Bouillé-Courdault: Marais Poitevin, Le Grand Marais and Port de Courdault

Bouillé-Courdault is located in the Marais Poitevin in the Vendée. The southern part of the village consists of wet marshland, the “marais mouillé”.

Hiking trails and loops in the Marais Poitevin

The “Le Grand Marais” circular trail is an easy 7 km hiking trail (PR) that starts and ends in Bouillé-Courdault. What is particularly useful for you is the clear division: One 3.2 km loop starts at the Bouillé recreational area, while a 3.8 km loop starts at the Port de Courdault. The different lengths help you compare the walking distance in advance, while the circular trail starts and ends in Bouillé-Courdault. If you have a limited amount of time, the 3.2 km loop can be planned as the shorter option; the 3.8 km loop allows for a somewhat longer outing.

A seasonal reservation is important when planning: The “Le Grand Marais” hiking trail may be flooded during high water in autumn and winter. For planning your outing, this means that conditions on the trail may vary depending on the season. The possible flooding affects the specific circular trail and is therefore part of the seasonal planning for this route.

Port de Courdault: Canal and history

The Port de Courdault is located at the end of the Vieille Autise Canal and was built in 1841. Historically, it was an important place for exchange between the plain and the marshland. At this location, the relationship between the two landscapes and a specific construction history can therefore be considered together. The year 1841 places the port within a clear historical period of the village’s history.

The 13 km “Sentier des Nattes” starts at the Port de Courdault. The trail follows the canal towpath into the marsh and thus provides a longer route option alongside the 7 km “Le Grand Marais” circular trail. The Fontaine de Courdault serves as a picnic and rest area. At 13 km, this route provides its own full-day framework for a day by the canal. For planning a day in Bouillé-Courdault, these different types of trail are a useful consideration: a shorter circular trail or a longer canal route.

The area around the Port de Courdault is designated as a “site classé”. Together with the southern “marais mouillé”, this specific landscape setting directs attention to marshland and canal paths as independent themes of a stay.

History and village life

The priory of Courdault was founded in 1063 by Airaud and his wife and entrusted to the monks of Saint-Cyprien de Poitiers. Every year, Festi Bouillé-Courdault hosts sporting and cultural events.

Getting there and regional orientation

Bouillé-Courdault is easily accessible via the A83 motorway and the Oulmes exit. Travelling via the A83 and Oulmes can be combined in Bouillé-Courdault with the circular trail, the canal route, the Port de Courdault and the village’s historical features.

Other places in the region

For your regional orientation, you can also explore Saint-Cyr-En-Talmondais, Les Sables-D'olonne, Landeronde, Mouzeuil-Saint-Martin, Venansault, Maillé, Saint-Vincent-sur-Graon and Apremont.

For the overarching travel overview: Vendée.