Discover saint-valerien in vendée, a gem of the pays de la loire

The small town of Coulonges-sur-L'Autize has undergone three major phases of development during its history. In the Middle Ages, the settlement gathered around the church of Saint-Etienne. The medieval nucleus, now a little out of place, is characterized by winding streets where a few houses show signs of age. A second period of urbanization began in the 16th century with the construction of a vast castle, built around a large quadrangular square. Finally, the 19th century ushered in a new period of prosperity and growth. This economic boom, linked to the exploitation of lime kilns, resulted in the construction of major roads, the installation of the railway, the building of market halls and a wealthy housing.

From Coulonges-sur-l'Autize, park on the castle square. A notice board will show you the starting point. Then follow the wooden markers with a bicycle and brown directional arrows. If there are no signs, continue on your way. Discover the Autize valley and let yourself be surprised by the poetry of the landscapes and the charm of the buildings in this area.

Discover the Chantemerle Forest by taking the Voie Verte (old railway track) and the small country roads. After a stop near the chapel of the Domaine de Chantemerle, enjoy the shade of the trees of the forest of Chantemerle and its vegetal atmosphere. On the way back, take a break in the village square of Chantemerle before heading back to Pescalis. Don't hesitate to make a detour to the Karting or the Adventure Park located nearby.

Hello, it's me, Galipote, the little ghost and the memory of Ardin, I invite you to follow my steps to discover the village of Ardin and some of its most beautiful treasures !

Wild fauna and flora are part of our local heritage. Called "ordinary biodiversity", these species are often ignored or poorly known by the inhabitants, young and old, who are not familiar with them. This discovery trail is punctuated by panels designed by the Fédération Départementale des Chasseurs and set up in partnership with the commune. Each panel presents an animal or plant species of the Deux-Sèvres. For the plants: flowers, fruits and leaves, but also the use made of them by Man or animals are presented. These "plant kingdom" panels are positioned near the plants they describe. The panels of the "animal kingdom" present the description of the animal, its habits, its diet and its reproduction, as well as the footprints and the signs of presence, which allow to detect their passage.

This course is part of the Niort - Marais Poitevin Trail Station. A course which will make you visit by running the network of the port with its channels, rivers, conches, ditches. These installations allow to welcome and preserve a rich flora and fauna in connection with the life of the Marais. Open your eyes when you run and let yourself be surprised by the natural encounters along the way. Work on your mind, concentrate on your feeling while running in this soothing environment. -> Handisport course -> Course currently not marked (but can be done with the mobile application On Piste)

This course is part of the Niort - Marais Poitevin Trail Station. This course will lead you in a corner of the marsh where the frequentation is less strong than on other places. You have the possibility of discovering two villages with a natural zone arranged: the Ornithological Park. Do not hesitate to stop and refuel in the village of Saint-Hilaire-La-Palud which represents well the preserved and quiet rural France. Beware of the endurance course where the mind will have to be pumped up to avoid the changes in the terrain! -> Course currently unmarked (but achievable with the mobile application On Piste)

This short stroll will take you to the heart of the village of Arçais. Typical of the Marais Poitevin, it has many treasures. Enjoy this walk at your own pace, guided by the audio commentary or simply strolling through the narrow streets. Nice discovery and don't forget that you are not alone on the paths you are going to take. We invite you to respect the environment and the inhabitants and not to leave any trace of your passage. This route was created by the Tourist Office in partnership with the elected representatives of the commune of Arçais and in collaboration with the mediation service of the Regional Natural Park of the Marais Poitevin. Photo credits: PNR Marais Poitevin Scripting and texts : Lauriane Angibaud and Amandine Louveau, Niort Marais Poitevin Tourism Voice : Mathilde Cornuau, Niort Marais Poitevin Tourisme -> Unmarked itinerary

Gîte located in the countryside, 13 km from Fontenay-le-Comte and 19 km from the Mervent forest. It is also 42 km from the beaches of La Faute sur Mer and 58 km from Le Puy du Fou. The house is entirely on one level and comprises a living room/kitchen, two bedrooms (1 bed 140) (2 beds 90), a shower room and a separate WC. No wifi. Outside, enclosed, shaded grounds of 800 m² with terrace, table and chairs, barbecue, children's play area and small vegetable patch. Sheets and towels included. Optional: End-of-stay cleaning: €60/stay. In addition: Visitor's tax, heating on general meter reading (deduction of 8 kWh per day for current consumption): to be paid on site.

