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A relaxing eco-cycling weekend in the Marais Poitevin

If you have desire to "Go Green" and recharge your batteries, spend a few days soaking up the mysterious atmosphere permeating "Green Venice". Stay in accommodation with an eco-label at camping la Venise Verte.

The stay can be tailor-made but is based on the principle of half-board for 2 nights in a chalet at Camping la Venise Verte.

Our offer includes the following : bicycle hire for the whole stay, canoe hire, maps and itineraries, visit to the Eco museum "la Maison du Marais Poitevin", use of the swimming pool, local gastronomic food as well as a list of little restaurants run by great chefs.

Idea: Eco-cycle week-end
Length of stay: 3 days and 2 nights (contact us for other options and price, depending of season)

----- Free gourmet present ! -----

Day 1: Irleau - le Vanneau

Arrive by train at Niort station
Take bus in direction of Fontenay le Comte, line 20, stop at Coulon station "Préplot".
Transfer organised by campsite from "Préplot" stop (terminus of the line 20, just 2 minutes from "Autremont" stop) in Coulon to the campsite (500 meters).

Welcome and introduction to the 4 star campsite in the heart of the Marais Poitevin, settle into your 2 – 6 person well appointed chalet : 2 – 3 bedrooms, living room with sofa, TV and Wi-fi connection, fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, separate WC and covered terrace with small garden.

On site: Enclosed swimming pool, boules and volleybally pitch, table tennis, table football, hire of bicycles and canoes, restaurant with take-away service, launderette, supply of bread, library, baby equipment…

12h30 lunch: a meal will be awaiting you in your chalet - main meal + dessert (example local dish, cold pork salad / tagliatelli or omelette)

14h30 Afternoon "Green Venice circuit" by bicycle for about 2 hours.
The marshlands reveal their secrets. Enjoy the different aspects of the marshlands, the diversity of its countryside, its flora and fauna, its architecture, its customs and idiosyncracies.

17h30 Bring your aprons ! Come and cook the traditional "Mojettes" for your dinner : tasty half dried beans, in days gone by they were what rice is to the Chinese. Martine will share her culinary knowledge of local cooking ! 19h30 Dinner at "Nappe à carreaux" and night in your chalet Find out more about our local dishes with our "Menu d’chez nous" : Aperitif, "Troussepinette" and "préfou" Mr Seguin snack Fricassee of eels in a sorrel sauce or Monkfish gratinee Duo of goats cheese Peaches / Raspberries

Day 2: Visit to typical local villages Coulon, La Garette and Arçais

After breakfast served in Nappe à carreaux restaurant, free morning.

Suggestion: ½ day canoeing at your leisure

Green Venice is undoubtedly the most suprising part of the Marais Poitevin, because of its ecological wealth and the density of canals which make up a network of unique waterways. This labyrinth of of waterways, canals and channels is covered in a real emerald green carpet. When a ray of light flashes through the shade of the elms or willows, a whole palette of greens appears on the canvas of water and plants, an amazing sight for the most emininent of impressionist painters.

12h30 Own arrangements for lunch

14h00 Departure by bicycle from the campsite in the direction of village of Arçais on small tracks – a 25km circuit or about 2 hours by bike. It’s an opportunity to test the little ferry !

Our map shows 300km of cycle tracks and walking paths which guide you from jetties to fountains for washing. Until the 1950’s before roads and paths appeared in the Marais, the port was the hub of life in each village. From the wide stone jetties in Arçais to the long brick built quaysides in Coulon, via the little hamlet of Port-Goron, our routes will give you endless pleasure.

17h30 Dinner at Nappe à carreaux restaurant or in your chalet.

Day 3: Coulon

After breakfast in the Nappe à Carreaux restaurant, a free morning.

Suggestion : Visit the "Maison du Marais Poitevin" museum in Coulon 2km from the campsite.

This museum about this protected region, half water, half land is unmissable. It tells the story of the Marais Poitevin, focussing on its history, its flora and fauna, and its eel fishing. The highlight of the visit is the "maraiscope" a 15m² model with slide show, and sound and light effects. It is an activity which helps the visitor understand the important stages of the Marais Poitevin constitution.

12h30 Take-away picnic

Return by train : transfer from the campsite to bus stop "Autremont" in Coulon and then a bus to the train station in Niort.

----- End of servicies -----

Included:

• accommodation in a 4 person chalet on a 4-star site with European Ecol-label classification
• breakfast on day 1
• tranfer from bus stop in Coulon to campsite
• breakfast on day 2 and 3
• lunch on day 1
• dinner on day 1 and 2 (excluding drinks)
• Picnic on day 3
• 2 ½ days cycle hire
• Pass for your stay

Not included:

• Lunch on day 2
• transport other than transfers
• a guide
• tourist tax (to be paid on site)
• Meals not mentioned in the programme and the drinks
• cancellation insurance
• personal expenditure
• extra cycle and canoe hire
• suggested visits

Extras on site:

• Canoe hire : 23€ for ½ day (for 2 persons)
• cycle hire 9€ per pers for ½ day and 13€ per person for full day
• picnic lunch 10€ per person
• dinner (excl drinks) in the campsite restaurant 19.50€ per adult and 8€ per child
• Animals for a supplement of 2€ per night
• extra nights (contact us)

Extras that can be booked on site:

• Visit to the ornithological site : see brochure and prices
• Visit to the Maison du Marais Poitevin museum
• From the landing stage, guided boat trip with commentary, little tourist train etc.

Documents supplied with programme:

• brochure for 4 star European eco-label campsite
• a map with walking and cycling routes
• IGN maps for open air activities 1/25,000
• IGN nautical map 1/50,000
• map of the area : Green region and waterways