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Green escapes in the Vendée
Vendée, between land and sea
Certainly, if the Vendée were symbolized by one element, it would be water. Ocean, marshes, canals, water is everywhere and lavishes its riches with generosity. And yet, the forests along the coast have nothing to envy it.
Discover the immense natural beauty of this territory and the way in which man has organized life around it.
Nature around the Jardins de l'Atlantique
One thing's for sure: you'll have to leave your car behind. You can visit the department by boat, sailboat, shuttle or paddle... or even fly over it in a paraglider. More traditionally, you can choose to discover its secrets on foot, thanks to the many footpaths, or by bike. Soft mobility is a matter of course in these corners of untamed nature, and the area has been developed accordingly.
The Payré estuary
In the Middle Ages, traders sailed up the Payré on their boats to export salt, wine and cereals... Practices have changed, but the Payré still flows, and its estuary has lost none of its charm. Classified as a Grand Ensemble Naturel, it includes the Veillon beach and the La Guittière oyster farm.
The quality of the site has been rewarded with a Blue Flag. Between forests, cliffs and dunes, it offers a variety of landscapes, each more beautiful than the last. It is currently eligible for the Grand Site de France label.
The Payré marshes cover 850 hectares spread over 3 communes. The richness of their biodiversity is astonishing, and their landscapes take on multiple facets:
- wet meadows
- channels
- salt meadows
- salt marshes
The Guittière oyster beds
The park produces around 500 tonnes of oysters a year, thanks to the passion of some twenty oyster farmers. In addition to a pleasant stroll, a visit to the site is an opportunity to taste tasty oysters and talk to the producers.
The Guittière marshes are fascinating for their layout and the biodiversity they harbor. Three sauniers still work there, so don't hesitate to come and meet them. Deeply rooted in its territory, Les Jardins de l'Atlantique has worked with these producers since the Club was founded. It is they who enable us to offer you a seafood tasting every week.
Escape to the heart of Green Venice
The Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park has been awarded the Grand Site de France label. You can visit it by boat, paddle or canoe, or simply on foot or by bike.
Start your tour with a visit to the Maison du Marais Poitevin, then jump straight on board for a boat trip across the Venise verte, for a wonderful introduction to the area. You'll appreciate this peaceful moment along the water, in a magical place out of time. Among the things to see, we recommend :
- the ornithological park
- the house of the Maître de Digues
- Niort Keep
