Coulon / Damvix / Bazoin

Coulon, located at the heart of the wet marshes of the Marais Poitevin and set so prettily beside the Sèvre Niortaise River, can offer cyclists on La Vélo Francette all the amenities they need. After crossing through the marshes, you rejoin the Sèvre Niortaise after Irleau. Approaching Damvix, the canalised river takes a straighter line, as though in a rush to join the ocean.

The route

Signposts indicate La Vélo Francette. Much of the stage is along towpaths, with some stretches on roads shared with motorised traffic. The last part between Le Vanneau and Damvix is all by road shared with motorised traffic. Alongside the waterways, you’ll find many little bridges by which to cross the canals.

Tourist Offices

• Niort Marais Poitevin-Vallée de la Sèvre Niortaise Tourist Office
• Niort Marais Poitevin-Vallée de la Sèvre Niortaise Tourist Office (Coulon branch)

Buses

Line T : Niort > Magné > Coulon
http://mobilite79.fr/

Don’t miss

Coulon: a village in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional du Marais Poitevin, designated a Grand Site de France thanks to its exceptional environment; the Maison du Marais Poitevin visitor centre, presenting the way the marshes were tamed by man and set in the last medieval manor still standing in the village; Holy Trinity Church; the port, offering all manner of outings on the waters.
Magné: the metal drawbridge; the church of Ste-Catherine; the chapel of Ste-Macrine; the Espace Culturel du Four Pontet (a cultural centre)
Damvix: landing stages from which you can get out on the waters by punt or in a canoe; Le Collibert, a boat offering cruises, including dining cruises; the church of Saint-Guy
Sansais-La Garette: the village of La Garette surrounded by waterways; the restaurant-cum-bar; the îlot du Chail campsite; boat and cycle hire