'La Venise Verte' - the Green Venice
Between La Rochelle and
Poitiers, in the Poitou-Charentes region, is an area known as the Marais
Poitevin. This is a strange and beautiful region of natural marshland,
criss-crossed by lazy rivers, streams, canals and dykes. Designated a
regional park, it is often called 'La Venise Verte' - the Green Venice.
This is an apt name as many of the farmers here have to travel by
pigouile, a narrow, flat-bottomed boat, as they have no access to
their fields by road.
This is a lovely, timeless and tranquil place to visit. You can walk
along the footpaths or take bikes, but probably the best way to see it is
by boat. Weeping willows overhang the water forming green tunnels over
the canals, which are themselves at times so covered in weed that they
look like solid paths. Water-loving plants - irises, marsh marigolds and
rushes - abound and everywhere you hear the sound of birdsong and very
little else to disturb the peace.
Niort is a small city about 50 km (30 miles) south-west of Poitiers and
is a good base from which to explore the Marais Poitevin. It has several
medieval buildings including the old town hall, a castle keep built by
Henry II of England, and a fine fifteenth-century church, the Église
Notre-Dante. At Maillaizes, some 35 km (22 miles) away, is the
fascinating twelfth-century- ruined abbey of St Pierre de Maillaizes.
The best way to see the region
is by boat. Hire one for a day and enjoy the scenery. Arrive in August
and take in the Festival du Marais Poitevin
