📍 France

DEUX-SÈVRES: MARSHES, ROMANS AND MEDIEVAL KINGDOM CHARM

Marsh waters reflect calm. Roman roads cross the villages. Medieval ramparts rise. Poitevin heritage hums gently, fully customizable.

≈ 11
Days
373
Km
10
Stops
📖 6 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Discover Niort and its keep, navigate the Marais Poitevin from Coulon, visit Maillezais abbey and Parthenay ramparts. Deux-Sèvres, Green Venice and medieval towns.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Niort

tower market medieval anchor

Niort - Photo 1Niort - Photo 2Niort - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Keep (museum).
2
Marais Poitevin ("Green Venice").
3
House of the Marsh.
4
Maillezais Abbey (ruins).
🎯

Activities

→
Sèvre Niortaise.
→
Chamois leather workshop.
→
Boat ride.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 13 km
Travel time: 15min
2
Day

Coulon

marsh canal emerald water

Coulon - Photo 1Coulon - Photo 2Coulon - Photo 3Coulon - Photo 4Coulon - Photo 5Coulon - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Royal abbey.
2
Military school.
🎯

Activities

→
Landing stage.
→
Marsh village.
→
Electric boat in the Marsh.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 17 km
Travel time: 21min
3
Day

Maillezais

fortress island reeds ruin

Maillezais - Photo 1Maillezais - Photo 2Maillezais - Photo 3Maillezais - Photo 4Maillezais - Photo 5Maillezais - Photo 6Maillezais - Photo 7Maillezais - Photo 8Maillezais - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Saint-Pierre Abbey Church.
2
Underground fountain.
3
Oiron Castle (contemporary art).
🎯

Activities

→
Cathedral in ruins.
→
Belle (river).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 63 km
Travel time: 1h16
4
Day

Celles Sur Belle

romanesque church village bell

Celles Sur Belle - Photo 1Celles Sur Belle - Photo 2Celles Sur Belle - Photo 3Celles Sur Belle - Photo 4Celles Sur Belle - Photo 5Celles Sur Belle - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Castle (ruins).
2
Cloister.
3
Gardens.
4
Church.
🎯

Activities

→
Gaming Festival (July).
→
Thouet Valley.
5
Day

Saint Maixent L Ecole

abbey village military tradition

Saint Maixent L Ecole - Photo 1Saint Maixent L Ecole - Photo 2Saint Maixent L Ecole - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Abbey church.
2
Military school.
3
Cloister.
4
Museum.
🎯

Activities

→
Permanent collections.
→
Thouet.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 68 km
Travel time: 1h22
6
Day

Parthenay

rampart gate medieval crown

Parthenay - Photo 1Parthenay - Photo 2Parthenay - Photo 3Parthenay - Photo 4Parthenay - Photo 5Parthenay - Photo 6Parthenay - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Medieval city.
2
Saint-Jacques Gate (Compostela).
3
Bridge.
4
Castle.
🎯

Activities

→
Orangery.
→
Sèvre Park.
→
Bressuire bocage.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 35 km
Travel time: 41min
7
Day

Airvault

abbey village stone sanctuary

Airvault - Photo 1Airvault - Photo 2Airvault - Photo 3Airvault - Photo 4Airvault - Photo 5Airvault - Photo 6Airvault - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Saint-Pierre Abbey Church.
2
Castle.
3
Underground fountain.
🎯

Activities

→
Thouet Valley.
→
Village of character.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 19 km
Travel time: 23min
8
Day

Oiron

castle village baroque jewel

Oiron - Photo 1Oiron - Photo 2Oiron - Photo 3Oiron - Photo 4Oiron - Photo 5Oiron - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Oiron Castle (contemporary art).
2
Collegiate church.
🎯

Activities

→
Permanent collections.
→
Park.
→
Village.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 101 km
Travel time: 2h01
9
Day

Thouars

fortress river valley ancient

Thouars - Photo 1Thouars - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Castle.
2
Saint-Médard Church.
3
Collegiate church.
4
Old town.
🎯

Activities

→
Thouet.
→
Orangery.
→
Medieval bridge.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 23 km
Travel time: 28min
10
Day

Bressuire

castle village stone dominance

Bressuire - Photo 1Bressuire - Photo 2Bressuire - Photo 3Bressuire - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Castle (ruins).
2
Notre-Dame Church.
3
Old town.
🎯

Activities

→
Sèvre Park.
→
Bressuire bocage.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 34 km
Travel time: 41min

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 9 and 13 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.