Accessible by train from Paris, Coulon—the “capital of the Green Venice”— is a wonderful idea for a weekend getaway. Nestled in the heart of the Marais Poitevin, this “Small Town of Character” is best explored by boat.
From Montparnasse, Niort is just over two hours away by train, and Coulon is about fifteen kilometers from there. This village in the Deux-Sèvres department serves as the starting point for numerous excursions in the Marais Poitevin. Whether by rowboat, bicycle, or along the banks of the Sèvre River, two days are enough to explore the area, no matter how you choose to get around.
Coulon, the best starting point for exploring the marshes
To explore Coulon, several boat docks in the village offer guided tours with a boatman or self-guided rentals. The traditional rowboat glides through the “conches”—the small, vegetation-lined canals that make up the most famous part of the marsh. The guide steers the boat using a long pole—the “pigouille”—while recounting stories about the locals’ lives and the upkeep of this very unique landscape.
Along the way, you’ll see vegetable gardens, meadows, footbridges, and a few houses accessible only by water. The most famous one, with its blue shutters, often appears on postcards of the Marais Poitevin. These waterways have long served as roads for the locals, who used them to get around, transport crops, or reach neighboring villages.
Back on the riverbanks, Coulon deserves more than just a quick stop between two walks. Designated one of the “Petites Cités de Caractère,” the village developed around the Sèvre Niortaise, which was once used to transport goods between Niort and the ocean. The old houses, the church, and the terraces lining the river are a reminder of this port’s history, which remained very active until the 19th century.
The next day, treat yourself to a bike ride: routes connect Coulon to La Garette, Le Vanneau, or other market-farming villages, following the canals and flat paths. It’s a great way to complement your boat trip and see just how far this unique countryside, built around water, really extends.
📍Location: Coulon