1 ground-floor guest room in a country house (late 19th century) in the southern Vendée, located in the centre of the village. Separate entrance. Private terrace with garden furniture. Picnic facilities, barbecue and sunbathing around the shared heated swimming pool (4x10m) open from June to September. 1 bedroom for 3 people with 1 double bed (120cm) and 1 single bed (140cm), private bathroom (shower and wc). Leisure activities and discoveries: Marais Poitevin 15 minutes. Mervent/Vouvant forest 15 minutes. La Rochelle 45 minutes. Les Sables d'Olonne 1 hour. Futuroscope 1h15. Other rentals on site, tourist tax extra.

Renovated old house for 14 people, located in a hamlet near Fontenay-le-Comte, in a property with private swimming pool. There are a number of different areas both inside and out for your enjoyment. There is a 120 m² enclosed courtyard to the front with garden furniture and a petanque area, and a 2nd enclosed area of 280 m² to the rear with a swimming pool, covered play area, garden furniture, sun loungers, armchairs, gas hob/barbecue, table football and table tennis. Private parking is available, as well as a summer kitchen and sanitary facilities (shower and toilet) near the covered area. Private heated swimming pool (4x7m), open from May to September. You are 50 km from the Puy du Fou and La Rochelle, and 20 km from the Marais Poitevin. The town of Fontenay-le-Comte and its motor racing circuit are 10 km away. The gîte comprises 3 bedrooms on the ground floor: 1 bedroom with 1 double bed (140cm) and private shower room/WC (PRM accessible), 1 bedroom with 1 double bed (140cm), 1 bedroom with 1 double bed (160cm); a bathroom (shower and bath); a separate WC; a shower room; a lounge; a living room/kitchen; and a second lounge area overlooking the swimming pool. A summer kitchen, a dining area, a shower room and a WC are located under a covered area overlooking the swimming pool (the bay window can be opened or closed completely). Upstairs: 4 bedrooms, 2 with double beds (140cm) and 2 with twin beds (90cm), 1 shower room, 1 separate WC and a relaxation area for children. Heating included. Optional extras: Housekeeping package: €200/stay; Bed linen hire: €10/double bed and €8/single bed; Bathroom linen hire: €7/person/stay. In addition: Tourist tax. Deposit cheque and cleaning cheque to be given to the owner. Any problem in the gîte must be reported within 24 hours.

Description : In the heart of the southern Vendée countryside, come and enjoy a moment of peace and quiet in the former Commanderie des Templiers de la Féolette. This 120 m² building was completely renovated in 2020. On the ground floor, there is a large living room of 40m2 with an industrial look, including a lounge, dining room, TV and Wi-Fi connection, a fully-equipped open-plan kitchen with fridge-freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, induction hob, oven, microwave, coffee machine, toaster... and a WC. Upstairs, 3 beautiful bedrooms with 140 cm beds and 1 bedroom with 2 90 cm beds, each with dressing area, stone walls and exposed beams. A bathroom with double basins, walk-in shower and heated towel rail. Outside, you'll find a private enclosed garden for your peace and quiet, and a terrace with garden furniture. Perfect for relaxing and country walks, ideally located for exploring the surrounding countryside: - 15 minutes from Fontenay le Comte and Luçon - 5 minutes from the Nalliers departmental biological reserve, the Marais Poitevin and 15 minutes from the Mervent forest for nature lovers. - 30 minutes from the beaches of southern Vendée (La Tranche/Mer, La Faute/Mer, L'Aiguillon/Mer) - 40 minutes from La Rochelle and Niort - 50 minutes from the Parc du Puy du Fou, Les Sables d'Olonne and the Vendée Globes. - 10 minutes from the A83 motorway and 1 hour from Nantes and the Futuroscope. This gîte, which sleeps 6 to 8 people, is ideal for a family holiday or a stay with friends. No garage, but easy (and free) street parking. No neighbours and no nuisance. Services included: wifi, beds made on arrival. Tourist tax, water and electricity included. Reinforced sanitary protocol: The barrier gestures to welcome you. Cleaning at the end of your stay is your responsibility, or we charge a fixed fee of €60.

