THE POITEVIN MARSH
The poitevin marsh is a natural region of France straddling the departments of Vendée, Deux-Sèvres and Charente-Maritime and therefore, between the New Aquitaine and Pays de la Loire regions.
The ensemble formed by the poitevin marshes and the bay of Aiguillon, a relic of the Gulf of Pictons, extends over approximately 100,000 hectares: it is the second largest wetland in France after the Camargue1.
It constitutes the Regional Natural Park of the poitevin marsh, label found since June 9, 2014.
On May 20, 2010, the wet marshes known as “Green Venice” also obtained the Grand Site de France2 label. Some areas included in the poitevin marsh are also classified as a national nature reserve such as La Baie de l'Aiguillon, Communal marsh of Saint-Denis-du-Payré, Casse de la Belle-Henriette, as well as regional nature reserves such as Ferme de Choisy, the Marais de la Vacherie, communal marsh of Poiré-sur-Velluire. The poitevin marsh is classified in the Natura 2000 network.
Developed by man from the 11th century, the poitevin marsh is made up of three major groups linked to its hydraulic functioning: the maritime marsh, the desiccated marsh, the wet marsh. Thousands of kilometers of ditches, canals and gullies dug, millions of trees planted to fix the banks, so many testimonies of a close relationship with water. This hydraulic network, the result of a development that has evolved over the centuries, makes it possible to attenuate the effects of variations in seasonal precipitation: flooding in winter, drying out in summer.
LA BELLE HENRIETTE
The Casse de la Belle-Henriette National Nature Reserve (RNN174) is a national nature reserve located in Vendée. Created in 2011, it covers 337 hectares and protects one of the last natural marine lagoons on the Atlantic coast.
On the site, 234 species of birds have been identified, 43 of which have a heritage stake at the local, national or European level. Fifteen species of mammals are also present, including the European otter and the amphibian vole, as well as 15 species of heritage insects, including the leste with large stigmas and the marsh copper, and finally 10 species of amphibians and reptiles, including the cultriped pelobate.
RE ISLAND
Ile de Ré is the second largest island in Charente. It is located north of the island of Oléron and the island of Aix. Off La Rochelle, it is connected to it by a bridge. Its territory is divided between ten municipalities.
The island would have been formed by the meeting of three islets, Ars to the west, Loix to the north and Ré to the east, which explains its particular shape.
Very steep, it has seventy kilometers of coastline. By road, thirty-one kilometers separate the bridge from the Baleines lighthouse.
It is possible to discover the island from La Tranche-sur-Mer with the inter-island company. Remember to book your tickets well in advance...
LE PERTUIS BRETON
This strait, located between the northeast coast of the island of Ré and the mainland, represents a strategic access route to the port of La Rochelle.
This strait is strongly dominated by an intense shellfish farming activity and particularly focused on the breeding of Bouchots mussels. It is indeed one of the most important mussel sites on the French Atlantic coast.
More than 30% of the surface of the Pertuis Breton is occupied by muddy foreshores, a place of refuge and food for wildlife at low tide.
LE PUY DU FOU
Elu à deux reprises « Meilleur parc d'attraction du monde », le Puy du Fou offre une multitude de spectacles grandioses et d'aventures pour petits et grands. Il y a des mondes et des époques que l'on croyait disparus. Pourtant, la forêt centenaire du Puy du Fou est devenue leur refuge et l'histoire continue. Venez percer les mystères de ce lieu hors du temps et vivez une expérience inoubliable chargée en émotions fortes et en grands spectacles pour toute la famille ! Puy du Fou, l'Histoire n'attend que vous !
Twice voted "Best amusement park in the world", the Puy du Fou offers a multitude of spectacular shows and adventures for young and old. There are worlds and times that we thought were gone. However, the hundred-year-old forest of Puy du Fou has become their refuge and the story continues. Come unravel the mysteries of this timeless place and live an unforgettable experience full of strong emotions and great shows for the whole family! Puy du Fou, History is waiting for you!
LES SABLES D'OLONNE
The town of Les Sables-d'Olonne is full of monuments and historical sites. Discover the history of this seaside resort which was a center of religion and port trade.
The Saint-Nicolas Priory:
Majestic, imposing, facing the sea… The Saint-Nicolas Priory has fascinated those who have seen it since the 11th century. From its park, you can enjoy a superb view of the bay. Unmissable, you will love strolling in this place.
The Thatch:
Small houses, narrow streets just wide enough for two people side by side and a lighthouse when you arrive on the seafront… the La Chaume district is the historic heart of Les Sables-d'Olonne.
The panoramic bell tower of the Ile d'Olonne:
You will have to make a little effort to climb all the steps that lead to the panoramic bell tower... your investment will be amply rewarded. You can enjoy a 360 degree view of the marshes and the forest of Olonne.
Arundel Tower and St. Clair Castle:
Located on Place Maraud, the Arundel tower and at its base, Saint-Clair castle are known to all visitors to Les Sables-d'Olonne. This is the quintessential postcard image. Prepare your cameras, you will want to immortalize this visit.
LA ROCHELLE
1 hour by car, for a breath of fresh air during the holidays, come and visit La Rochelle, stroll on the Old Port while enjoying an ice cream, enjoy the sunny terraces, take in the view from the top of the medieval towers or browse the shops of the Arcades. Independent, proud, flourishing, La Rochelle has always distinguished itself from other cities in France.
With the ocean at its feet, this city with its unique sweetness of life is full of treasures. A thousand-year-old city endowed with a rich historical and urban heritage, a first-rate port complex since the 12th century, La Rochelle is a city of exchanges, facing the ocean and the world, born of a mixture of cultures from its shipping business. Everywhere, architectures from elsewhere remind us of this. A fortified city, La Rochelle has many defensive monuments, including the towers of the Old Port, guardians of the entrance to the city from the sea.
