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Marais Poitevin: Day of discovery in the footsteps of the Poitou Donkey
Features
- Mobile voucher
- Instant confirmation
Overview
- Guided tour in a traditional rowing boat on the canals of the Marais Poitevin
- Guided bike tour off the beaten track
- Landscape interpretation in the hills above Saint-Georges
- Visit to a park preserving the local breeds of the Marais Poitevin
- Visit to an artisanal soap factory
Activity location
- Regional Natural Park of the Marais Poitevin
- Vendée, Pays de la Loire, France
Meeting/Redemption Point
- Le Petit Buisson, 79210 Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud, France | You'll find my truck in the parking lot. I will be waiting for you at the entrance of the Bird Park.
- Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Check availability
Sorry this activity isn't available on Thu, 29 Oct
What's included, what's not
- Guided rowing boat trip for 1.5 hours in the heart of the wild marsh
- Picnic of regional products (excluding aperitif and wine, available at an additional fee)
- Guided bike tour (bike rental included)
- Visit to Elosparc Park
- Visit to an artisanal soap factory
- Accompaniment by the guide all day long.
- Purchase of wine and/or an aperitif during the picnic (please book in advance).
- The wine is an AOC Fiefs Vendéens with the Pissotte appellation. You can choose between red and rosé. Please let me know in advance. For the aperitif, we offer Kiki Vendéen, an aperitif made with wine and blackthorn, typical of Southern Vendée. It is sold by the 750 ml bottle.
- Personal insurance
- Purchases at the bird park and the artisanal soap factory
- Service charge
Know before you book
- Not allowed: Bare feet, High-heeled shoes, Nudity, Sandals or flip flops, See-through clothing
- Not suitable for: Wheelchair users
What you can expect
Discovery Day: In the Footsteps of the Poitou Donkey
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Marais Poitevin for an immersive day combining nature, traditions and local encounters aboard a boat, by bike and up close to our iconic animals.♂️ Morning: Along the Water & Local Flavours
10:15 am — Warm welcome
Meet in front of the Marais Poitevin Bird Park with Damien, your passionate guide.
10:30 a.m. — Guided rowing boat trip
Board a traditional boat for a peaceful ride along the waterways of the wild Marais.
12:15 p.m. — Countryside picnic featuring local produce
Gourmet break at the park to enjoy a meal featuring local produce:
=> Starter: Authentic Marais Poitevin stuffed vegetables
=> Main Course: Vendée Prosciutto & Mogette Bean Salad
=> Cheese: Camembert de Nermoux
=> Dessert: Artisanal briochette, coffee, or tea
=> Included: Still water & “Tradition du Marais” baguette.Drinks & aperitif option (available at an additional cost when booking):
Local aperitif (€13.00): Kiki Vendéen (Vignobles Mercier – Vix, AOC Fiefs Vendéens – 75 cl)
Red or rosé wine (€13.00): L'Arbre aux Fées (Domaine Coirier – Pissotte, AOC Fiefs Vendéens – 75 cl)
(Remember to select this option when choosing participants).Afternoon: Bike Ride, Donkey Farm & Artisan Soap Factory
1:45 p.m. — Guided bike ride
Saddle up for a ride through the Marais Poitevin landscapes towards Elosparc Park.
3:15 p.m. — Exclusive encounter with the Poitou donkeys
Join Quentin in the heart of the paddocks to get up close to this iconic and endangered breed of donkey, famous for its unique coat.
4:15 pm — Immersion in the artisan soap factory
Discover the expertise of Christelle, Master Soapmaker, and uncover the secrets of making her natural donkey milk skincare products.Your tour is meaningful!
Since 2026, Original Vélo Tour has been actively committed to the preservation of the Marais Poitevin, in partnership with the Regional Nature Park and the Fondation du Patrimoine.
The pollarded ash, an iconic tree of the marsh that has held the banks in place for centuries, is now threatened by an incurable disease (ash dieback). A huge challenge lies ahead: replanting 450,000 trees to preserve this unique landscape.
By booking your activity, you are directly contributing to this effort: each ticket helps to fund the replanting of pollard trees.
Location
Activity location
- Regional Natural Park of the Marais Poitevin
- Vendée, Pays de la Loire, France
Meeting/Redemption Point
- Le Petit Buisson, 79210 Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud, France | You'll find my truck in the parking lot. I will be waiting for you at the entrance of the Bird Park.
- Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France