: Canal cruise, historic Abbey, local brewery visit, regional products picnic
• Physical requirements: Moderate, with cycling and walking involved; not suitable for wheelchair users
• Price and booking: Flexible options with free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Meeting at the Abbey of Maillezais and Starting the Tour

The tour begins at the parking lot of the Abbey of Maillezais, easily recognizable by the Original Vélo Tour truck. Travelers meet at coordinates 46.37262725830078, -0.745678722858429. The guide, speaking French, leads the group through an exciting day that balances historical insights and outdoor activities. The group first boards a traditional boat at the Abbey’s jetty for a guided ride across the canals of the Marais Poitevin.

The boat ride, scheduled at 10:00 am, lasts about an hour and offers a tranquil experience, showcasing the serene waterways of the region. The guides provide commentary about the landscape and the significance of the canals, helping visitors appreciate the natural beauty of the regional natural park.

Discovering the Abbey of Saint Pierre de Maillezais

Following the boat cruise, the tour continues with a guided tour of the Abbey of Saint Pierre de Maillezais at 11:00 am. This Romanesque and Gothic architectural masterpiece reveals the historical importance of the site. Visitors learn about its connections to the builder monks, who historically influenced the region’s development.

The tour explores the abbey’s fascinating history and its architectural features, offering a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural life of the area. The guided aspect ensures that visitors understand the significance of each part of the abbey, making it more than just a visual experience.

Cycling Toward the Village of Maillé

At 12:15 pm, the group rents bikes for a guided ride along a dedicated cycling dike towards the traditional village of Maillé. The 45-minute bike ride provides a chance to enjoy the scenic landscape and observe the region’s typical marshland scenery. The route is designed to be accessible for most, offering a peaceful journey through the natural park.

Cycling through this peaceful environment introduces travelers to the rural charm of the area, with plenty of opportunities to appreciate nature along the way. The group then arrives at the port of Maillé for a local-style picnic.

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Enjoying a Regional Picnic with Local Flavors

At around 1:15 pm, the tour offers a delicious regional picnic on the quays of Maillé’s port. Prepared by Stéphane, the caterer of Damvix, the picnic features local products such as stuffed vegetables, Vendée cured ham with mogette bean salad, tender cow’s milk cheese from the last dairy cooperative in the marsh, and homemade brioche with coffee or tea.

Visitors can indulge in this authentic meal, which includes water and a “tradition du marais” baguette. There are optional extras like local wines and aperitifs—notably, the Kiki Vendéen, made from wine and blackthorn from southern Vendée, available for an additional €9.

Visiting La Cibulle Craft Brewery and Beer Tasting

After lunch, the tour moves to the La Cibulle craft brewery at 2:30 pm, where visitors meet Maxime, the brewer. The brewery visit explores the beer-making process, offering insights into traditional brewing methods specific to the region.

Around 4:30 pm, participants enjoy a tasting of La Cibulle abbey beer, highlighting the local brewing craftsmanship. This part of the tour is perfect for beer enthusiasts or those interested in regional beverages, providing a flavorful conclusion to the brewery visit.

Second Bike Ride and Final Return to Maillezais

The afternoon bike ride resumes at 5:30 pm, allowing participants to revisit the natural park’s scenery and enjoy more of the peaceful marshland landscape. This second cycling segment lasts about 45 minutes and gives a relaxed opportunity to reflect on the day’s experiences before heading back.

The tour wraps up at the Abbaye de Maillezais around 5:30 pm, concluding the diverse exploration of the region. The entire day balances cultural visits, outdoor activities, and local tastings, making it ideal for those who appreciate a mix of history, nature, and regional flavors.

Practical Details and Considerations for Participants

This tour is designed for flexibility, with the ability to cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers should wear comfortable, durable clothing suitable for cycling, walking, and changing weather conditions. Closed shoes are recommended, while flip-flops, loose clothing, and shirtless attire are not allowed for safety reasons.

Participants are responsible for their bike and belongings during the tour. The meeting point at the Abbey of Maillezais is straightforward to find, and guides speak French—a good option for French speakers or those eager to learn from native guides.

This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, given the physical activities involved. However, it offers a comprehensive day of discovery for those interested in regional history, crafts, and nature.

A Well-Rounded Day in the Marais Poitevin

This 7-hour guided tour offers a thoughtful blend of historical exploration, scenic cycling, regional tasting, and craft beer tasting, all centered around the Marais Poitevin’s tranquil waterways. The guided boat ride and Abbey visit provide cultural depth, while the bike excursions showcase the area’s natural beauty.

The regional picnic is a highlight, allowing visitors to sample local specialties in a relaxed setting. The visit to La Cibulle brewery adds a unique flavor, especially for those interested in regional brewing traditions.

Though physically active, the day is paced well, making it accessible for most who enjoy outdoor activities and cultural sightseeing. The friendly guide and well-organized itinerary make this tour a reliable choice for anyone seeking an authentic experience of the Pays de la Loire’s marshland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
The tour starts at the Abbaye de Maillezais, where participants meet, so transportation from other locations is not included.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Are there options for wine or drinks?
Yes, wines and aperitifs can be added as extras, with options like red or rosé wines from Domaine Coirier de Pissotte and Kiki Vendéen, an artisan aperitif.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour involves cycling and walking, so it’s best suited for adults or older children comfortable with outdoor activities.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable, durable clothing, closed shoes, glasses clip, sun protection, hat or cap, and a 1-liter water bottle.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the physical activities involved.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is conducted in French, which is important to note for non-French speakers.

Can I reserve and pay later?
Yes, the tour offers the option to reserve now and pay later for greater flexibility.

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