Old house located in the centre of the village, adjoining the owners' dwelling. Ground floor (internal steps): living room/kitchen, utility room, lounge, shower room, WC. First floor: 3 bedrooms (1 x 140cm bed) (1 x 140cm bed) (1 x 120cm bed). Wifi. 90 m² enclosed courtyard to the front (garden furniture, plancha) and 32 m² enclosed courtyard to the rear. Public car park opposite the gîte. Thiré is a pretty village in the southern Vendée. Supermarket with regional produce every Friday morning, bakeries 5 km away. Les Jardins de William Christie baroque music festival every year at the end of August. Bar, restaurant, swimming pool 5 km away, tennis court in the village, ocean 30 km away, forest 25 km away, Venise Verte 25 km away with many activities for children. Les Sables d'Olonne, the islands of Ré, Noirmoutier, Aix and Oléron are accessible during the day. Towels and table linen provided. No tourist tax. Optional: End-of-stay cleaning: €60/stay; Sheet hire €10/bed/stay; In addition: heating package (heat pump): €12/day (to be paid to the owner). Extra charge for professionals: End-of-stay cleaning: €80/stay.

Renovated old house, completely independent, situated in a hamlet. Ground floor: living room, kitchen, shower room, WC, 2 bedrooms (1 double bed, 1 single bed) (2 single beds), storage room. High chair and baby bath available. No Wifi. First floor: unoccupied. Fenced landscaped grounds of 1500 m² (garden furniture, barbecue, swing set). Carport. Small shops 2 km away. Lake with fishing facilities 2 km away. Canoeing 8 km away. Sheets and towels not provided. Housekeeping not included. Additional charge: Oil-fired central heating: €15/day (payable on site).

Renovated old house in a hamlet, adjoining another house. Ground floor: living room/kitchen (decorative fireplace), bathroom/wc (shower, bath). First floor: 2 bedrooms (1 bed 140) (2 beds 90) , wc. Wifi internet access. Private landscaped grounds of 420 m² opposite the gîte: terrace (garden furniture, barbecue), parking. Options: End-of-stay cleaning: 65€/stay; Sheet hire for 1 or 2 people: 11€/stay; Sheet hire for 1 or 2 people: 11€/stay. 11€/stay; Bathroom linen hire: 8€/pers/stay. Extra charge: Electric heating with general meter reading (deduction of 8 kWh per day for current consumption) from 31/12/2022 to 29/04/2023 and from 30/09/2023 to 06/01/2024 (to be paid to the owners). Heating is included from 29/04/2023 to 30/09/2023. Visitor's tax.

Old house situated close to a farm (cereal growing), adjoining outbuildings, close to the owner's accommodation. Ground floor: living room/kitchen, store room, shower room, wc. 2 bedrooms (1 x 160cm bed) (1 x 140cm bed, 1 x 90cm bed). First floor: mezzanine (1 single bed), 1 attic bedroom (2 single beds), shower room. Sauna for 2 people. Wifi internet access. Partially enclosed landscaped grounds of 1500 m² (garden furniture, barbecue). Table tennis. Private swimming pool under cover (5x10m), open from 03/04 to 15/09. Options: End-of-stay cleaning €80/stay; Sheet hire for 1 or 2 pers. 10€/stay; Bathroom linen hire: 8€/pers/stay. Extra charge: Heating by pellet stove: 50€/week (and for companies: 100€/week): to be paid on site.

Cross classified as a historical monument since 1889

Shady and quiet picnic area, located near the town of Coulonges-sur-l'Autize.

This historical monument is part of a former priory of the Abbey of Nieul-sur-l'Autise. Built in the 12th century, the St. Etienne's church is based on a cross-shaped plan and was enlarged in the 15 th century by a side nave. You can notice as well the 19th century stained-glass windows. Free entrance.

These locks constitute a remarkable hydraulic junction. It is the point of convergence of the main rivers of the Marais Poitevin where Deux-Sèvres, Charente-Maritime and Vendée meet. Several locks form this exceptional and ingenious hydraulic junction allowing the management of water in the Marais. You will find in Bazoin the only pier allowing to make the junction between the Charente-Maritime and the wet marsh (Venise Verte).

