FrancE Green Venice with Wine Tasting

The focus of this La Rochelle shore trip is a visit to the Poitevin Marsh Nature Park, known as the Green Venice of France. You will explore the area in a flat bottom boat and then visit a local winery for a wine tasting.

The Poitevin Marsh was once part of the Poitevin Gulf. Over time the waters in this area began to recede. Land reclamation of the marsh began as early as the 10th century under Benedictine monks, and in the 17th century the Dutch hydraulic engineer Humphrey Bradley expanded the network of canals under King Henri IV. The canals remain irrigated by several rivers that flow through the marsh.

Your first stop is in Coulon, considered the capital of the Green Venice, a village of about 2,250 people in the Deux-Sevres department of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Here you will board a flat bottom boat for your visit to this unique area of France. During the one hour boat cruise your guide will use a punt to navigate while telling stories of the area. As you glide through the maze of green pools and streams you will see the wild flowers, ruined churches, hidden marshes and local birds. A highlight for some is when the captain sets the water on fire.

After the boat ride there is some free time in the village of Coulon for lunch (meal not included) plus a bit of shopping or self exploration, before heading to the winery. Next you visit a local winery which affords views over the marsh. While you are there you will learn how the grapes are grown in clay and limestone and survive in the ocean air. The visit at the winery is about one hour long and includes elegant and fruity reds plus fresh whites reminiscent of wines from the Loire Valley. At the end of this La Rochelle shore excursion you will return to the La Rochelle-La Pallice pier.

This tour is not available on Sundays.

If you cannot find what you are looking for, our La Rochelle shore excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private La Rochelle tour using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.

• Due to uneven surfaces, steps, and walking distances, this itinerary is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs. Please contact us for alternative sightseeing options, including private driving tours that may better accommodate your needs.
• This tour is not available on Sundays.