JOURNÉE DÉCOUVERTE SUR LES TRACES DES MOINES BÂTISSEURS

Take a guided tour of the Marais Poitevin by bike and boat, with commentary and a gourmet meal, to find out how people have succeeded in shaping the area over the centuries.

Just 45 minutes from La Rochelle, 30 minutes from Niort and 1h20 from Les Sables d'Olonne, discover this discovery day that combines cycling and traditional boating, accompanied by a picnic of local produce.
Length of outing: full day (10.00 am to 5.30 pm)

Every Tuesday and Friday from 5 April to 30 September.
Number of kilometres: 15km
Level (easy, intermediate, experienced): easy.
Number of participants: 4 to 19 people.
Accessible to children aged 6/8 and over or using Babyvan.

Day trip includes
- hire of a traditional boat for 1 hour from the Embarcadère de l'Abbaye,
- a visit to Saint Pierre de Maillezais Abbey, one of the founding abbeys of the Marais Poitevin,
- a picnic of local produce from the Marais Poitevin (see bottom of page),
- Hire of an Original Vélo Tour bike OR your own, depending on your choice (it must be in good working order),
- my accompaniment throughout the day. Note that I'll also be taking you on a boat trip!
- A visit to the La Cibulle brewery and an abbey beer tasting session.

I'll be taking you to discover Maillezais, its canals and its abbey. In this lush green bubble in the south of the Vendée, we'll sail along the waterways in the morning, aboard a traditional boat. Listen to nature. After this time in the heart of nature, we'll return to land. Maillezais Abbey is an imposing and powerful abbey which, over the centuries, has built up the Marais Poitevin along with the neighbouring abbeys. It is a heritage site, an architectural nugget in our region that is a sight to behold. I'll take you on a stroll in the footsteps of the monks. Then for lunch, we'll hop on the bikes and head for a traditional village, Maillé, along a cycle path on a dyke.

Lunch will be served on the quays of the port of Maillé, under the poplars or in the courtyard, depending on the weather.

In the afternoon, the weather is fine. There's nothing like it for discovering the village and its heritage before arriving at the craft brewery, La Cibulle, where Maxime will tell us how the beer is made before we taste one.

Don't forget to book your place so you can get a taste of this great day out!

The Marais Poitevin local produce picnic consists of :
- starter: farci maraichin
- main course: Vendée cured ham and salad of marsh mogettes in vinaigrette,
- cheese: tender cow's milk from the Union laitière de la Venise Verte
- dessert: home-made brioche with coffee/tea
- water and bread included
- aperitif/wine/Champagne available with your meal (extra charge for day rate)

The picnic is prepared and cooked by Stéphane, a Damvix caterer.
The bread and briochette are kneaded, shaped and baked by Guillaume, an artisan baker from Damvix.
The aperitif and champagne are produced by Domaine Mercier AOC Fiefs Vendéens de Vix.
The organic red and rosé wines are produced by Domaine Coirier AOC Fiefs Vendéens de Pissotte.
If you'd like an aperitif, wine and/or champagne, don't hesitate to go down the choices when you book! Alcohol is dangerous for your health. Drink in moderation.
If you have any dietary restrictions, allergies or religious restrictions, let me know beforehand so that I can find a solution with my caterer (as far as possible).