Let us tell you the unusual history of the castle of Coulonges-sur-L'Autize. Classified as a historical monument, this castle is one of the most beautiful architectural examples of the Renaissance in Poitou. Discover its vast and elegant rooms, as well as its chapel and cellars. Be charmed by its exceptional kitchens with sculpted vaults, jewel of the castle. Self-guided, audio-guided or guided tours. Complete your guided tour by visiting the Museum of Carpentry and Cooperage to discover these two forgotten local trades. Finally, don't hesitate to take a walk in the centre of Coulonges, which is astonishing for its eclectic architecture In July and August from Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm and from 2 pm to 5.30 pm: guided tour at 10.30 am and 3 pm except on Tuesday morning. Out of season: guided tour only for groups on reservation. Annual closure from 01.11. to 31.03

Have a stroll in the town center of Coulonges-Sur-l'Autize where you can discover the romanesque church, the 19th century market or the renaissance castle, part of the French National Heritage. You can, as well, discover the beautiful "bourgeoises" houses. Then, have a rest int the castle park. Take your time, relax and enjoy !

Located in the town center, the castle park is a peaceful place where you can chill. You can find a playground area for children, a picnic table and French books to read under hundred-years-old trees.

Picnic tables set up in a shady park with a view of the Renaissance Château, a stone's throw from the community pool. Raise your eyes and you will discover many species of trees, some of which are recognized as "Remarkable Trees of the Deux-Sèvres". Perhaps you will see squirrels jumping from branch to branch...

In this public library you can find a variety of resources and books (newspapers, novels, historical books, DVD's, music CD, children books,...). With a small English section, there is something for everyone. On the top floor, there is an art gallery with a new exhibition every other month. Free entrance : Opening time : Tuesday and Saturday : 9 am - 12.30, Wednesday : 1 pm - 6 pm, Thursday : 3.30 pm - 5.30 pm

OPENING SEPTEMBER 26, 2023 // The Micro-Folie project is supported by the French Ministry of Culture and coordinated by La Villette. - Digital museum: hundreds of works from 12 national museums and institutions to discover. Using digital tools such as tablets, projections and virtual reality headsets, you can immerse your hands, eyes and ears in surprising discoveries. And, of course, a mediator to accompany you on your visit, to help you and give you all the information you need. - Conferences and workshops: find out what's on each month online. - Virtual reality: immerse yourself in adventures where anything is possible! Ages 13 and up.

Open for lunch from Monday to Friday with a buffet of starters + choice of main course + choice of dessert (1/4 wine OR coffee included). Everything is cooked in-house. As an added bonus, we offer planchas around the tabl'grill on Friday and Saturday evenings, by prior arrangement. Groups can be catered for by prior arrangement. Banquets possible evenings and weekends by prior arrangement. Catering service available on request. We regularly organise themed evenings!

Restaurant, Bar, Café in Saint-Martin-des-Fontaines. Local, Corsican and Mediterranean specialities, traditional cuisine

Workers' menu, banquets, ceremonies, business and family meals for up to 150 people. 2 rooms, coach parking. 40 mm from the Marais Poitevin 55 mm from the Puy du Fou and 1 h 10 from the beaches

Fast-food takeaway sandwiches, paninis, tacos and kebabs.

Discover traditional, local cuisine orchestrated by Nicolas and carefully presented by Jessica. Our commitment to quality is reflected in the majority of our dishes, which are prepared using traditional methods. The menu is based on a slate that changes daily, but don't miss the must-tries: the butcher's cut with home fries or the Friday fish. And don't forget the homemade desserts. Private room for seminars, family meals, cocktails... Bar and hotel on site.

Enjoy a good fish and chips or a mixed grill in the "So British" atmosphere of Sarah and Kevin's English pub. A great place to relax and enjoy a good beer. The little extra: two cosy lounges and an open fire in winter to complete the British pub atmosphere!

A wide choice of pizzas and salads, each as generous as the next... a little sweetness to finish? The pizzeria also offers desserts: crumble, chocolate mousse etc...

Colourful, refined cuisine with Mediterranean influences, using fresh local produce that changes with the seasons. Stéphane will take you on a journey of flavours and his wife Edwige will serve you with good humour and advise you on the wines. There's also a cellar where you can discover local and international wines and spirits. Open on opening days from 9am to 3pm and from 6.15pm to 8.30pm.

At the "Papo'thé" salon, Virginie welcomes you as if you were at home for a break with a friend. Tea, coffee and other local delights are on offer in the shop, to be enjoyed on the spot or taken home.

"Taste the difference" in this restaurant with its modern, sober decor, where the menus change every week according to the training objectives of the learners. They imagine, create, prepare, prepare and serve meals tailored to their objectives, either on the premises or to take away.

