Family Trip by bike in the Marais Poitevin

Day 1: Rives d’Autise - Benet 16 km

Start with a round trip to Nieul-sur-l'Autise to visit the Aliénor Abbey, a gem of Romanesque art with an immersive museography about the Middle Ages. Discover this Small Town of Character further at the water mill of the Maison de la Meunerie, along the Autise, where the miller's mill transforms cereals into flour. You can buy some on site or enjoy a crepe next door!

You will reach your first stop in Benet.

Day 2: Benet - Vix 24 km

Before resuming your route, visit the Marais Poitevin Farm to admire the Poitou donkeys and discover other local species. Then head towards Maillezais via the Vendée Vélo route to explore the Green Venice and enjoy an unmissable boat ride. Visit the Abbey and learn about the "builders of the Marais."

Pedal along a "levee" that separates the wet marsh from the dry marsh, up to the impressive Maillé Aqueduct. Continue your ride following the meanders of the Sèvre Niortaise, cross at Île Charrouin, and take the chain ferry to reach your stop at the campsite's guinguette or Vix.

Day 3: Vix - Le Mazeau 28 km

Depending on the length of your stay, you may choose to spend a special day with Damien from Original Vélo Tour on Friday, which includes a bike ride, a boat trip, a Vendéen picnic, and a visit to a local brewery at the campsite.

Otherwise, cross the Sèvre by chain ferry and continue on the Vélofrancette towards Damvix for a gourmet stop and a canoe trip. At the end of the day, follow the same itinerary along the Sèvre Niortaise, lined by pretty market gardening houses, up to the "Village de la Sèvre" and its metal footbridge. At this point, leave the Vélofrancette to follow the Vals d’Autise circuit and reach your overnight stop at the Mazeau campsite.

Day 4: Le Mazeau - Rives d’Autise 8 km

Extend your stay at the Mazeau, where the green setting and poplars dominate the landscape. Discover the marsh conches by paddleboard! From the port, recharge with a lunch sitting on the grass at the restaurant Au bord de l’eau, offering homemade and local products. Before leaving the village, stock up on regional specialties at the village shop, such as angelica-based biscuits, mogette beans, local beers, and some surprises!

Then pedal towards Saint-Sigismond, located 3 km away. At the ferry bridge, leave the Vals d’Autise loop and head north along the Vieille Autise canal to your final destination.