Marais Poitevin Day Trip from Fontenay
Fontenay-le-Comte sits at the very gateway to the Marais Poitevin, the vast wetland nicknamed the 'Venise Verte' — Green Venice — where flat-bottomed boats called plates glide silently under a canopy of ash and alder so dense the water turns emerald. It is one of the most otherworldly landscapes in France and it begins less than 10 kilometres from the town centre.
Getting on the Water
The village of Maillezais, just 11 km north-west of Fontenay, is one of the best embarkation points: hire a plate from one of the boatmen on the main canal and paddle yourself, or opt for a guided punt if you prefer to simply look.
The channels around Maillezais wind past vegetable gardens tended from the water's edge, willow-draped banks and the occasional whitewashed farmhouse accessible only by boat — it genuinely feels like a different country.
What Else to See
The ruined Abbaye Saint-Pierre de Maillezais, a Benedictine monastery founded in the 10th century, rises dramatically from the flat marsh like a stranded galleon — entry is inexpensive and the views from the remaining tower are superb.
Back in Fontenay, the Musée Vendéen has a dedicated section on the ecology and history of the Marais Poitevin that provides excellent context before or after a day on the water.
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