The gîte "Le Poirier" has 2 bedrooms, 1 double and 1 twin with a toilet on the first floor. A portable bed can be added to the bedroom or living room to sleep up to 5 people. On the ground floor there is a kitchen, lounge, dining area and shower room. There is also a private patio with table and chairs and a garden area. Le Cerisier is on one floor, with a kitchen, dining area, lounge with double sofa bed, plus a large double bedroom with en-suite shower room. A portable bed can be added to this bedroom to sleep 3 people, 2 portable beds or the sofa bed can enable this gîte to sleep 4 people. Double doors open onto the patio and garden views. We also have the option of opening a connecting corridor between the 2 gîtes for a large family or booking group, which would give access to a third shower room. The large gardens include a heated outdoor swimming pool, boules and games for all ages.

Beautiful house in the countryside for 6 people with swimming pool.

Detached single-storey house. Self-catering gîte sleeps 8 (10 with sofa bed, possibility of extra babies). Disabled access (one shower room with disabled access, one bathroom, WC in both rooms). 50 minutes from the Puy du Fou and the sea and 30 minutes from the Marais Poitevin. 1 hour from La Rochelle, near the abbeys of southern Vendée. Numerous walks and cycle rides available on site (forest, fishing pond, etc.).

Gîte located in the countryside, 13 km from Fontenay-le-Comte and 19 km from the Mervent forest. It is also 42 km from the beaches of La Faute sur Mer and 58 km from Le Puy du Fou. The house is entirely on one level and comprises a living room/kitchen, two bedrooms (1 bed 140) (2 beds 90), a shower room and a separate WC. No wifi. Outside, enclosed, shaded grounds of 800 m² with terrace, table and chairs, barbecue, children's play area and small vegetable patch. Sheets and towels included. Optional: End-of-stay cleaning: €60/stay. In addition: Visitor's tax, heating on general meter reading (deduction of 8 kWh per day for current consumption): to be paid on site.

1 ground-floor guest room in a country house (late 19th century) in the southern Vendée, located in the centre of the village. Separate entrance. Private terrace with garden furniture. Picnic facilities, barbecue and sunbathing around the shared heated swimming pool (4x10m) open from June to September. 1 bedroom for 3 people with 1 double bed (120cm) and 1 single bed (140cm), private bathroom (shower and wc). Leisure activities and discoveries: Marais Poitevin 15 minutes. Mervent/Vouvant forest 15 minutes. La Rochelle 45 minutes. Les Sables d'Olonne 1 hour. Futuroscope 1h15. Other rentals on site, tourist tax extra.

The campsite has 28 comfortable chalets and 4 bare pitches. Wifi and TV available. July and August snack bar or food truck several evenings a week. For children, several play areas are available, under adult supervision. Entertainment during the summer holidays (French) Heated indoor swimming pool, open from 05/04 to 15/10 Petanque pitch Basketball court Board games in reception and book hut. Two fishing ponds reserved for residents' use. Les Rulières campsite is also the starting point for walking and cycling tours. Close to everything, it is ideal for a relaxing and discovery holiday: - Puy du Fou: 50 min - Seaside: 50 min - Marais Poitevin: 10 minutes - Fontenay-le-Comte: 15 minutes - La Rochelle: 45 minutes - Futuroscope : 1h30

A large gîte for 8 to 10 people in the south of the Vendée, with a heated, flat-bottomed swimming pool, ideally situated for a host of tourist attractions within an hour's drive. Large grounds and fenced area for children.

"Pomme d'Amour Rural gite, living room, kitchen with washing machine, dishwasher, microwave, electric oven, fridge/freezer. 2 bedrooms for 4 people. Bathroom with shower, toilet, sink, towel dryer. Bed linen included. Free WIFI 9 x 4 m² heated swimming pool, large garden, playground. Outdoor dining room, BBQ. Parking

"the swallows Part of a house with double bedroom, dining/living room, kitchen and bathroom with shower, bidet, toilet, sink and heated towel rail. Dishwasher, fridge, microwave and gas oven. Bed linen included. Free WIFI 9 x 4 m² heated swimming pool, large garden, playground. Outdoor dining room, BBQ. Parking

We would like to welcome you to our typical house, with its two fully refurbished bedrooms, ideally situated in the heart of the Vendée, 35 minutes from the Marais Poitevin, 50 minutes from the Puy du Fou and 50 minutes from the beaches.